M17x R2 Radeon 5870 problem

My M17x R2 has had this problem since I've had it (almost a year now) and I've never been able to find a solution to this, or even heard any one else say they've had this problem (but I've done my best to search for it).

This problem occurs whenever I switch users, maximize certain programs (like an N64 emulator or Gameboy emulators), and one Gameboy emulator caused this to happen just when I opened the program (and didn't maximize it).

Once I've done any of those things, The transparencies in my windows theme (Alienware Breed theme) stop working and turn white. The windows for all my programs also change- they loose most of the border and the 'X' to close programs changes to a bar.

When I log off/back on or restart the machine, it goes back to normal. It's not a fatal error, but it's extremely frustrating considering what I payed for the machine. Any solutions, help, and advice would be greatly appreciated! And yes, I have the most up-to-date Radeon 5870 drivers.

before:


after:

/\
| notice the white bar that takes the place of transparencies

M17x R2
I7-720QM, 1.6, 6MB
4GB, 1333MHZ, DDR3, 2X2G
Hard Drive, 500GB, S2, 7.2K (x2)
HD Radeon 5870
A10 BIOS
1440x900 Display

 

Are you running all the latest GPU drivers?
Is Windows patched up?

Themes have been upset from time to time by certain applications. However these issues have largely been resolved over time.

It sounds like a software issue, not specifically a 5870 problem. Changing the windows acceleration settings would likely make the symptoms go away, but this would be by turning some features off.

Check it's all up to date.

Regards,
Paul.

 

Sorry man I know this is no help but what background is that?

 

I checked again and I have all important and recommended updates for Windows 7, and all of my drivers are up-to-date.

I have not been able to change any settings for hardware acceleration using standard methods, because ATI prevents it, but I am downloading directx SDK from Microsoft. I read that it should be able to do it.

I also tried running the programs in compatibility modes, but the same thing still happened. But it's probably not the programs that are the problem since it happens when I switch users on the computer itself.

Thanks for the information, and I'll let you know if directx does the trick!

 

Yeah that does seem like a software issue and not a graphics card issue. I wouldn't blame it on the Alienware, and all in all if that's the worst problem you ever have with your laptop you're doing great

 

technically, it's a program running on my desktop that you can code and program yourself (and i photoshopped the images). the program is called Rainmeter, and it's basically HTML.

hmm.. ok. i wasn't able to get the hardware acceleration to cooperate, so i still haven't found a solution. but i have the same old battery plugged in but not charging thing that i have to deal with =\ haha, but i guess you're right.

 

the transparency-bug occurs with the alienGUI from stardock. had it myself,too.

switched back to standard appearance. looks better anyway (because there are no bugs )

Regards

 

yeah..i also suffer the same things to when i use alienGUI theme..that's why i never wanna use it..even though it will looks cool when you show it off to your friends..lol..it's the theme man..i think there's nothing to do with the GPU..

 

ok, that's very good to know. thank you for the information!

i shall now begin the search for a new theme. haha.

 

atually i just switched back to a standard aero theme, and when i do the same things i mentioned in the OP, i still lose transparency... so i guess it wasn't just that particular theme...

=\