Update-The part fit back on the end of the fan shroud.  It went back in perfectly and the laptop is now up and running perfectly.  My smart wife found out where it went by looking at my same laptop model.
This might be a long shot but here goes. I was replacing the battery in my Alienware m17 R1 and when I moved my hand to reach a tool, the piece shown in the pictures popped loose from the inside of my laptop. The battery replacement went well but I cannot find where this piece belongs on the unit? I have taken three photos of the part and even have compared this m17 R1 to an identical one I also own. I cannot find where this part goes back in the inside of the laptop?  Has anyone else had this issue and can identify where this part goes?   [IMAGE][IMAGE][IMAGE]
m17 R1, identify part that popped off?