This problem is chronic amongst Alienware especially M17's in general. The last M17R3 I had the same issue and it turned out the MB had to be replaced. We now have another M17x R3 that has the same exact issue however I was dumb enough to buy a replacement battery as my son mentioned he couldn't charge any more. Dell has no answer that actually works. F2 key is not a factor in the issue. Why would your BIOS suddenly have AC adapter turned off? Why would you need to try and circumvent the firmware by faking out the AC port by powering up with what little battery power you have left and try to then plug in the AC adapter and suddenly your charging will be back to normal. Heck, I've tried all the folklore tails provided by Dell. No, the only way to "fix" is to send it to Dell to replace the Mother Board. For the price, I would seriously consider a new PC. Question for Dell, this is a cronic problem yet instead of a design improvement - you choose to play cat n mouse over the issue. Instead of intentionally sending your customers down rabbit trails might you just tell them the truth? Your MB is garbage and you need a replacement. I have 3 Alienware Laptops purchased over the years. Great product when it works but when it fails and Dell comes up with excuses, well, really makes you think if continuing Dell makes sense? Sorry to sound off but Dell isn't thinking.
Mary G
4 Operator
•
20.1K Posts
0
September 8th, 2018 07:00
How old is the battery? Check the Battery utility to see if it needs replacing. See this--
https://www.dell.com/support/contents/us/en/19/videos/videoPlayer/c4eWprNTps2tP7zid2fEBrXvQsAX0ulC
Mary G
4 Operator
•
20.1K Posts
0
September 8th, 2018 08:00
duplicate post
bubbajames
2 Posts
0
December 11th, 2018 15:00
PC Board is the problem. Contact Dell, tell them you verified everything and you need to send in to Dell for MB replacement. Sorry.
bubbajames
2 Posts
0
December 11th, 2018 15:00
This problem is chronic amongst Alienware especially M17's in general. The last M17R3 I had the same issue and it turned out the MB had to be replaced. We now have another M17x R3 that has the same exact issue however I was dumb enough to buy a replacement battery as my son mentioned he couldn't charge any more. Dell has no answer that actually works. F2 key is not a factor in the issue. Why would your BIOS suddenly have AC adapter turned off? Why would you need to try and circumvent the firmware by faking out the AC port by powering up with what little battery power you have left and try to then plug in the AC adapter and suddenly your charging will be back to normal. Heck, I've tried all the folklore tails provided by Dell. No, the only way to "fix" is to send it to Dell to replace the Mother Board. For the price, I would seriously consider a new PC. Question for Dell, this is a cronic problem yet instead of a design improvement - you choose to play cat n mouse over the issue. Instead of intentionally sending your customers down rabbit trails might you just tell them the truth? Your MB is garbage and you need a replacement. I have 3 Alienware Laptops purchased over the years. Great product when it works but when it fails and Dell comes up with excuses, well, really makes you think if continuing Dell makes sense? Sorry to sound off but Dell isn't thinking.