Alienware 17 and Windows 8.1 Final First Impression

Hi everybody,

As i have access to MSDN, i would like to give a test on Windows 8.1 RTM, so the final version that'll be released next month for the public.

Windows 8.1 is installing without any problems on Alienware 17, wifi driver is installing automatically, and lets you install some unknows drivers while doing a Windows updates.

During the Windows update, just be sure to hide and don't install the GeForce driver for those that have to nvidia video card of course.

After a full Windows 8.1 updates, you can begin to install all drivers from dell site, using Windows 8 driver, all are compatibles with Windows 8.1.

All are compatibles, not really in fact, you'll notice that when you'll install the broadcom driver for wifi card included with Bluetooth driver package, the driver is installed correctly, but you won't get access to network, it'll find no networks to connect.

To fix this, just go to device manager, right-click the broadcom network card, choose uninstall and tcik the "delete drivers" box.

After that, just do a scan of hardware, and Windows will re-install the broadcom video card with Microsoft generic driver.

Another problems was Bitdefender 2013 internet security, when i've install it, the tool was correcly installed, but i was unable to luanch the GUI, due to a Windows compatibility blocking mechanism.

I was just able to update bitdefender, what i did, and after a reboot, all was ok and i was able to gain access to bitdefender 2013 gui.

I've also do a full backup and restore with Acronis true image 2013 and it's also compatible.

For nvidia gtx 780m, i've installed the beta driver 326.80.

I'll let you know some tips with this topics, and wil answer questions if you have

 

acronis true image 2013 works for windows 8 and 8.1 ?

 

Yes, it's working, the current version that i've installed is Acronis true image 2013 build 6514 with the plus pack.

 

Most important, steam and games runs fine without problems.

When i'll be back at home, i'll try to have a look at broadcom wifi driver.

 

That's great All I care about xD

 

Don't forget to tell to dev team that the wifi driver supplied by dell doesn't work with Windows 8.1

I'm actually running the default installed from Microsoft.

 

It was released for the public in the last week of August, wasn't it?

 

No, not the rtm, only beta for public

 

@tchig0zette - thank you for posting this helpful information. It should be very useful to those planning to upgrade to 8.1. +1 Rep :thumbsup:

FYI - the Stardock Start8 app that fixes Microsoft's fatal error on the desktop is also compatible with Windows 8.1 (was updated for 8.1). The "Start Button" that Micro$lop is bragging about with 8.1 is only a fake that serves as a shortcut back to the Modern UI.

The upgrade to 8.1 will be free to all existing Windows 8 users when 8.1 goes RTM next month. Other than a few little cosmetic things, I am not finding 8.1 to be that much different that Windows 8. If you are a fan of Windows 8 apps and Modern UI, you will most likely greatly appreciate 8.1 because you can split those pesky full screen apps into sections on your screen. And, you can make the previously boring stock Modern UI a little more aesthetically pleasing. There several enhancements to aesthetics that I felt were solid improvements to the Modern UI. But, if you're strictly a desktop user like me it is an unremarkable patch (essentially a Windows Service Pack) for the most part.

Probably the best thing about 8.1 is that it will make performing a clean install easier. Some users struggled with upgrading to Windows 8 without a Windows 7 base to work from as a starting point. Although there was a way to do it, it should be easier for everyone now with 8.1 installation media and a Windows 8 product key they already own.

 

Note the winking smiley after my post!

8.1 RTM was leaked on August 28th (or thereabouts), and I've been running a clean install of 8.1 RTM on my m17x r3 since then. When Microsoft officially released it, the md5 of the ISO image was confirmed to be the same (thankfully!).

Anyway, it runs without any problems.

 

I'm speaking about legal release, not usenet or torrent craps

 

There's no difference, same md5, meaning it is 100% identical. If it wasn't, it wouldn't have the same md5. Activated it with my legitimate Windows 8 Pro key without any problems.

One thing I noticed is that most drivers for the m17x r3 now have later versions included in the Windows 8.1 RTM CD. The only drivers I installed after my format and clean install were memory card reader, wi-fi, network adapter, sound, and of course nVidia graphics drivers. Didn't bother with bluetooth, USB 3, Intel chipset, Intel RST, fall sensor, etc. There's still a clash with Alienware OSD software and built-in brightness controls, but nothing anybody can't live with once set correctly.

 

you're going to have to reinstall though if you wanna run windows 8.1 final release I believe. That's why I'm waiting for now. I'd rather had to tweak everything once instead of messing with settings multiple times.

 

It's not needed to reinstall, tried to run setup from windows 8 desktop and it was working, i cancelled at 50% the upgrade, and did a full fresh install

 

Just a FYI if anyone is using Sonic wall - does not work with Win 8.1

 

It IS Windows 8.1 final release, it's identical to what Windows 8.1 DVD's will be, although Microsoft have already said there will be day 1 patches.

 

I'm planning to get an alienware for less than 1400$ around new years eve. I stay in india. i have cousins coming from the US and DXB. I'm not sure if i should get it from DXB shopping festival or US Christmas sake. Please help