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    Question regarding clean install on 17xR2

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Lolinternets, Feb 15, 2014.

  1. Lolinternets

    Lolinternets Notebook Geek

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    Hey guys,

    I've had my R2 for a few years now and I'm thinking it's time for a fresh start again. I was wondering if I'd have to flash the vBIOS on my video cards again like I had to before if I were to wipe everything and start new again. I know it's been ages but I'm sure a lot of you R2 owners remember awhile back when the community was begging Dell to release an updated 5870 driver and vBIOS update. I did a little bit of searching around on the forums and came across BatBoy's post on clean installation but it didn't mention anything about the vBIOS so I figured I'd clarify with you wise people :D

    So my question is, will I have to re-flash my video cards? And is reinstalling Windows as simple as putting the disc in the drive and following on screen instructions?

    Thanks!
     
    Lolinternets, Feb 15, 2014
    #1
    MogRules likes this.
  2. MogRules

    MogRules Notebook Deity

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    If your just reinstalling windows then you shouldn't have to flash your GPU's again as those will remain unaffected by a windows re-install. Windows is pretty much as simple as putting the disc in and following instructions as you have stated provided your DVD-Rom is set up to be the first boot device :p

    There will be a few programs you will need to install such as Command Center and On Screen Display that you will need. I would also go to the Alienware website and download all the new drivers for your system before you start and put them on a flash drive or external drive that you can access after you reload windows as that will speed things up considerably.
     
    MogRules, Feb 15, 2014
    #2
  3. Lolinternets

    Lolinternets Notebook Geek

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    Thank you kind sir :]
     
    Lolinternets, Feb 15, 2014
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  4. Hackintoshihope

    Hackintoshihope AlienMeetsApple

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    As mog pointed out, a vbios is a hard "driver" in the video card itself you can't wipe it away unless you flash it again. Also NEVER use an old version of alienware command center. The older versions can sometimes brick the AlienFX due to trying to flash a hard "driver" with an old version causing your mother board to be confused. Anyway otherwise ask anything else related to your reinstall and we would be glad to help.
     
    Hackintoshihope, Feb 15, 2014
    #4
  5. simonmpoulton

    simonmpoulton Notebook Deity

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    For the record it's easier to just use the Alienware Respawn to restore the system than to install from scratch using a Windows CD.
    You can do an Alienware Respawn restore from within windows or you can tap F8 to get the startup options and choose repair your computer. The last option on the list should be the alienware respawn option.
     
    simonmpoulton, Feb 16, 2014
    #5