UNSOLVED
M
makeshiftballer
2 Posts
0
536
December 1st, 2020 12:00
17 R5, keyboard died
Just wondering if there was anything I was missing.
My Keyboard randomly died, no lights, no response to any key (macro, letters, numpad nothing)
it does not work in BIOS and well as windows ePSA only detects my external.
Should I just go straight to replacing it? does anyone have a part number? Pretty bummed by far the most expensive PC I've ever owned and its pretty much used as a desktop replacement with an external keyboard 99% of the time.
AWCC still thinks my theme is set on the keyboard if that matters.
makeshiftballer
2 Posts
436
0
Posted December 2nd, 2020 07:00
I’m willing and capable of replacing. I tore down as much as I felt like doing without removing the mobo or having a replacement keyboard on hand. Do you happen to have the replacement keyboard part #? I’ll take it all the way down but the keyboard is getting replaced while I’m there. As well as repasting everything most likely
Hi @makeshiftballer do not know your location. The following link is from the Parts People, a supplier of Dell laptop and tablet parts. AWCC FX will not work if an incompatible keyboard is installed, please check original part designation during disassembly before unwrapping replacement part.
New Alienware 17 R5 RGB Backlit Laptop Keyboard Assembly - RGB - 44RC9
When doing a deep disassembly, you may wish to see if a mod is required on your model's CPU & GPU fan housings so that if fans get replaced, detachment of the fan housings can be undertaken without having to remove the heatsink assembly again. Just a suggestion.
[This user does not work for Dell and volunteers their free time. Please remember to say thank you by clicking on my thumb up icon.]
crimsom
9 Technologist
•
6114 Posts
467
0
Posted December 1st, 2020 15:00
Hi @makeshiftballer welcome to this user to user forum.
When keyboard is not detected during POST (power-on self-test), it could be a loose keyboard power cable. Can you recall when it started to have this problem, for example upgrading the RAM or installing a new battery? It is not unknown for cable connections to require reseating especially after a hard bump or having been vigorously shaken during transportation.
Ensure you have a good disaster recovery plan, more than one cloned OS (C:) drive, list of all your software licences, list of all your online accounts and their passwords, etc.
Taking off the rear panel gives access to a few system board cables next to the battery. Unplug the battery connection, check that these other cables are not damaged and have a good connection, then reconnect battery. If problem not fixed, the other cables are deeper within the 17 R5 and research is required to reduce the risk of creating more problems during further disassembly / re-assembly. Advocate looking at YouTube videos in addition to the Alienware 17 R5 Service Manual.
If you are not prepared to brick the 17 R5, then the risk is not worth it, and you may decide to tolerate this minor inconvenience.
[This user does not work for Dell and volunteers their free time. Please remember to say thank you by clicking on my thumb up icon.]