Alienware OS Disk is not responding or is my M17x?

After a few little issues with M17x I decide to have a fresh copy of Win 7.
I did this to many times that I thought it would be easy but I was wrong. (Well my others fresh copies was with out deleting any partition). I boot the computer using my OS disk provided with the M17x, I delete all the partitions I did what is call “nuke the system” and I come out with only 1 virtual drive (I have 2 physical drives on Raid mode).
After the I delete the partitions and the computer start to load the files system I got the first message.

Message using Alienware OS disk
http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv249/craftsmantools/AlienwareM17x/AllienwareOS/IMG_0091Large.jpg

After I got this I changed the Alienware OS disk to a Microsoft OS disk and I got the second message

Screen using Microsoft OS Disk
http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/vv249/craftsmantools/AlienwareM17x/AllienwareOS/IMG_0094Large.jpg

But is not all, now the touch illuminated top right bottoms are not responding. I have a disk stuck in the cd-dvd bay. How I can eject.

Regards

 

Here an other screen shoot, just after the black screen are loaded the files system.
Using Alienware OS Disk
http://i688.photobucket.com/albums/...AlienwareM17x/AllienwareOS/IMG_0102Medium.jpg

Reading the mesage on the Screen shot, look like I need the driver for the CD/DVD, but I am not sure what is the model of my CD/DVD room, using my tag # I have 8 options on dell/sopport.
how I know the model and how can load this driver?

Regards

 

Okay, this is a bit perplexing... Let's see, I am assuming you did manage to get to the boot menu and you booted by the disk (I guess that's obvious.) You did format & delete all partitions (which is exactly how I always do mine too, so there is nothing wrong there). Now, there is an option in the partition management panel to form your own new partitions and install software (like disk firmware) on them, which it also seems you did not do, because you said that "After the I delete the partitions and the computer start to load the files...". That all sounds completely fine to me.

So here's one for ya: The Alienware OS disk that you are using, did you actually BUY it with the system? Like, did you buy this system and get this disk shipped along with it? Also, are you trying (or have you already tried) to change RAID mode while this is underway? Clearly, since you have already deleted partitions you don't have a functional operating system on the machine, I suppose it isn't surprising that the touch panel above the keyboard isn't working. Honestly ElSerch, I have never had anything like the problems you seem to have here, so I am really curious about this Win-7 disk you have.

As far as getting it back out of the machine, how were you able to get it out before? You said "After I got this I changed the Alienware OS disk to a Microsoft OS disk..." I'm at a loss here; not sure what to tell you. There is someone here on NBR who actually did some significant disassembling of his R2 just to remove a stuck disk. I seriously hope you don't have to go through that!

 

I hope this clarifications give more ideas of my problem

Regards
By the way, sorry if my english is not too fluid but is my second language

 

I understand the English part; don't worry. The disk is genuine, but I was asking because I have read that "Computer manufacturers that distribute OEM versions of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft application software can use the SLIC to authenticate licensing to the OEM Windows Installation disk and/or system recovery disc containing Windows software." That quote is from Wikipedia, but I had heard similar before and I was concerned that an unauthorized copy would not install in your machine.

Basically, I don't know how to sort this out. I will message Stevie and see if he knows anything. He has lots of install experience with Aliens too, so hang loose until the morning (in UK.)

 

ElSerch, Just for clarification, all my previous remarks in the other thread about getting your Sata operations to Sata legacy were specifically reacting to when you use the Win 7 DVD & you get the message you provided in your 2nd screen Pic (the one about media test failure - missing operating system).

I was able to load the Win 7 DVD & perform clean builds (more times than I care to remember). Once Windows started booting, it ran through to completion without any "missing driver errors". Afterwards you do have to load all the specific Dell drivers for Chipset etc & should follow the previous thread's directions.

 

ElSerch, San Diego is describing how we all do it generally, and yes, that's how it is supposed to work. I guarantee, my "nuclear" guide will work for you, ONCE the install is underway. However, if this is really your OS disk (you didn't "borrow" it, did you?) then I can't imagine how you are getting stuck. It is supposed to be a total no-brainer (that means really easy! it does not mean that you have no brain) with a system that is in normal working order. In fact, it has to be, because an OS install is a bootstrapping procedure that they design to be doable with almost nothing in the system other than a working BIOS. That's why in my guide it says stuff like "this always works because it only relies on firmware permanently on the motherboard." So now I am kind of wondering if something else is wrong.

Try this: There is an option in the boot menu (the F12 part, remember?) to run 'Diagnostics'. Please do so, let them run through, and post what you find. The diagnostics will include memory tests, screen tests, etc. It takes several minutes or longer, but since I'll be going to bed soon and Stevie will be all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed soon over in UK, he'll probably jump in.

