Alienware m17xr3 hd6990m and hd3000 driver and switching issues

I have a Alienware m17xr3 now with a hd6990m that used to have the 6970m. I had uninstalled the amd catalyst and intel graphics programs as well as deleting the devices through device manager.

1. I tried installing the dell Intel HD Graphics 3000, v.15.21.13.64.2342, A02 (Driver) DATE 5/25/2011
2. Then I installed AMD 9.003 W74 for Alienware dated 7/16/2013

Result:
Switchable graphics does work however I cannot adjust brightness when using the AMD hd6990m. I see the scale on the screen but the brightness never changes. The screen stays at exactly the brightness that had been set using the integrated HD3000 graphics. The scale moves but the brightness doesn't actually change. Thankfully I do see both the HD3000 and 6900m series display adapters in device manager so the card is good.

Questions:

1. Do I need to have installed the HD3000 graphics from dell? I recall trying the non-dell version but I believe it didn't allow the option to switch graphics.
2. Is there a newer HD3000 driver that works with the switchable graphics? Date of 5/25/2011 is really old and there have been many revisions to the intel driver.
3. Did I install the correct AMD driver or is there a new one or different one for the 6990m?
4. Is the intel hd3000 driver custom by dell and is that what puts the brightness scale on the screen or is it a different driver?

Side Note:
I barely have used this laptop at all due to changing jobs and not actually needing it for my consulting gig I originally bought it for. However, after months of non-use I had powered it on a couple months ago and got a white screen. Found out the integrated gpu wasn't recognized and had died. Tried for repacement under warranty with my 4 year at home service plan. However, I had to wait over 6 weeks for the part and it was DOA! So dell finally upgraded me to the hd6990m. Good thing I didn't actually depend on this laptop for my work. That would have been bad and overall I was disappointed with the dell service considering the money I paid. Laptop is a pretty great design for sure though. Now if I can just get this graphics card to work right...

 

Dell says that the intel driver installation is not required if you are using the AMD card

 

You need to use the DELL drivers or the switchable graphics won't work well. The latest verified driver is the one on our website.

 

Hi i have installed the new dell drivers without manually installing any HD 3000 driver's. Switchable works fine but i can't adjust brightness when i'm using my 6990M like the topic creator, is there a fix for this or do we just adjust brightness on the HD 3000 then switch back to the amd as a work around? thanks

 

Even after cleaning all drivers and installing just the latest AMD I still have the same problem. Thanks for replying AnthonyCy so I know I am not the only one!

 

It's been a common issue that I have never seen fixed. I can however raise the brightness when on the igpu. It might have something to do with me being on windows 8. I don't know.