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    M14x First Time

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by trooper1414, Jul 20, 2011.

  1. trooper1414

    trooper1414 Notebook Deity

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    Hi guys ...just wanted to prepare a small guide for the first time users...when you take your m14x out of the box and stop admiring it and decide to boot it up.

    Just a few tips that might come in handy and have been posted previously but in seperate threads and the same issues were encountered by me ..so thought ill make a consolidated guide

    1)You`ll see a gap on top of your screen when you maximize a window between the lcd panel and the window(ex - open my computer and maximize it)
    This is due to a process called...Toaster.exe - you kill that and things would go fine.

    In order to permanently disable the service on startup - go to CP-Administrative Tools-Services-SoftThinksAgent (disable this service on startup )

    2) Webcam - The webcam gives a shade of purple when first turned on ...this is due to incorrect settings and you`ll need to load a software like skype/msn (i have used skype) where the video settings can be changed - open the video settings in skype and deselect auto adjust white balance option. This should do the trick.

    3)Steam when first turned on says something - Loading your games and is stuck on that (I dont quite remember the message :D) ...Its due to the fact that its loading Portal or any other game that comes with it...Thr are two options..you can either wait for it to complete..which might take long...or go to the steamapps folder...and cut portal.gcf &ncf files.

    4.For GPU Overclocking for first times....before you start load a couple of widgets ...GPU Observer to monitor GPU Temperature

    5.Also install Core temp to monitor CPU temp

    6.Install MSI Afterburner to overclock the GPU - Recommended advice is given here .. http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m14x/593622-m14x-overclock-gpu.html I would request first times to read this ...as well as other steps on GPU overclocking before you attempt it (not as scary as i make it sound..but i want your GPUz to be safe)
     
    trooper1414, Jul 20, 2011
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  2. mojorific

    mojorific Notebook Consultant

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    There is a firmware update on the Dell website for the webcam. Not sure if it addresses the issue with 'shade of purple', but perhaps someone here can try it out and see.
     
    mojorific, Jul 20, 2011
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  3. bendecki

    bendecki Notebook Enthusiast

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    trooper good post thanks for sharing it

    i will definitely be using these tips when i get my M14x
     
    bendecki, Jul 21, 2011
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  4. trooper1414

    trooper1414 Notebook Deity

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    anytime....dont forget to +rep :D :D
     
    trooper1414, Jul 21, 2011
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