Question for M17x R4 OWNERS Running Windows 8.1

Hello, In September I upgraded to windows 8.1 and updated my soundcard to the latest drivers on dells website (creative one), they still haven't put a newer one up.
I was having an issue when I didn't get the option to Select HDMI In Sound (To LISTEN TO the device), which didn't allow me to connect devices like the ps3 to my laptop to use the screen (GTA 5 on the Ps3), and hear sound so it was just mute. Please see the picture attached to understand what I mean.

For this reason I downgraded back to windows 7. Since I am now thinking of upgrading back because I'm getting a new SSD, I was wondering if anybody who has windows 8.1 and has installed the latest drivers - they're not on the dell website, I don't even know if creative has released newer drivers for the "Creative Labs Sound Blaster Recon3Di CT9570 Driver for Win8.1"?

Thanks in advance!

 

I believe Windows 8 is odd and has its own audio drivers (and many other drivers) built into the Operation System itself. You're probably better off using Google and searching for something released by Creative Labs, not Windows or Dell.

 

Thanks for the reply, I have tried searching and haven't had any luck. I really just need an r4 user with 8.1 to let me know if it works for them / what they're running.

This is how you solve the sound issue on the m17x r4/m18x r2
No Audio coming from the HDMI-IN port on the Alienware M17x R4 and M18x R2 | Dell US

But I tried the same method on when I had 8.1 installed and the hdmi sound was greyed out / missing.

Anybody?

I found this thread. Seems to be an ongoing problem that is resolved by doing the hdmi in shortcut and closing and opening the lid. I didn't have any issue with the video not showing up though. Just the sound, don't think this would effect the sound+ I have the 60hz display.

M17x-R4, HDMI-IN no go, Windows 8 - Alienware Forum - Alienware Club - Dell Community

 

Have you updated your system BIOS? Windows 8/8.1 has some features directly related to the BIOS. It requires a special boot sequence to load necessary hardware properly.

 

I run windows 8.1 and HDMI input and audio works fine for me.

You need to go through the windows sound/devices menu rather than the soundblaster one and tick listen to device in there. (Go through sound icon on taskbar).

My drivers are a bit funny but they work nonetheless.

 

Thanks to both of the responses. I'll give it a shot again and try out Windows 8.1!

Will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Great news! I think the bios update or some sort of Windows update did the fix. However this has brought up another problem. I can't seem to find creative sound blaster, the actual application? I installed the drivers from Dell for Windows 8.1 and it still doesn't show, I don't think it installs properly. When I try to install it normally it says complete, then in safe mode it says installation failed.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk

 

Trust me, it wasn't Windows updates, lol. Windows updates tend to cause problems. Glad the BIOS update worked.

 

Is there any way to get the soundblaster menu back in windows 8? I like the smart volume functions, voice fx, and a few other settings that come with the software. It says a driver has been installed, but I have tried installing the program - 8.1 version, and it just doesn't show.

 

Just copy the files from the Dell folder (c:/) into your program files folder and make a shortcut on the windows start menu. The folder doesn't install properly for some reason but if you run the .exe file in the creative folder the control panel works fine.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Could you please send screenshots of how you've done it / what folders you have actually put over? I've tried all the combinations, and added them to the start menu too. Sadly it still hasn't worked.

 

C:\Dell\Drivers\4T7P8\

Should be in that folder or searrch within your dell folder for soundblaster, there should be an .exe (its something like SBRcni.exe) file which runs the soundblaster control panel. Just copy that and make a shortcut to that file for any adjustments you ever need. Copy from creative to program files somewhere.

C:\Dell\Drivers\4T7P8\program files\Creative\Sound Blaster Recon3Di\Sound Blaster Recon3Di Control Panel is the folder with

 

Thank you so much, this fixed the problem, finally It's back! Solving one problem at a time!

Now just have to deal with all the other issues I'm having. Sorry for creating 2 threads though, one was just specifically for this issue. And the other one is to address all of the problems I'm having. Glad this one is solved.