I think this is an issue I may have read about, but quite frankly the search function for finding relevant information about the decidedly defective Alienware X51 is futile given all the chatter. I've had problems before, which I subsequently fixed by addressing an anti-virus problem, but I am still getting random shutdowns and high fan speeds when the computer idles. It's not just Windows Update, because sometimes I am met with "computer shut down unexpectedly message" under Windows 7 upon restarting the computer. Of late, it has been impossible to turn the computer back on without unplugging the AC adapter in the back and plugging it back in.   For the record, I am not a difficult customer to please. I understand problems happen in the mass-produced consumer electronics industry, but the phone support has been abysmal. They run me through a number of remote hardware tests, see that the computer is functioning normally under this specific condition and then tell me it must be a software issue, which I need to pay for.    This is my first Dell product in years after purchasing Apple computers specifically for work use. Apple computers are just as prone to these failures, but I had no trouble receiving support from their users or technical support regarding this issue. Why can I not receive the same from Dell? I spent a good deal of money on this computer. I am not just an entitled customer whining about foul ups -- I'd appreciate not being treated like one.

 

Hello atdonovan,

 

The chances that there is software causing it to shutdown is remote. But hey you never know, it can happen. I'v been right where you are and this is how you rule it out for good.

1) Go to Start and in the search box type in RUN. Then right click it and run as Admin.

2) Type MSCONFIG in the run box. This will bring up another window.

3) In this window there are two ways to go about this. First try the Diagnostic StartUp by checking the box next to it on the Genral tab. This will load only what you need. Then go play around and see if it restarts. The other way is to go to the 2nd tab called Boot. Check the Safe Boot and then Minimal. Again go play around and see if it reboots. Keep in mind that minimal is just that so if you want internet then check the internet box.

This will rule out any 3rd party software compatibility issues once and for all.

What this will not rule out is a bad device driver ( well it can but we won't go there ) or hardware but both of them will be covered by Dell at no extra cost. Just make sure that the drivers you are using are from Dell. Don't use the Nvidia drivers from Nvidia but the ones from the x51 downloads and the Dell support site. This goes for anything else you may have downloaded... driver wise.

If it does not crash while running it in ether of these modes and you want to hunt the cause down yourself then what you do is turn on one service at a time ( under both Sevice and Startup tab )and run the system. Do this until you find the one causing it. 

My guess is you are thinking it's a heat issue because of your fan statement. You can download something like Core Temp to monitor your CPU and MSI Afterburner to monitor the GPU.  The truth is until you hunt it down by rulling out what it's not then it could be anything.

 

Here is an article with pictures showing how to run it with Diag Startup. It's a short read so read it first please before you try it.

http://www.ghacks.net/2011/05/04/the-benefits-of-windows-diagnostic-startup-mode/

 

Good Hunting