 

Firstly, YOUR NOT A DUMMIE....JUST A BIT UNFORTUNATE THATS ALL....

DO NOT RE-INSERT ANY DISC UNTIL YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING SORTED OR YOU ARE SURE YOU CAN RE-EJECT IT AGAIN - YOU DONT WANT TO HAVE TO TAKE YOUR SYSTEM TO BITS TO GET IT OUT IF YOU CANT EJECT IT AGAIN!

I found this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/422486-how-configure-raid-1-0-m17x-didnt-come.html which seems to be the kinda problems you are experiencing. From what Ive read of it, you are getting the same error messages etc and more than likely, its very closely related to that thread - Im hoping that your solution lies within. When you get the message "driver is missing", i think you need to click search and find the relevant driver for RAID as the above thread states - seems like you somehow got rid of your RAID array.

This will probably be located on the Product Recovery disc (according to what I read, so, it sounds like you may need to get the RAID driver off this disc to a flash drive, as suggested - unless you are sure you can re-eject again, in which case if you get that message whilst the disc is IN your drive, try browsing to the disc and do as the above thread states to get the relevant RAID drivers over to USB)

Once you have done this, as far as I can see, it should be a simple case of follow instructions on the above thread (1st page) to install those drivers and enable/set up your RAID array. If all goes well, you should then install the OS as usual and THEN install your drivers as per Dave's guide.

NOTE: that thread DOES say that the process described is applicable only to the R1 and may differ from the R2 but you do have an R1, so thats ok.

REGARDING BOOT PRIORITY AND ONE TIME BOOT TO INSTALL YOUR OS
Did you change the boot order in Bios? (when i say that, did you physically change the settings under the "boot" tab? - what you NEEDED to do (as this wasnt neccessary to do, if you HAVE done it) was simply to hit F12 and choose cd/dvd for a "one time only" boot from your optical drive - this would have installed the OS and not altered your "boot priority options" in bios.

Im guessing here that you have changed the boot order in BIOS...your system is trying to boot from your hard drives BUT because you have "nuked" your HDD's, (all the partitions inclluding the one that held you OS before you deleted them all) you obviously have no OS installed - hence the error "missing operating system"


To change boot order BACK, its back into System Bios at startup (F2 at "AlienFace")....right arrow across to the tab which says "boot"

You will then see your devices in order - they should be something like this:

+HDD
USB Storage
CD/DVD
Removable Devices
Network

If any different to the above, I would change them back (to reflect above order) so that you have your system set to boot from HDD - dont worry, you can still "one time boot" from CD/DVD later.......the aim here is to have the "+" symbol next to the device that you want to boot from AFTER doing your clean install - NOT TO PERFORM your clean install! (Basically, the device that you will boot from every time you turn on AFTER installing the OS - hence you want HDD selected)

You can do this using the arrow buttons to change priority. Get to a stage where its like above and that should be fine...(thats how mine looks in my bios fwiw)

You will boot from the CD/DVD later - via F12 at startup and select "CD/DVD" (this will perform a "one time boot" from your optical drive to install the OS - after that one time boot, your boot order will revert to that in system BIOS.

REGARDING RAID
Sounds like as you played about with the Raid configuration, something isnt quite right there. I dont know why you did this? - were you trying to change the kind of raid array you already had before starting this whole procedure? - I would imagine that you have no raid controllers/drivers which is why you are getting "device driver missing......." (see above linked thread for more info on this)

My understanding is that you need to have Raid enabled in BIOS first to write your OS in a raid format to your HDD/HDD's - you also need the RAID drivers as I stated earlier.

To change boot priority, turn on and hit F2 at start up (as soon as you see the large AlienFace) to get into your system BIOS.

Once in Bios, use the arrow keys to tab across to the tab at the top which says "Advanced".....you can then arrow down the page and you will see something like this:

Sata Operation - RAID
Raid OPROM UI - Enabled
Raid Mode Selection

You can use the enter to change these configurations so if you WANT Raid, you need to ensure that Sata Operation is set to RAID, Raid OPROM UI is set to Enabled and using "enter" on Raid Selection, this will take you to a sub menu where you can enable or disable whatever raid type you want. You want "Enable" on the type of Raid you DO want to use and "Disable" on the one you DONT want to use.

Exit Bios saving changes. Your options may be different to mine as you have an R1 but the images on the linked thread seem like they will be the same as yours as thats an R1 too.....

