I should also mention Command Center is not currently functioning properly. It shows all numbers (fan and temp) at 0. The new HD was done with a mirror image backup that was a few months old, and CC may have been updated on the old HD between the time of that backup and this new HD being installed.

The CPU cooler and sensors are controlled by the MIO-Board, so trouble-shooting should start there.

Shut-down machine properly so it will turn off. Unplug from wall or UPS. Hold down power button for 20 seconds to dissipate any electricity in machine and MIO-Board. Wait another 20 secs before powering up. See if that very simple procedure resets MIO-Board.

Run Dell Diagnostic on the MIO-Board. If Dell Diagnostics doesn't detect a MIO-Board at startup, the MIO-Board tests will not be available or listed. All the other tests that ARE listed, will likely test good. If this is happening, it must be corrected first. You really have to observe these MIO-Board tests, because the results are very important to the progression of steps to the final diagnosis or repair. If the MIO-Board tests fail in Dell Diagnostics, there is really no chance it will operate in Windows with Command Center software.

If the Dell Diagnostics MIO-Board tests pass, this tells us quite a bit:
1. The MIO-Board is getting power
2. The MIO-Board is connected to the motherboard's USB-1 port header (and communication is working).
3. The MIO-Board is operational and not locked up or in a loop.
4. The various devices (lights, fans, etc.) that the tests successfully exercised are connected properly.

Dell Diagnostic (specifically the MIO-Board tests). This will check it and also has been known to reset it in some fashion. If it is detected and tests good, but still won't work, try re-installing the software ...

Completely Uninstall Command Center and reboot.

Power down, unplug the power cord from the back of you PC, then press and hold the power button down for 10 seconds to drain residual power from MIO board to further reset it and to insure a trouble-free CC install. Then, power back up and go into Windows.

Disable your Anti-Virus software.
Install the latest Command Center (for desktops) and reboot. v2.6.17.0
Note: The first time this version is installed, it will upgrade the MIO-Board's firmware to v2.x
Microsoft Net 4.0 Client Framework is required for install. You can get it from Windows Update.
Test operation.

Test operation.

I keep getting the error that the new installation is not compatible with the current platform. What should I do?

Thanks for your reply. I tried the diagnostics and got the error that the USB-1 HUB (or something to that effect) was not connected or needed to be reset. How would I go about doing that? A picture would be super helpful, if possible, as I'm not terribly familiar with inside hardware.

So, there's no jumper or something that might have not been reconnected or is loose?

Thanks for your reply. I tried the diagnostics and got the error that the USB-1 HUB (or something to that effect) was not connected or needed to be reset. How would I go about doing that?

So, there's no jumper or something that might have not been reconnected or is loose?

It's possible the cable from the MB to MIO got dislodged when the repair shop was installing my new HD and cleaning out the inside of the machine. However, I'm not very knowledgeable about hardware and wouldn't know where to look for the cable. Is there a diagram and/or photo you could point me toward?

Download the PDF Owners & Service Manuals ... there are diagrams. All cables and components inside the PC must be connected properly. If you don't know hardware, you should get someone to help you onsite.

I think you will have more success following my previous posts. Did you remove the batteries? Are you doing the Power Dissipation Fix properly?

Study my Favorite Posts/Threads about MIO-Board troubles.

I've tried your suggestions - the power fix (done at least 5 times) - still no joy. It is not an ALX, just an R1 - so no batteries that I know of. I continue to get the following error: 5D00:0009 - UUTUSBTM- DEVICE_INITIALIZATION_FAILURE user must reattach unit on ROOT HUB port 1 and restart. As far as I can tell (I'm far from savvy with hardware) all cables are seated properly.

Is it probable, then, that the BIOS update bricked the MIO? If so, is it a 'unique to Alienware' part, or can I have it replaced anywhere?