The LCD Invertor (or ballast) is usually located under the bezel, at the bottom of the screen. It regulates the voltage to the panel. They aren't the easiest thing in the world to replace, but not too bad if you go slow and are careful with the tiny screws, etc. There are usually little rubber plugs on the laptop bezel hiding the screws to remove the bezel but I'm sure 30 seconds on Google would show you the entire replacement procedure. I would pull the invertor (or at least check for a loose connector) read the part number and google for a replacement. It will probably be a standard part. Nothing special about Alienware invertors UNLESS Dell has used some proprietary connector (like their M/B front panel header pin outs for example). I've purchased them from $40.00 to $150.00 depending on the laptop.
The flashing Caps Lock and Scroll Lock LED lights indicate as you said, a Video Card or Motherboard failure according to the No Post LED errors. This may also be causing the freezing problem and will most likely require a replacement. The replacement can be covered if the system is in warranty, you can send me a private message with your Service Tag and contact information if you require further assistance.
My M17x that I purchased a few months ago is giving me issues as well. My laptop is still running the OS but my screen blacks out and beings to click. I believe it may be my inverter because when I shine a bright light on my screen I can see the actual alien background of my desktop. I'm currently deployed overseas and only had this laptop right at 6 months. What are my options?
Hello. My laptop screen finally cooperated. I don't know how or why but I have a guess. I've attached photos and a video. My screen turned on when I was opening up my screen. I apply a little pressure opening it up without touching the actual screen of course and it turns on. Moments later I see a weird even take action on the right side of my screen. Thereafter my screen goes back to a blank screen with a flicker. I can still see the shadow of my alienware background which indicates the inverter at that point. When I apply pressure to close my laptop the screen fixes itself on the right side. The pictures indicate so. The video I have won't fit after all but the issue with that was when I turned my computer on and I would receive the blank flickering background and when I removed the power plug, the screen appeared. I don't understand this. I did run the test after my screen was displaying correctly. Everything checked out but I didn't run the extended version since everything before that passed with flying colors. Please assist. I'm starting to lose faith in this product and I've only had it for less than 7 months and it cost me nearly 2 grand. This shouldn't be happening.
peterdollery
48 Posts
0
May 16th, 2014 06:00
Alienware-Naomi
1.8K Posts
0
May 16th, 2014 18:00
Hi!
The flashing Caps Lock and Scroll Lock LED lights indicate as you said, a Video Card or Motherboard failure according to the No Post LED errors. This may also be causing the freezing problem and will most likely require a replacement. The replacement can be covered if the system is in warranty, you can send me a private message with your Service Tag and contact information if you require further assistance.
syafiq_amran
1 Rookie
•
2 Posts
0
May 17th, 2014 18:00
Hi naomi.
Thanks for your response. I'm just wondering,if it's a motherboard faulty problem,shouldn't my machine won't be able to start at all?
Alienware-Naomi
1.8K Posts
0
May 19th, 2014 10:00
Not necessarily, but that's why the Video Card is listed as the first option.
Eugenio2
3 Posts
0
June 7th, 2014 02:00
Hello,
My M17x that I purchased a few months ago is giving me issues as well. My laptop is still running the OS but my screen blacks out and beings to click. I believe it may be my inverter because when I shine a bright light on my screen I can see the actual alien background of my desktop. I'm currently deployed overseas and only had this laptop right at 6 months. What are my options?
Alienware-Naomi
1.8K Posts
0
June 9th, 2014 13:00
Hi Eugenio2,
Please run an ePSA diagnostic to check for hardware errors and test the system with an external monitor. Let me know what happens.
Eugenio2
3 Posts
0
June 10th, 2014 23:00
It might be a little while before I can test it out due to my location and the resources available.
Alienware-Naomi
1.8K Posts
0
June 11th, 2014 20:00
Alright, just update the thread when you get a chance to run the test.
Eugenio2
3 Posts
0
July 4th, 2014 04:00
Hello. My laptop screen finally cooperated. I don't know how or why but I have a guess. I've attached photos and a video. My screen turned on when I was opening up my screen. I apply a little pressure opening it up without touching the actual screen of course and it turns on. Moments later I see a weird even take action on the right side of my screen. Thereafter my screen goes back to a blank screen with a flicker. I can still see the shadow of my alienware background which indicates the inverter at that point. When I apply pressure to close my laptop the screen fixes itself on the right side. The pictures indicate so. The video I have won't fit after all but the issue with that was when I turned my computer on and I would receive the blank flickering background and when I removed the power plug, the screen appeared. I don't understand this. I did run the test after my screen was displaying correctly. Everything checked out but I didn't run the extended version since everything before that passed with flying colors. Please assist. I'm starting to lose faith in this product and I've only had it for less than 7 months and it cost me nearly 2 grand. This shouldn't be happening.
Alienware-Naomi
1.8K Posts
0
July 7th, 2014 11:00
Hi again,
Please send me a private message with your Service Tag and contact information so I can assist you further.