*OFFICIAL* Alienware 15 R1/R2 Owner's Lounge

I dont think that will report any errors. I am not the only on that got this error after yesterdays WU:
https://www.dell.com/community/Alie...emory-quot-Alienware-17-R4/m-p/7753621#M37146

 

I got the error message again, so the bios flash did not solve it.

I am almost 100% sure that the memory is fine so I dont want to mess with anything...

Have anyone with bios 1.11.0 and the newes WU update got the message again after a shutdown og reboot?

 

Look at the date from that thread start and compare with release date for build 19042.685

https://blogs.windows.com/windows-i...dows-10-insider-preview-build-19042-685-20h2/

You can always roll-back/uninstall latest CU and do some more tests. Check also what is installed in reliability monitor the last days.

 

Yeah, I know the tread starts before the release date, but more people with alenware are tuning in with the same problem I have, and they all got it this week or days.
All my memory test have passed with no errors, so I dont know what I should do other then see if it clear on its own.
Can mention that it dont happens all the time, so a tricky one...

 

Check what is installed in reliability monitor the last days. And unistall latest CU to test.

FYI I haven't seen many with problems from latest CU. Neither have the main websites who cover this topic.

 

It's a strange problem and more of a inconvenience rather than a problem. The system works fine after pressing f1.
Can it be a problem with the bios? But again I did not have this happening before this weeks wu and I have had the 1.11.0 bios since the release date 30.oct.
And there is no way to roll back the bios to check after my understanding...

@VICKYGAMEBOY you have the same bios right? Do you encounter any problem with the newest windows update? Presumably that you are on the same build as I am ( v20H2 19042.685).

 

Maybe bro @Vasudev can help. He have the 15R2 who should be of the same gen AW model. http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...-win-update-bios.831450/page-34#post-11062909

Again... See if uninstall of latest Win patches help. As well uninstall driver updates you find in reliability monitor from the last days.

 

Hmm, after some more research I have discovered that support assist updated 8. Desember just before my problem started. Looking back to the tread I am referring to he had the first error message coming from support assist.
And in another thread on this forum (15 r3) also got the same message from support assist.
Only guessing. Hope its not the bios because I think the rollback is disabled.

 

If you have time and before deciding it is a bios problem, do a windows 10 clean install first if the uninstalling for the latest CU doesn't work. I wouldn't be surprise though if it is a bios problem as dell is famous of this. I did not update my bios due to restriction of undervolt. Hope you can find a solution to your problem.

 

Thanks for your concern and input in the matter.
Its most likely not a BIOS problem. There are several alienware users with different models (from R3, R4 and now also a inspiron 5577!). We have all different bios versions. So the problems seems to relate to:
2020-12 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 20H2 for x64-based Systems (KB4592438) *reboot after this was when I first got the error
2020-11 Cumulative Update Preview for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8 for Windows 10, version 20H2 for x64 (KB4586876) *this got updated same time as cumulative update above

These updates were just a few days before the windows cumulative update:
Dell SupportAssist. Product Version: 3.8.0.108

The tread for this problem can be accessed here: https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware/17-R4-reseat-the-memory-message/td-p/7753621

To be safe I have (as I always do after SA updates) set the three data vault services relating to support assist to manual. As they have proven to cause problems. If this is the root of the error message remains to see. But highly Interesting indeed.

And regarding the undervolt, I think my still support undervolt with bios 1.11.0 since I have the Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-6820HK CPU.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, could you confirm Throttlestop undervolting still works with BIOS 1.11 on 6850hk?

 

6820HK has unlocked multipliers and voltages. 6700HQ was locked out of undervolting even after disabling SGX. So reverted to 1.8.
I also tried newer uCode E2 via VMware fling driver and undervolting was fine on both Linux and Windows.

 

Anyone with an alienware 15 r1 (gtx970m), know which is the latest working nvidia driver for windows 8.1?

I tried updating to the latest nvidia driver (460.79) yesterday and when I run any game that uses directX it would just crash on launch

Unfortunately I have no idea what my previous driver version was so I reinstalled the latest driver I could find on the dell website for my model which is 347.25 which was from 2015 and all my games run fine now.

 

Nice. Dell's engineers think the Plundervolt vulnerability is much more dangerous if you have one of the locked down Intel processors. Isn't that amusing bro @etern4l @Mr. Fox


http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...locked-out-due-latest-win-update-bios.831450/

Posted by u/samamreca 2 hours ago
Can someone please shed some light on this matter...

 

Another gem, they just keep coming, don't they? Of course, Dell would rather people buy the most expensive unlocked CPU variants. Users of cheaper CPUs ought to be punished for skimping and cutting corners. You get what you pay for etc. Disgusting.

 

Yeah, so I am not alone. And even more AW (and inspiron) users are taking part in the tread regarding this error during reboot. And we are coming down to a possible issue with the newest CU update for Windows or the SA update that installed automatically on november. 7, the day I was first having the problem. So glad I dont have a memory problem or a bios fault.

