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2 Posts
1
10671
October 2nd, 2010 09:00
Several Issues with m17x-r2
Ok so ive had several issues out of the box, i sent my computer to the service depot once already due to a bad motherboard and the computer screen failing.
so now im still having a issue that has been around since ive recieved the computer 2 months ago. My laptop is still running (fans and lights) still are on when the computer is shut down, they wont turn off unless i do hard shut down by holding the alien head to power down. Ive done the whole remove bios batter, and remove battery hold power button to discharge, none of which fix the issue, ive tried repeated times now asking tech support still no answer, and it obviously isnt a motherboard issue if theyve replaced it already.
another issue i am still currently having is when the battery is at low battery power i go to plug it in(computer is on and in windows) it freezes on me when i plug the ac adapter in. when im on low power as well my computer freezes when i got to power on with ac adapter in it black screens on me right after it does the whole windows start screen, before the blue windows welcome screen it freezes on me. Only way to avoid this is to charge the computer when its off, or keep it plugged in at all times, but i shouldnt have to do that i should be able to keep portability with out having to be hooked to the wall thats the whole reason for a laptop and not a desktop.
my specs are:
m17x r2
i7 720QM 1.6Ghz processor
4GB of ram
ATI 5870 single card
Windows 7 home premium
A09 Bios
anything else need just ask, thanks ahead
-Mike
NJEnjineer
7 Posts
1
October 2nd, 2013 08:00
BUMP!
Dell.. if you are listening, please address this. I chose to answer this old post since it described my problem (mostly).
Because of the public nature, I won't volunteer my service tag, but I'll say:
.. purchased the high-end M17x (M17x10, or M17x R1) Xmas 2010 from the Microsoft store. ( I called Dell to compare the sale prices first!)
I've got dual ATI 5870 cards and dual hard drives. If the service contract wasn't $700 to renew now, I would do it.
I have already stripped the machine multiple times, verified that the issue is not overheating, and even fixed a loose power contact by reflowing the solder joints. ( It's out of warranty, and in my day job I'm a well-credentialed technician/ engineer).
Different documents tell me I have either the M17x R1, or R2. When I check the support site recently, the 5870 BIOS update is available, http://goo.gl/5w2UGn R281544.exe but when I attempt to install it - I get an error that
"This VBIOS update is intended only for the following video card:
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5870
The update cannot be performed on this system. "
Maybe because I have 2 cards, maybe some other reason.
Running Win 7 Ultimate 64bit ( I'm also a Microsoft Partner.. upgraded the OS)
Registry Key HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\SystemInformation shows BIOS A10, Product M17x;
Registry Key HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Video\ {--- string if you want it--}\0000\Settings shows Device: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5800 Series
( same product for Registry Key HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Video\ {--- string if you want it--}\0001\Settings
and Registry Key HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Video\ {--- string if you want it--}\0002\Settings )
Please help me to correct this issue.. or should I just permanently solder the AC connector?
Any time the AC connector comes loose, I get the performance warning. This beast was never economical on battery, so rarely used. Not really interested in updated battery unless (a) cheaper than usual, and (b) part of a whole fix.
If I re-attach the AC adapter, the machine freezes ; requiring a hard power down, and then a system restore through safe mode upon restart. Blue screens occasionally show STOP 0x00000101 or 0x00000011.
Several Google searches, especially targeting Dell support and outreach ( like Dell forum answers on Yahoo, etc).. all point me back to heat, power switch and the VBIOS. I have definitely eliminated heat and the power switch. The VBIOS failing to update has me stuck.. for several months now.
____Answer to user _______
I'm having similar issues, and for last 6 months I've read that Dell has issued a patch to the ATI 5870 card ( firmware/bios for that card) - that should solve the problem.
My issue persists because (a) my system is listed as a M17x R1 - and the website doesn't believe I have the 5870 cards. (b) I tried to force the install, but the installer says " this software is not designed for this model machine".
I suggest you look on the software update section in support, and try the install.
Download and save Dell's latest video driver and the hardware patch,
remove any video drivers - especially if you have the non-Dell drivers installed,
update the firmware - restart
update the video
Good luck. Please post back if you try this and what your result is.