Area-51m, keyboard not working / working only in BIOS

Question

The keyboard stopped working out of nowhere. I re/un-installed all the drivers and even got a clean Windows but the problem persists. I'm only able to use the keyboard in the BIOS menu. Once the Windows starts it freezes with the rainbow lights on. The support says it might be a hardware problem which I find hard to believe since it does work in BIOS Anyone else having the same issue?

MXOWinterMute · Answer

On the one hand, I had a similar problem (though the keyboard also didn't work in the BIOS).

On the other hand, I'm talking about an m17x R4, which is from 2012, so I'm reluctant to send you down my path.

I will ask the question: have you done anything inside the laptop before this happened? Like memory upgrade, drive replacement, etc.

The9 · Answer

Hi! I only put an extra hard drive few months ago which could affect the case. It's worth trying so if you don't mind you could quickly give some info about your case. Thx!

xgeeweed · Answer

I have the same problem and mine started today. It's terrible how these issues slow productivity. After spending over 5000 USD for a laptop it's crazy. Keyboard works in bios just fine for hours. once you boot into windows it freezes. clearly a driver to controller issue but Dell does not care . They never get us a fix on time for stuff like this and they will take you down the path of torture by making you think it's your fault....before they have to bring your machine in for a hardware replacement. Am tired of this love I have for Alienware . Am giving up entirely,  totally heart broken.

Shirusekai · Answer

Just do this https://www.iobit.com/es/knowledge-como-lidiar-con-el-problema-el-dispositivo-est%C3%A1-desconectado-en-windows-201.php?to=unplug&name=db&ver=7.6.0.766&lan=es&ref=db7&type=giveaway&ftype=trial&instd=1&finstd=2&usr=0&expd=-1&idata=eyJpc3UiOjEwLCJpbWYiOjEwLCJhc2MiOjEwLCJzZCI6MTAsIml1IjoxMCwiZGIiOjMsImF1Ijox%0D%0AMH0%3D&insur=other (translate this) Solo actualicen el dispositivo que dice ''dispositivos desconocidos'' y unden actualizar y automaticamente se les arregla el problema asi me funciono ami

A51-06 · Answer

Translated! Just update the device that says 'unknown devices' and add update and automatically fix the problem so it worked for me @Shirusekai

AdrianG001 · Answer

Are you talking about the built in keyboard?

Make sure the BIOS is up to date and also check power options fro any setting related to this.

Hold the Windows key + R. In the run window, type msinfo32 and press Enter. System Information window will open. In the window, make sure System Summary is selected in the left pane. In the larger right pane, locate BIOS Version/Date. The value against it will be your BIOS version.

A51-06 · Answer

It isn’t a power issue but a software related issue because of maybe a driver conflicting with the keyboard.

Shirusekai · Answer

Or simple just use Driver booster 7.0 very simple

A51-06 · Answer

Make sure it’s the latest one from 2020.

SawwhetMA · Answer

This WORKED for me. Keyboard had stopped working except in BIOS setup, I was using a USB plug-in keyboard. Looked into power settings, etc, then tried this suggestion and it was "Driver Booster 8" doing a driver install for "Universal Serial Bus controllers NVIDIA USB Type-C Port Policy Controller" which WORKED. I'll test out rebooting, doing windows updates, making sure this sticks, but it's really nice to see the keyboard working again without any physical repairs!!

Kinda makes me think I'm earning my 'stripes' to be driving an Alienware 51m!

A51-06 · Answer

Thats impressive, you've now earned your advanced driver stripes for your AREA-51M. Congratulations.

Mikecap26 · Answer

You know his keyboard isn't working, right? How is he supposed to type anything?

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Area-51m, keyboard not working / working only in BIOS

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