17 R4, AlienFX not working "Object reference not set to an instance of an object

Hi @Primetivity

Make sure the BIOS is up to date

Also, uninstall and reinstall the Command Center by following ALL the steps in this article:

https://dell.to/2IQmCiM

Then install this AWCC version:

https://dell.to/2IQmCPO

Just followed these steps and still no luck...

Hi, 

For our notes, click my on my name (Alienware-Rodrigo) and private message me the Alienware PC service tag number.

So I followed all these steps and at the end of the fresh reinstall the error message popped up again and upon restart nothing has changed. In the Command Center the FX is just a black screen and I cant turn the lights off for my touchpad, the sides of my computer, and my keyboard. The error message is a black box with an X titled Alienware AlienFX controller with this message. 

System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at AlienLabs.AlienFX.Tools.Classes.CommunicationServiceClass.SetFirmwareFilesPath(String path)
at AlienLabs.AlienFX.Tools.Classes.CommunicationServiceClassFactory.New(AlienFXDeviceRepository repository)
at AlienLabs.AlienFX.Controller.LightsZoneController..ctor()
at AlienLabs.AlienFX.Controller.ControllerMainForm.initializeLightController()
at AlienLabs.AlienFX.Controller.ControllerMainForm..ctor()
at AlienLabs.AlienFX.Controller.Program.Main(String[] args)

I've tried holding power button for 30 seconds and letting the power drain out of the computer before starting it again. It actually shut the lights off the first time I tried it but next time my computer restarted they got turned back on again and the fix didnt work a second time. Any idea what I should do?

Try installing the command center in safe mode and restart.

Hello @Alienware-Eimy this solution did not work and our Alienware 17 Laptop continues to be dark. 

BIOS is up to date. 

Uninstall and reinstall the Command Center undertaken successfully, but no FX tab. 

Install AWCC version https://dell.to/2IQmCPO is not possible. 

I am having the same issue I reinstalled my bios 

i tried reinstalling a new controller  only thing i have not tried is to reset the oc back to factory witch i am unsure of how to do with this laptop 

[SOLVED]
The issue for me was same.

1. Open Device Manager > Universal Serial Bus Controllers > Intel(R) 8 Series/C220 Series USB EHCI #1 - 8C26
   Confirm whether this device has an error on it. Mine had "Code 10" typically means the Windows Plug and Play manager is unable to communicate with the device driver. This usually indicates a problem with the driver itself, the device, or the hardware port.
2. Uninstall this driver and allow windows to install the correct driver.
3. Start Alienware Command Center and all will be working.

Regards,
Kevuke from Kenya