CREATING A NEW RAID ARRAY IF YOU HAVE DELETED THE OLD ONE
If you have deleted your old raid array, you probably will have to set up a new one. Again, the linked thread shows you how to do this so I wont reiterate here.

I STRONGLY SUGGEST READING THIS THREAD AS ITS MORE OR LESS EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING - FOLLOWING THE STEPS SHOULD GET YOU BACK UP AND RUNNING - AT LEAST IM HOPING SO FOR YOUR SAKE.....ALSO, RATHER FORTUNATE YOU GOT THE DISC OUT, OTHERIWSE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN A RIGHT PAIN IN THE **** . I WOULD STICK TO USING THE AW OS DISC THAT YOU HAD WITH THE SYSTEM FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

(Sorry im not familiar with the R1, some bios options may be laid out differently to mine)

EDIT: Seen as how you have the disc out now, should be a case of ensuring that you have the boot priority in the right order and have a raid array setup to take your fresh OS install.....I reckon that once you are back to this point (with raid setup and boot priority correct) it should just be a case of installing the OS and the relevant drivers specific to your own system as per Dave's guide. "fingers crossed lol"

Have a good look at the thread link I posted as it should sort you out, by the sounds of things.

Any questions - post a reply, we will all do our best to help you!

Steve.

 

Thanks Steve! (See, I knew he would awaken ready and rarin' to help!) But yeah, the RAID change had me wondering too.

 

Hahaha, dunno about bright eyed and bushy tailed tho lol..Always glad to try and help a fellow "beast owner" out.....I think that should sort him out.....with a bit of luck!....I think the Raid array got nuked too somewhere along the lines. (nothing to do with your guide , I just think the OP got a bit carried away with "nuclear wipeout!" lol A little bit of googling can work wonders ' eh?

 

Thank you to all!
I am at the office right now but this afternoon as soon get home I will start working on the laptop.
Believe me before to post I did my homework, I search on the web for this issue but just I didn’t complete the homework.

Regards

 

No worries fella - I just hope it all goes "plain sailing" for you....it really shouldnt be that hard to sort out....most of the BIOS stuff is fairly simple and user friendly....may seem scary but you cant break anything.

If your uncomfortable, just play around first (make sure you dont exit and save whilst playing around - you can always exit without saving....it might just help you to see all the various options that you CAN change....)

Good luck! - keep us posted!

 

Right Serch, like Steve says, you really cannot break anything. As long as there is nothing wrong with your machine (and I'm sure there isn't) and you are not pulling cables or doing wild stuff, you won't break it. You have all the proper media, so go ahead and learn as much as you can while you are sorting this out. You'll probably be able to help others from your experiences when this is over! Good luck!

 

As already say, Thank you to all for you support and patience. Yesterday after few try to load the OS system and be unable, I get tired and frustrated, my mind get blocked.
But today after I read one more time the thread with your ideas and support I realize that may if I boot from a USB probably get the OS system loaded.
I download Novicorp WinToFlash file and I follow the instructions to mount the files on a USB (you most need a 8GB USB).
And BINGO, the OS went thru with out any issue.
Finally I have the laptop running, right now I am loading the drives for the rest of the components.
Conclusion: probably the drives for the CD/DVD ROOM are not available on the OS CD/DVD

I hope not to found any issues with the rest of the setup.

Regards and a loud HURRA!

 

Glad you got thins sorted in the end ElSerch....good luck with the rest of the process - cant go wrong now, so happy computing!

 

I am here one more time!
The set-up of the computer went true fine. I load all drives and my favorite programs. I was playing up too mid night yesterday, I shut down the computer and today when I turn on and the system finished to load, I got this message: "No ATI graphics drive is installed. Or the ATI drive is not functioning properly. Install the ATI drive appropriate for you ATI hardware".
Now the device manager show a: Standard VGA Graphics Adapter as Display adapters.
It is not the first time that happen, it happen in the past axially, it was the reason why I reload the OS system.
I am using the lattes video driver available on dell/support for my specific laptop and OS system.
Every time I lost the drives for ATI I lost quality on the display.
Any ideas?

Regards
El Serh

 

Sound like you have a bad video card (or bad motherboard).
I would contact dell and get them to send you a replacement video card first and see how that goes.

D.

 

Problem solved. I mesh with bios options at the OS instalation. By now my two video cards are working with the lattes driver.
Thank you

 

So ElSerch, are you completely out of the woods now? I've been watching your posts and it sounds like one-by-one, you've knocked down each problem. Is that true? If so, you are pretty much an expert now on rebuilds and driver-BIOS interaction issues.

 

well I am still learning, I know down all the issues not alone. I use the expertise of everyone of post idea o comment on my treads.

Thank you