Alienware 17, AlienFX keyboard colors aren’t working

Hello, Which version of the 17 do you have? It's possible that you haven't installed the right AWCC version for your laptop. The 'newest version' will not support AlienFX on older laptops. On the bottom of your machine you should have a sticker that tells you your Service Tag. Enter this in the Support Section of this site (click the Support tab above).

You can then search the Drivers and Downloads for the correct Command Center Application for your laptop. Hopefully installing this version will fix your problem. 

When you install a new motherboard it's also a good idea to check the BIOS version of the new board. You may want to upgrade the system BIOS. If you do, it's a good idea not to flash a version more then 3 above your current one. I like to do them one by one in order just to make sure there aren't any conflicts. Flash at your own risk though. 

Hi @alexapretty1975  welcome to this user to user discussion forum. This is not Dell Support. 

Please connect your Alienware 17 to the internet, click on Product Support and allow your system to be identified. The new system board (motherboard) will have a different system service tag and perhaps a different 17 Revision number. When the webpage is automatically refreshed, I will reveal Drivers & Downloads tab for your Model and Revision. Have a look to see if the AWCC and OC Controls are the versions that have been installed. If you click on the [Check for Updates] box, the updates will be customised for your Alienware 17. 

Please allow the current version of SupportAssist to troubleshoot the new system board. 

Please click on Kudos to say thank you for response from another user. Please share an update on progress, so that other users derive benefit from your experience. Thank you.  

Is it just the keyboard that doesn't light up? How about the trackpad? it's possible that the ribbon cable was damaged or isn't inserted correctly.

If you have the 17 R1 then you have to remove the Optical drive to see the keyboard ribbon cable. If you remove the two small screws holding the back cover on, unplug the battery, then remove the 4 screws that hold in the Optical drive and remove it you should see the blue ribbon cable. Pop the latch and remove the cable. Just make sure that all the pins are straight and not damaged. They can be bent back if care wasn't taken when putting it back in. 

That’s great news! Are you able to let everyone know how you fixed it, just in case it can help someone else in the future. 

Hi @alexapretty1975  thank you for sharing update.

Very pleased that you found a solution. Please share how this was achieved, so that other users can see if your fix is also their solution. Kind regards.