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1 Rookie
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12 Posts
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29
September 1st, 2025 16:49
18 Area-51 AAT2250, randomly restarting, one month old
Hello all, hoping to get some advice.
Windows started randomly restarting all of the sudden, gives me a minute and restarts, out of the blue.
Event logger shows nothing but constant WHEA hardware failures (rtx5090) but it's probbaly not the cause.
Already did the SFC/scannow, image repair, disabled fast startup and hibernation, reinstalled windows, even installed a flat cooling plate for the processor to make sure it doesn't overheat and disabled pcie power save, reset bios, reinstalled all drivers for everything... No change, continues to randomly restart, usually after I play a game but not limited to it.
Alienware support is useless so I'm reaching out to the community before I send it out for a repair.
If you know a way if fixing these random reboots due to a "windows ran into a problem and needs to restart in one minute" please do tell, I'll really appreciate it!
anne_droid
3 Apprentice
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840 Posts
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September 2nd, 2025 10:16
Hi
If it is a windows problem, don't use windows. If it is a hardware fault, more likely then get Dell to fix it.
If errors persist after all software fixes, Dell support typically recommends motherboard or graphics card replacement under warranty. Back up all data before hardware changes, as some repair actions might require a full system reset.
If the system is new (as with many recent Area-51 AAT2250 reports), a return or exchange may be the fastest resolution when hardware faults are confirmed.
DevilOnYourBack
1 Rookie
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12 Posts
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September 4th, 2025 12:58
@anne_droid thank you for your reply.
I can't not use windows, it's the only os supported by this stupid pc and the only OS I know well and thus use for software development.
Do you by any chance know how long the turnaround usually takes? Most importantly, would I have to send in my ssd with the system or can I send it out without the ssd? Because the rig does the same thing no matter what and the ssd makes no difference. My ssd's contain sensitive, proprietary data related to Ai-development. I also don't want to erase and re-write the data on the ssd because it severely shortens its already short lifespan.
anne_droid
3 Apprentice
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840 Posts
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September 4th, 2025 13:36
Hi
I don't know. There is no guarantee what you send will be returned (lost in the post) or repaired.
So nothing personal or important left on the device.
The next thing is if you open it up, could that change the warranty or guarantee with DELL? Yet again I don't know, but would not expect it to.
Back everything up. At least on 2 other media and delete anything that you don't want the casual user/repairer to be able to access.
I believe that if you boot with a Live Linux (Mint or even Debian) and you have your BitLocker key you can make a backup if Windows has failed.
I appreciate that you are in a difficult position (Catch 22), and returning it to Dell without the storage device and software you use, may make it difficult to replicate and resolve the issues if it is not the Dell hardware that is at fault.
Sorry but I am prevaricating somewhat on this vital issue.
DELL-ChrisM2
Community Manager
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156 Posts
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September 4th, 2025 21:24
would I have to send in my ssd with the system or can I send it out without the ssd?
In any RTD (Return to Dell) depot laptop repair, the SSD that originally shipped from Dell in the laptop must be installed in the laptop. If the depot receives a laptop without any boot drive SSD, they will simply send it back unrepaired.
If you added a second SSD of your own, then yes, remove it.
The next thing is if you open it up, could that change the warranty or guarantee with DELL?
No. The act of opening a laptop does not void the warranty. If you break a component while doing this you must pay for the component replacement.
sonofthemosthig
1 Rookie
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8 Posts
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September 13th, 2025 01:54
I was having black screen, reboot, lockup and WHEA 17 issues with my Alienware 18 Area-51 AAT2250.
It looked like a hassle to try and do an exchange so I just decided to send it back.
I only had the beast for a week, Dell should have it back Monday, I'm not sure I want another one as I have an M18 R2 already.
(edited)