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Hi @snrgruffalo  you already know Support for Alienware 13 R3 Diagnostics says 2,1 = CPU failure. There are a number of problems that give the 2,1 error code and they include bad BIOS update, motherboard power distribution circuit fails to power CPU, CPU has failed, etc.

If 13 R3 gives splash screen, hold down F12 Key and run Diagnostics, when (ePSA) Diagnostics finished, click in screen's bottom RH corner's arrow icon to enter Results window. Please share ePSA diagnostic test result. ePSA Pre Boot System Assessment Dell Overview (Official Dell Tech Support) - YouTube  

Does press F8 key repeatedly give Restoring Your Dell Computer to Original Factory Installation with Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0 | Dell US

If you smell burning, this could be electrical short within internal cable or its connector, etc., whose replacement might get 13 R3 working. Dell does not repair motherboards, a local repair shop may offer motherboard repair or replace motherboard and its onboard CPU. Alternatively, as you are a very low user, sell Alienware 13 R3 on eBay for parts, having removed the drives complete with your private information. 

Hello, @DELL-Cares @crimsom 

Thankyou for coming back to me so quickly.

Must admit i am pretty miffed with the unit failing im starting to think if i had used it more aggressively as it was designed for in the first year then the cpu would have failed then. In my 25years of PC build and use it took me to finally buy a company built machine in which I use the least to find a CPU failure.

That being said i want to see if it is salvageable.

So today i have the back of and have removed the battery cable, pressed the start button to discharge anything. 

I have checked the power brick on another Dell laptop and it seems to be working fine.

Plugged the laptop in and held the start button. 

The button lights up blue, the fans kick in and occasionally the keyboard lights green and then after a few breaths of life it adopts the 2R+1B flash.

I disconnect the power and repeat while holding F12 and F8 respectively. The same behavior results.

At no point does the screen illuminate or show signs of life. 

Inside the unit there is no signs of damage so far. Will need a larger breakdown.

Whats the next steps?

@crimsom @DELL-Cares 

Update: Utilising the manual (very good instructions btw). I have stripped down to the point of removing the coin battery and tested its voltage.

It appears to be measuring 2.82-2.88 Volts, not sure if this would cause a problem in itself as i think sub 2.8V would be a reason.

Anyways i left the battery out for around 10mins hopefully erasing the CMOS chip.

Had a visual inspection, no signs of component damage, burn marks etc.

Rebuilt back to original and plugged in to mains(still no battery connected) and tried again, as above response.

Could it be the battery?

Is there anything i can try, I wondered about BIOS issues but how would i be able to check that if i cannot even get it stay powered up and boot from USB?

My next steps i was thinking would be to take the RAM and SSD out and see if it does anything different? after that i guess the only thing to try is a full strip down and look for damage elsewhere?

Is sending it to Dell worth it?

I took photos of the inside if they are of any use. 

Hi @snrgruffalo  when pressing power button, POST (Power On Self Test) starts, but stops prematurely with 2,1 error code. You have already completed Alienware computer not turning on - YouTube. 

Please note Clearing CMOS settings includes disconnecting the main battery and the coin battery. 

The screen requires RAM, check that these are correctly seated in their slots. Alienware 13 R3 Service Manual | Dell US  The BIOS requires access to hidden partition on OS(C:) boot drive, check that SSD is correctly seated in its slot. Alienware 13 R3 Service Manual | Dell US

Laptop without battery (disconnected) is designed to function as desktop powered by ac adapter. 

Dell do not repair laptops, but send them to a contractor at your expense. How to arrange an 'Out of Warranty' repair on your Dell System | Dell US 

Although user basic checks should be undertaken, these may not get the Alienware 13 R3 working. 

Please share images. Do not include private information. Thanks.