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    M17xR3 Alienware Theme Problem

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Beradon, Aug 5, 2011.

  1. Beradon

    Beradon Notebook Evangelist

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    So I've been having an issue with the Alienware Theme that came preinstalled on my R3.

    It seems that Windows isnt able to make the transparency work on the borders and taskbar despite the settings in the theme. It tells me it is working but it isnt and the color is that of 'Windows basic'.

    Anyone run into this and/or have a fix for it? It doesnt appear to be limited to the Alienware theme, even the built in Windows 7 themes are doing it.

    Interestingly enough when it starts up, it looks correct, but by the time it's finished loading, it switches to Windows Basic. I cant seem to narrow down what is causing it.
     
    Beradon, Aug 5, 2011
    #1
  2. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    You've enabled transparency on the Theme page (under Window Color)?

    [​IMG]​
     
    The Revelator, Aug 5, 2011
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  3. Beradon

    Beradon Notebook Evangelist

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    Yep transparency is enabled. Interestingly enough its showing up properly now, but it appears to be hit or miss.
     
    Beradon, Aug 6, 2011
    #3
  4. scodoublet

    scodoublet Notebook Enthusiast

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    I was having trouble with this too when I first got my system. I think it had something to do with AlienRespawn. That was causing me all kinds of graphical problems. Also make sure to update your video card drivers.
     
    scodoublet, Aug 6, 2011
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  5. Beradon

    Beradon Notebook Evangelist

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    I've found what is causing it. It's the Alienware OSD. It happened again, so of course I googled it and actually found someone that experienced a similar issue on an Asus with the ROG OSD. He suggested killing OSD and restarting the DWM. Worked on the first shot.

    So it appears there are still some issues with the OSD. From what I can tell it causes instability with Windows Aero and with ATI Drivers (the flickering and GSOD with my 6870 is also caused by the OSD). I've uncovered two separate instances where disabling or killing Alienware OSD fixed my problems now. If only Dell paid some form of attention.
     
    Beradon, Aug 13, 2011
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  6. Tomcat1974

    Tomcat1974 Newbie

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    Hi

    Just a tip that migh help...it did help me...

    the reason this was happening to me was the mirror driver that its upadated trough the LOGMEIN software.
    Once I unistalled the driver in Device Manager the bar came back ok once the system came back on.....

    it might help to look for any mirror drivers first that might be affecting the tool bar.

    Ta
     
    Tomcat1974, Oct 21, 2013
    #6
  7. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    This has also happened to me. @OP, sorry about the inconveniences caused. At least you could find the culprit.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Oct 21, 2013
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