m17 R5, delete key not working, Touchpad is way too sensitive

Question

My new Alienware m17 R5 has a couple issues:

1. The DEL (delete) key does not work. I have probed and probed this. It does not work. Of course that prevents a control alt delete as well. Is there some setting I am missing?

2. The Touchpad is on the lowest sensitivity possible and it is out of control. There has to be some way to make this less sensitive. I have an old 17 R5 and 17 R2 and those keypads were perfect. This is to the point where I may need to return it if I can't find a solution. It's that out of control. There is no separate Touchpad driver to reinstall. I have reinstalled the BIOS several times.

Looking for some help on how to deal with these.

crimsom · Answer

Hi @OregonChris welcome to this free user to user Alienware laptop discussion forum. This is not Dell Support.

From your description, it seems that your Alienware m17 R5 has hardware and software issues.

If this is a recent purchase and still within the first 30 days, you can Reject this system and request new replacement system or full refund. Dell Refund policy, New vs Refurbished - Dell Community Please visit your online Dell account and create Service Request clearly stating which Reject option is your chosen remedy. Ask for your Service Request to be escalated to senior Dell tier that can authorise your chosen remedy, typically takes 10 working days.

If within Dell warranty, please visit your online Dell account and create Service Request so that Dell officially knows that there is a problem to fix. Include description of all the problems and issues, similar to your opening post. If Delete key is becoming detached, include photographic evidence. A short video of problems and issues will demonstrate this to Dell support. Ask for your Service Request to be escalated to senior Dell tier that can authorise replacement system (may be refurbished).

Allow Dell Support to have their requested online session with your system, to use their diagnostic tools to fix software issues, and if required assign their nominated local Contractor to visit and install replacement parts. Dell 100% warrants the work of their assigned contractor, make sure their assigned Contractor demonstrates all problems fixed to your satisfaction before they leave.

In the interim, please run Check Disk to automatically find and fix any operating system file corruption problems. Using the Chkdsk Utility | Dell US

A51-06 · Answer

Hi @OregonChris !

I recommend a couple of things.

Wipe down the computer with a damp cloth of Isopropyl alchohol (microfiber preferbly).

Install these drivers:

AMD Chipset Driver | Driver Details | Dell Australia

Alienware On-Screen Display Application | Driver Details | Dell Australia

and I recommend uninstalling and reinstalling the app that control the mouspad sensitivity.

Then I'd recommend running these commands as an admin:

sfc /scannow

chkdsk /r

chkdsk /f

OregonChris · Answer

The HOME END DEL key issue is solved.

There is a BIOS setting that has these ONLY working with the FN key. The thing is this is the default setting. Why? You cannot even do CTRL ALT DEL then because you can't do the function key in that (it wont let you, even if you try)

Still working on the Touchpad

AA_Metatron · Answer

I'm having the same issue with non-op DEL key on a brand new M17 R5.  I cannot find a setting in the BIOS where this can be changed (BIOS Version/Date Alienware 1.5.0, 11/11/2022).  Can you direct me to the exact location you found this in the BIOS?  Thank you in advance!

tinayateswv · Answer

Try pressing FN+Esc.  This should lock (flip) all of your top row keys so Home, End, and Del work with one key, and things like the brightness keys also become one key. I know I use these functions far more than any of the actual F functions.

Alienware

m17 R5, delete key not working, Touchpad is way too sensitive

Was this post helpful?