Alienware 17-R3, USB Port Not Working Properly

Hey, I get a similar thing - the ports on the left side of my 17r3 seem to randomly re-connect, so any drive plugged in there appears and disappears. It doesn't happen as often as yours does, though - maybe every hour or so.

Makes using external storage for video editing impossible. You wouldn't be aware this was happening with most USB devices (like scanners, mouse, keyboard). It doesn't seem to be related to power draw, as a USB3.0 SDXC card reader (Kingston) shows the problem, as does a 1TB portable drive powered by the port. Makes no difference if plugging in directly or through a hub.

The port on the right side doesn't seem to do this, and neither does the USB-C 3.1 port. That would indicate it isn't any kind of driver or software issue.

I'm really reluctant to get it fixed, will wait until something else breaks, as the risk and hassle of a board replacement aren't something I want to deal with.

ABhishekmahajan,

Just to be clear, are you referring to the 2015 Alienware 17 R3 model?

All of the Alienware 17 R3 USB ports are 3.0. List the specific devices you tested in the USB ports. Do they work in the rightside USB 3.0 port? Are all of the devices you tested USB 3.0?

Run this easy to use Intel Driver Update Utility and it will automatically tell you if you need to update your Intel drivers, and if so, will prompt you to install. Once installed, Click Start- Intel Driver Update Utility- Intel Driver Update Utility 2.0. Then click "Auto detect...".

I tried The Update But Still Facing The Same Problem Kindly Update Please Really Tired Of This Problem

Dear

Yes I am Using The Alien ware R3 17  I have Just Purchased it a Month ago

in 1st 3 days problem was critical Dell Replaced the Laptop & Send me a new Alien ware Then But The Same Problem Still Exists...

Left Side 2 USB Ports Doesn't Work Properly When ever I connect any External Hardisk or Pen drive The Usb Keep On Reset Itself

I have all Hardisk USB 3.0 Even Pen Drives also all USB 3.0

I have installed The Intel Update

It Has Found to Drivers To Update

1.Intel Chipset Device Software(INF UPDATE)

2.Intel Graphic Driver For Window's 10 & Windows

Lets See After The Update Does The Problem Gets Resolved If Not I All Message u Again

Me Too Shocked That The same model with same Problem

I think its a manufacturing defect that DELL is not aware of...i have a wirkstation precision M6600 with i7 500+500 gb hdd  16 gb ram   2 usb port 2.0 & 2 usb port 3.0

Plus additional usb ports through transcend usb 3.0 card and esata slot

I never faced this kind of problem since last 5 years ...its jst the warranty got 5 years completed i needed to buy a new model so dell reprensative suggested me An alienware i was actually buying againg a workstation that cost around 483000 INR.....i would love to that Representative who suggested me alienware ....

I also got inspiron n5110

And also got lenovo G50

And dell inspiron 360 degree flip 3110

And fujitsu laptop

I never faced problems in them

When i say to dell kindly replace the laptop with a new Higher End model of Workstation They Refuse Says we cannot exchange alienware with workstation ....i dont understand y they cant when i am ready to pay more money in exchange of this Alienware... This is  the worst Laptop Ever purchased in my life seriously...theres no one in india who listens no one its jst they take money & keep on doing harsment to client wow.........i would love to  the CEO of DELL For this Seriously

I find it hard to accept that two systems would have the same fault. List the specific devices by model name that you tested in the USB ports.

I There Any Solution for this any.....i have even now Re-installed the operating system by formatting all drives  still the same Problem..

Is there Anything Dell Can do or else i have to bear this for another 5 years   or i sell  and buy Asus because i am exausted now....how i much i heard praised of this alienware it completely opposite A BIG ZEROOOOOOO.......

I have tested my WD 2TB HDD .......SEGATES 4TB WITH POWER ADAPTER HDD......WD 500TB HDD ......WD 1 TB HDD......SANDISK 32GB 64 GB Pen Drive

Also Asus BlueRay DVD Writer With power Adapter

Samsung DVD writer

Aldo Microsoft Wireless mouse & Keyboard

The above list is what I install when I start from scratch on a AW17 R3 - Do you have most of these installed?

I all check the log and text u

I got a lot of wires and i dnt use wired mouse or keyboard

Being a photographer i have more than 30 hdd

Tested  all causing same problem

Even the transcend usb ports gets disconnected & portronics usb port too

Agree, seems strange. Where does Windows log USB activity - with so much going on, it should be fairly evident in the log somewhere. Is there some other device on the same USB bus causing the problem?

I've seen similar behaviour which was caused by a broken mouse wire, pretty easy to track that one down.

Few drivers i havent installed like

Alienware command center & alienware graphic amplifier

Dell foundation service

I am currently not using amplifier i have cancled the order of it on the 2 day when the problem arrived..

If it was a systemic issue on the Alienware 17-R3, we would be seeing thousands of customer complaints. We are not. You should contact Support and get another like for like exchange.

Again The Problem Exists Left Side Port Malfunctioning Again