17 R1, shuts down, beep sound, RAM issue?

Question

Hi my 2013 17 R1 has been shutting down randomly for the past month or so, sometimes stays on for a couple of hours, when it's on it seem on adaptative brightness even if I switched it off, sometimes doesn't even start and beep 4 times (memory issue?). I changed the battery since the original one doesn't hold the charge anymore, so I tough the problem was battery related, and I went better, but then I ran into the Sam issue. I ran the boot diagnostic and can't perform the entire process since it goes off when it reaches march-C diagnostic or little later. Any suggestion, do I have to change RAM modules? Has the laptop reached the end of its life?

LSUFAN51 · Answer

Yes, 4 beeps indicate ram failure. Reseat memory module (ram) to see if it will make any difference. The computer might have more than one memory module. Please select Owner manual and view memory module removal in link below:

Alienware 17 Documentation

https://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/alienware-17/docs

And check out the video below as well:

Alienware 17 R1: Remove RAM

https://youtu.be/RBSg8RzDnRA

Since this is an older computer, you should also consider replacing the motherboard ( coin-cell) battery.

Specification - Coin-cell battery ( CR-2032)

Maoho · Answer

Thank you very much I will try as soon as possible! I know how to reseat RAM modules but where do I find the motherboard battery?

mattyb3 · Answer

Unfortunately the genius' at Alienware designed the 17 to have the CMOS battery under the motherboard and not to be easily accessible. If you look at the wifi card you will be able to see it under the plastic framework right next to the wifi card. You can cut the plastic to pull it out or you can remove the motherboard.

LSUFAN51 · Answer

mattyb3&#xa0;I thought for sure this would be an easy coin cell battery removal. I didn't know coin cell battery would under the motherboard.&#xa0;Thanks for the information.17r1 Alienware / Removing Coin Cell Battery:

LSUFAN51 · Answer

Maoho

You can purchase the coin cell battery from dollar store, Walmart, Ebay or Amazon.

Amazon.com: CR2032 coin cell batteries

https://www.amazon.com/2032-coin-cell-batteries/s?k=2032+coin+cell+batteries

However, as mattybs pointed out, coin cell battery is under motherboard. This will require a lot of work therefore, disregard my suggestion. Hopefully reseating ram will fix the computer.

If you find memory module (ram)to be faulty or in need of a upgrade, check the prices for memory in links below:

Parts & Upgrades for your Alienware 17 R1

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/pfydresults/234874?categoryId=2999

Crucial US | DRAM, Solid State Drive (SSD) & Memory Upgrades

https://www.crucial.com/

Alienware r1 / Specification / Memory:

Connectors - Four SODIMM connectors

Type - Dual-channel DDR3L

Speed - Up to 1600 MHz

Configurations - supported 8 GB, 12 GB, 16 GB, 24 GB, and 32 GB

Alienware

17 R1, shuts down, beep sound, RAM issue?

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