X51r2 won't boot

Hi, 

If you are able to access the Bios menu (F2), go to the Boot option and confirm what you show for the Boot Mode. If it is set to Legacy, change it to UEFI. Also, if you see an option that says Secure Boot, try to disable it. Let us know how it goes.  

Failing to boot after BIOS update usually just means a BIOS option got changed. Likely candidates are RAID/AHCI or Legacy/UEFI/SecureBoot. If HDD has been erased or modified, you might be past that easy fix.

You are allowed to install and run Windows-10 (64bit) on an Alienware x51-R2.

http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/SLN302709/computers-tested-for-windows-10-and-windows-10-november-update?lang=EN

As long as you were previously running a genuine version of Windows-7 or Windows-8 (you likely were, since a license is included with your new Dell/Alienware) ... it will activate as genuine.

Steps are in my post here:

https://community.dell.com/thread/24064-alienware-15-r2-fps-super-low-somedays-and-computer-runs-slow-somedays-help

HDD must check good. If bad or flakey, Windows install might fail toward the end.

I tried this (also did this before) message says internal had not found reseat the drive no bootable device

HDD tested ok in ePSA but my Windows 7 attemp failed towards the end. Thanks regarding advice on installing Windows 10. I tried the BIOS change options after  daughter alerted me to the problems. I believe the HDD was already compromised by that point. Do you think the fresh copy of windows 10 would possibly work or do you think I should save my money and take it in for repair (if HDD is possibly bad)? I know at this point purchasing Windows 10 will probably be necessary. Thanks for the advice. 

That's a common problem with x51's. Not sure what causes it. Try:

- Re-seat cables

- New cables
- Dissipate "flea" Power for total motherboard reset

- Reset BIOS

- Testing this HDD in other computer or on USB interface tester/enclosure.

- New HDD or SSD

SannW wrote:

1. HDD tested ok in ePSA

2. but my Windows 7 attempt failed towards the end.

3. Do you think the fresh copy of windows 10 would possibly work

4. or do you think I should save my money and take it in for repair

5. (if HDD is possibly bad)?

6. I know at this point purchasing Windows 10 will probably be necessary. Thanks for the advice. 

1. Good. But ePSA is not all telling. It should read HDD SMART-status, but not sure.

2. Hmm. Did you do a custom install and erase all partitions first? If it's really old (non-Dell) Windows-7 you might get an error because you are missing a core driver. Or, maybe your BIOS options are set wrongly.

3. It should (remember, it's free at Microsoft.com). Or, Dell can help you with a DVD copy of whatever shipped on your x51-R2 when it was new (for free or just shipping charges).

4. That is up to you. I would not put much money into it. Hard-drives are cheap and easy to change. Maybe a friend that knows computers can help you?

5. If it truly is, I would probably install a SSD instead (240gb is minimum recommended size). They are cheap too now-days.

6. NO, Definitely not. Please re-read my posts so far. You already have a legit license to run Windows on that machine. You just need the media to install it fresh.

Thanks again for all of the advice. I tried the Windows 7 again (it is a boxed original Microsoft item) but do believe it is an early version and won't work as you suggested. Talked to Dell tech support, who sent me to alienware specific support. They referred me to Microsoft site  to download windows 8.1 - which we already did and had tried but we have no product key and so we couldn't proceed. The computer is 9 months out of warranty and they won't provide recovery media, only refer me to the Microsoft site. Lesson of course is to create good recovery media from the start. I have owned Dell products over the past several years and am disappointed that they are not more helpful regarding the media copy. I'm calling a local guy for help and will provide him with a copy of all the help you have given me through this forum. Thanks again for your time and expertise.

and there is no microsoft license sticker with the windows activation key sticked to the case of your x51?

Generic Keys:

Win 8

46V6N-VCBYR-KT9KT-6Y4YF-QGJYH

Win 8 Pro

V7C3N-3W6CM-PDKR2-KW8DQ-RJMRD

btw you can buy activation keys for 15 bugs on ebay.

Right.

But if machine came with Windows 8.1 (64bit), the Windows-key should be embedded in BIOS MSDM table. Either Dell-OEM-Win8 or Microsoft Windows-10 should install and activate.

If it came with Windows-7 (64bit), the Windows-key should be on CoA sticker on outside of machine.
 
User seemed determined to use-up a retail license though.

SannW wrote:

Talked to Dell tech support, who sent me to alienware specific support. They referred me to Microsoft site  to download windows 8.1 - which we already did and had tried but we have no product key and so we couldn't proceed. The computer is 9 months out of warranty and they won't provide recovery media, only refer me to the Microsoft site.

I think Dell is bound by their agreement with Microsoft to provide you with working Windows media (for free or low shipping-cost). However, since Microsoft now allows you to download, install, and active Windows-10/64bit for free now, that might be the way that obligation is fulfilled these days.
 
If your machine came with Windows-8.1, your Windows key should be in the BIOS. With Windows-10, you should be able to skip the serial number entry during initial install. It will Activate after you go online the first time.

Thanks to all of this great advice we got windows 10 to install! My daughter took over and finished installing the drivers, now everything is running great. Some of her files were gone, others (to my surprise) were still there. She was so happy she cried! Thank you so much for the help!

SannW wrote:

Thanks to all of this great advice we got windows 10 to install! My daughter took over and finished installing the drivers, now everything is running great. Some of her files were gone, others (to my surprise) were still there. She was so happy she cried! Thank you so much for the help!

Excellent.

That is great news. So glad it worked-out for you.