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    M17x r3 hangs at starting Windows

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by ht_addict, Feb 19, 2012.

  1. ht_addict

    ht_addict Notebook Evangelist

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    I did a fresh install of Win7 on my R3, but lately I have been having an issue where the computer won't get past the starting Windows screen. Anyone have an idea what causes this. Ran the diagnostic in BIOS and have no issues.
     
    ht_addict, Feb 19, 2012
    #1
  2. aznpos531

    aznpos531 Notebook Evangelist

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    Are you using an SSD as your boot drive by any chance?
     
    aznpos531, Feb 19, 2012
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  3. SlickDude80

    SlickDude80 Notebook Prophet

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    Are you able to get in via safemode?
     
    SlickDude80, Feb 19, 2012
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  4. hc2995

    hc2995 Notebook Geek

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    If possible can you load a windows rescue disk and in the command prompt type SFC / scannow to see if it can repair the system files. Is the disk you are using clean, scratch free? Any problems while installing?
     
    hc2995, Feb 19, 2012
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  5. ht_addict

    ht_addict Notebook Evangelist

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    Yep. Why would that be an issue? I use SSD's in my other laptops with no issue.
     
    ht_addict, Feb 20, 2012
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  6. aznpos531

    aznpos531 Notebook Evangelist

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    I had this issue before with my SSD. Not sure what was wrong exactly but it happened after updating the firmware. I solved it by force flashing again to the latest firmware and reinstalling the MSAHCI drivers.
    Also, make sure your SSD is installed in bay 1 (the middle one) since bay 0 will revert to SATA 2 sometimes. Make sure you're not running A09 BIOS as that makes both bays run at SATA 2 all the time.
    Let me know if this fixes your issues.
     
    aznpos531, Feb 20, 2012
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  7. ht_addict

    ht_addict Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm using the A08 mod Bios. I'll check and move the drive if needed. Currently I'm using the latest Intel Mobile Chipset Drivers.
     
    ht_addict, Feb 20, 2012
    #7