Intermittent Lock Up at Alienware Logo With RAID Mode Enabled on Alienware Area-51 AAT2265

Summary: Learn about if an Alienware Area-51 AAT2265 intermittently locks up at the Alienware logo when RAID mode is enabled and the hibernate feature is enabled.

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Symptoms

An Alienware Area-51 AAT2265 may stop responding intermittently at the Alienware logo after powering on the computer.

The symptom only occurs when both of the following are true:

  • SATA/NVMe Operation mode is set to RAID in the BIOS. The default setting is AHCI.
  • Hibernate is enabled in Windows. The default setting is disabled.
Note:
  • For information about BIOS Setup options and how to enter the BIOS Setup, refer to Support for Alienware Area-51 AAT2265 Manuals & Documents for the Alienware Area-51 AAT2265.
  • Check the Hibernate setting in Windows by going to Control Panel, set View by to Small Icons, select Power Options, System Settings, and then locate the Hibernate checkbox.

Affected Platforms:

  • Alienware Area-51 AAT2265

Cause

A damaged hibernation file causes the problem to happen when using RAID mode.

Resolution

Long-term resolution:

Note: Before starting the update, perform the following:
  • Back up all personal data. For more information, refer to Back Up and Recovery.
  • Ensure that power remains connected to the desktop.

Updating the BIOS to version 1.2.1 or later on the computer resolves the issue. To download and install the BIOS, refer to the BIOS Update Guide.

How to recover when the computer locks up at the Alienware logo

  1. Unplug the AC power adapter from the computer.
  2. Plug the AC power adapter in again, then press the power button to turn on the computer.
  3. Press and hold the power button for more than 4 seconds, then restart the computer.
  4. Press F2 at startup to enter the BIOS.
  5. Change the SATA/NVMe Operation mode to AHCI in the BIOS.
    Note: For information about BIOS Setup options and how to enter the BIOS Setup, refer to Support for Alienware Area-51 AAT2265 Manuals & Documents.
  6. Reinstall Windows.
    Note: For information about reinstalling Windows, refer to Repair and Restore your Computer Using SupportAssist OS Recovery.

Affected Products

Alienware Area-51 AAT2265
Article Properties
Article Number: 000420021
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 24 May 2026
Version:  3
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