display malfunctions the same on Intel HD Graphics once the LCD panel is messed up and the damage is already done (M18xR1 has only Intel HD Graphics, no GPUs, and has the same behavior with a bad display attached) On all three machines there is no LCD backlight, but if I open and close the lid the backlight turns on.Pressed power button and now it has the same problem.
ALIENWARE OS GIF LOGO DRIVERS
about 16 hours later (today) I switched over to GTX 780M SLI, installed NVIDIA GeForce drivers and about 1 hour later, maybe slightly more, Alienware 18 makes a click sound and turns off while web surfing. So, I installed Windows 10 yesterday running on Intel Graphics and all is well. I was not planning to upgrade the OS but I wanted to rule out any anomaly involving my M18xR2. Alienware 18 has GTX 780M SLI and Windows 7.About 24 hours later, the second display is doing the same thing with the good display taken from the M18xR1 and the 8 beeps, no boot problem also surfaced with the second display after the system had been shut off.I assumed it was just an ordinary hardware failure, was glad I could steal the LCD from the M18xR1 until I could purchase a replacement part.Removed display from M18xR1, intalled on M18xR2 and everything is fine with M18xR2, installed screen from M18xR2 on M18xR1 and it started 8 beeps, no boot, confirming LCD failure.M18xR2 suddenly started 8 beeps, no boot after being turned off - 8 beep code indicates GPU, LVDS Cable or LCD issue - tested GPUs in M18xR1 and they where perfectly fine replaced LVDS cable and no change.everything seemed fine for about 24 hours, maybe slightly longer Installed Windows 10 on M18xR2 with GTX 780M SLI.Now I get 8 beeps, no backlight and no boot.
ALIENWARE OS GIF LOGO DRIVER
Downloaded the Windows 10 driver from NVIDIA. OK, sad to report, the same thing has happened on the Alienware 18. Don't know if it is the OS or the GeForce drivers, but I don't see how it can be a one-off coincidence twice within 24 hours. OK, but the second time, I'm ready to go ballistic now. So, first time I blew it off as a one-off coincidence. Windows 10 has blown out the display panels from my M18xR1 and M18xR2 within 24 hours of installing Windows 10. (Please see post #2 for evolving details)