And glad my CPU still support undervolting even on bios 1.11.0. This PC was the top of the line back in 2016, so good to have some benefits still.

 

HK processors has unlocked multiplier and voltage so non-HK CPUs are locked out from undervolting.

 

Good to know that I have the unlocked HK CPU and still can undervolt. Thanks for the clarification.

 

A new one from Today... What a beauty bro @Vasudev

Annoying message on 15/r2 after updating bios

 

Haha, (almost) unbelievable

If you forgot your brain while coding the latest Alienware BIOS update....
To resolve the issue, try to reset the brain.

 

Its most likely not a BIOS problem. Because there are several people with different AW models on different BIOS versions raging from older to the newest. We all got this warning message during after 8. December. So after the monthly WU update and the Support Assist update.
Some reporting that uninstalling the latest WU KB (KB4592438 CU) solved their issue, as others have the message still. It maybe rule out on its on. It have been better for me also. So it looks more like a software issue, not a BIOS related issue.
And the fact that I have had the 1.11.0 since 30. October without any signs of this message is a strong indication that the problem comes from something else.

The tread I am referring to can be found here: https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware/17-R4-reseat-the-memory-message/td-p/7753621

Edit: Seems that the person with the same message manage to solve it by doing the following:

Thank you! I managed to solve it by taking out the ram, turning it on and after 5 times of 2 beeping series I turned it off, reseated the Ram and turned it on again, the problem was solved~

Thanks to a dm from a techie for this solution, and to you for shedding a bit of light on the issue

Cheers!​

Another indicator that its not a BIOS fault.

 

I see nothing in the above to prove it's not a BIOS issue. The key question is: does this occur specifically during Windows startup, or could it happen whole someone is booting into another OS, or not booting an OS at all, e. g. while entering BIOS config.. Bear in mind such RAM checks are the responsibility of BIOS., which - I would remind you - is a type of software.

All that said, it could well also be the case that AWCC or some other Dell Windows software messed something up in a part of BIOS common to many AW models.

 

Dont need to prove everything. I just say that its likely not a specific bios version that are the culprit since it affects both older and newer bios'es on different AW laptops.
The last thing you write is my take on it. And someone made a discovery that hold this true;
Alright, guys... check this out......

"I did a reimage on the Alienware 17 R4 using the latest Windows 10 20H2 ISO from Microsoft. No issues with the Bios Screen of Doom. I started installing drivers and software with no issues until SupportAssist 3.8 assimulated my system. Bios Screen of Doom has returned!

Thought you good folks may find this little doodle interesting."

 

Mine was stuck on black screen for 15 mins or so, I did BIOS recovery to 1.8 to fix the issue and on Dell GSET Flash update I managed to update 1.11 and BIOS settings were reverted to default settings and undervolt was disabled so i rolled back to 1.8

 

And it will never end. Now up in 24 pages at Dell Tech forum

https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware/17-R4-reseat-the-memory-message/td-p/7753621/page/24

 

I am following this thread (as you can see from all my answers) and we are currently ruling it down to that SupportAssist is the reason behind the reseat message.
There is a Windows store component that installs automatically besides the Dell version. I guess the Windows store version is the problemmaker. But I use SA and my AW17R3 is under warranty, so I dont want to uninstall SA just yet. I will se if there is a update that will fix it. It maybe just as well be a windows update that solves it, since there is a Windows component to this issue.

The smalest one (in MB) seems to be the MS store version:

 

No no no, SA is amazing and 100% reliable software. Everyone's RAM started falling out - must upgrade to the latest and greatest AW laptop with soldered RAM immediately!

 

So that is why the m15/m17 line up have- and continues to have soldered RAM. Now it all makes sense, SA manipulates AW users to think they need to upgrade to the latest and the (not so) greatest?

 

Similarly, there was an incident where AWCC started showing CL17 instead of CL22. Very odd.

 

Does sneaky bastards... Good it is on software level and can easily be corrected by uninstalling. I now see why its called dell "bloatware". But not everyone is aware of this and dont dodge the bullet before its to late.

 

I know you are in that thread. But if they fix it how long will it be before new bugs pop up and screw up again? The combination Dell and Microsoft doesn’t look so promising. That’s for sure. Every day and you see new threads with their flawed and buggy software... https://www.reddit.com/r/Alienware/comments/l9oohc/alienware_fx_problems_here_we_go_again/

+ Dell will always put more work into the software/drivers for newest (newer) models. This just means that the older models will come second or last. Of course right after you'r warranty is expired.

 

Yeah, sad but true. Its a game us as users are playing without knowing it. And the winner in the end is?
I have seen several post regarding issues with both SA and AAWCC on the Dell community. So something is defiantly going on with Dells software and Windows. And who has the responsibility to fix the issues. I wonder...

 

You can have pdf of your warranty by typing in Express code or service tag at dell site.

I think they need to install windows desktop runtime .NET Core Desktop Runtime 3.1.11 x64 or x86.
Then navigate to using admin cmd or powershell C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319 and type ngen update
Similarly for x86, C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319 and type ngen update

If anyone wants a bat file they can 2 create empty bat files for x86 and x64:
Run both x86 and x64 version on 64bit OS. On 32bit OS, 32bit ngen update is enough.
Save it as netfx32.bat

Code:

cd C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319
ngen update /nologo /silent

Save it as netfx64.bat

Code:

cd C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319
ngen update /nologo /silent

Just off-topic, just installed 2667MHz RAM from Crucial and my undervolt was causing it not to boot into OS and I couldn't undervolt with -0.49mV. Even RAM speeds were bad in AIDA64 when paired against old dell stick. I had received single rank memory while Dell provided was dual rank memory. Then I found I got EOL'ed RAM so sent it back twice. Now, I'm waiting for ballistix memory or maybe look for new laptop altogether. Its hard to source RAM sticks that works for AW w/o causing instabilities.
I'll check if dual channel 2667MHz kills undervolt altogether or not.

 

So if I understand correctly, you recommend me to uninstall SupportAssist?

 

Yes.

 

I can't understand why people want it installed. On top it's a security problem(ticking bomb) for those who value that
All about Security, News, Events and Incidents

 

That is also a component to why uninstalling IF Dell dont fix SA.
There has been several users that have got rid of the reseat message after uninstalling SA, but not with the normal method "Add and remove Programs".
You have to be sure that you have completely removed all the SA versions. I found out that there is a third SA showed in CCleaner:



But only two under Apps and Features:


Just one under Add and remove programs:


For me it shows the three versions of SA when I search for "SupportAssist". After you have uninstalled do a registry cleanup and fix afterwards. Reboot and test if the reseat message is gone.
Alienware support (unofficial admit) and several users reports that completely removing (both/all versions of) SA solves the problem.

 

Any good repaste guides for 15 R2? Does iunlock's guide apply? http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...5r3-disassembly-repaste-guide-results.797373/
Looks a bit annoying to tear down.

 

BTW I had a problem with my m15 claiming SA was clearly reporting fan issues during POST - uninstalled SA and smooth sailing so far.

 

Hello guys,

I've just registered to the forum after I saw the great community here. Today I bought a used Alienware 15 (R1) with i7-4710HQ and GTX 970m.
I got this laptop for a very specific needs. I'm a Mac user and after I had an Apple M1 Mac I wasn't able to install Windows. So, I'll be doing some basic OpenGL projects on this laptop also I want to play 2 of my favorite games here. First one is Snowrunner, second one is Red Dead Redemption 2.
The laptop I got is in great condition (still). After playing Snowrunner for about 20 min, I checked the temps. Max gpu temp was at 66 celcius degree which was great. However, during the gameplay gpu usage never saw exceeding %90. (Is it because of 180w power brick?)
(I tweaked some settings on windows and nvidia, now the game runs at 60 fps constantly with gpu clock rock solid at 1038 MHz)

Also, the cpu temp was generally about 78 celcius degree at a constant 3298 MHz.

Are these values normal? What can I do to improve these? Is there any updated guide for this machine? Btw, the bios version is the very first one, A00, (should I upgrade it to A12?) and I'm using 180w power brick.

I'll be happy for any help, thanks!

 

I think undervolting to -50mV on CPU, cache should lower temps w/o any issue.Latest BIOS are bad, I think A06 or A08 which didn't have microcode that doesn't block BCLK overclock or something should be fine.

 

Alright, I just downclocked the cpu to 3.0 GHz and undervolted by -70 mV, then overclocked the gpu core clock by +90 MHz and memory clock by +270 MHz.
With these, the cpu temps decreased at about 7-8 celcius degree and the gpu temps remained about the same but its performance has increased by %10.
Didn't touch to the bios version, should I?

 

Skip the BIOS upgrade. I don't remember which BIOS version fixed the DC power cable from burning due to higher power intake. I think @judal57 or someone with 15r1 can chime in.

 

So, I'm okay with the A00?
By the time, I got a cooling pad with both elevation and fans, this dropped the cpu and gpu temps by additional 8-10 celcius degree. Now, the gpu doesn't exceed 56 celcius degree during gaming sessions and the cpu stays at about 60-65 degree.

 

AW 15 r1 will pull more current than needed and destroys the DC IN cable.

 

what’s this? So, how to prevent it?

 

I think A08 BIOS was good. A09 and A10 had BCLK locked and perf. decrease due to specre updates.

 

Seen this? Failed due Normal use. Will this means it will survive if you don't use your laptop? Aka the components in this AW laptop models have same function as tires on a car? Need to be replaced due regularly wear and tear. I wonder how much Parts people has in income due design/engineering flaws.

https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware/17-R4-doesn-t-start/m-p/7831842#M40592

Very nice. Lock it even more. I wonder what desktop user would say if the MB manufacurers have done the same for others.

 

I tried w/o use for 2 months and still refused to boot up. I had to to CMOS reset to start up the PC and warm it up with Firestrike and Witcher 3 for 6 hrs and then it started behaving properly.