Windows 7 Aero and Clean Install

I'm having a weird issue where sometimes if I switch to integrated or run 3dmark06, my M17xR3 will not turn the aero interface back on.

Didn't have this issue with the stock drive. Any ideas how I could fix this?

Thanks!

 

Are you using the m18x drivers on your m17x by any chance?

 

i am having the same issue...and yes i use the m18x drivers....it happens whenever you switch graphics....rebooting always fixes...no biggie in my mind...

 

Yeah I had to roll back to an earlier backup after using Batboy's suggested m18x drivers. I'm not sure which one it is, but eventually it got to the point where Windows would boot with aero off and never come back on...that's what we get for using drivers for another computer.

Fortunately all is well with the R3's default drivers.

 

Nope. Stock drivers. The first time I did a clean install, this didn't happen. Usually if it is going to work correctly, after I update my WEI score it will come on and everything is fine. The last two clean installs I had to do a restart to get Windows aero to come on.

 

Could this be because I used the M18x chipset drivers? Could that have messed something up? I reverted back to the M17xR3 chipset driver but I'm still having the issue.

 

I think its the chipset driver. There's no reliable way to remove or roll them back properly. Its pretty much a 1-way update. Eventually I gave up and restored a backup and everything was fine.

Reinstalling the recommended m18x drivers from Batboy's post made the problem come back so I have reasonable evidence to think the drivers don't completely work on our systems. I'm not going to be able to fuss with drivers for awhile, so I simply restored my backup so that I'll have my computer functioning normally when I head to work next week.

 

If I do a clean install, I can roll them back, right? Would there be any perminant damage from using the M18x chipset drivers?

 

Yeah the drivers are loaded with Windows, they're not firmware that gets updated onto the device itself so no permanent damage. Also of note is that when you use the m18x's version of Intel RST you'll find that the driver version numbers do not match during post with what shows within Windows, however I'm unsure if this version mismatch has anything to do with the problem.

For the time being I'd just stick with m17x drivers. I certainly will since I need this machine for work.

Oh yeah one more thing, during a clean install the chipset drivers should be the first thing to install.

 

shadowyani, which bios do you have?

 

A04. Seems to work just fine. Had to reset the bios to optimal defaults before B3 would show for chipset information.

 

Have this issue too after a clean install but I didnt use the m18x drivers. So far I have not experienced this issue for two days.

 

If you use all stock drivers, and follow this guide, it seems to work correctly now:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...install-ssd-instructions-recommendations.html

I am only going to update the card reader and perhaps the RST driver.

 

its not the chipset driver...im still on the stock.....

 

I did a reinstall following the link I posted above, and so far *knock on wood* have not had an issue with Aero. It must be something with the order of the driver install.

 

I also mentioned this in the drivers thread, but I too get the same behavior. I've isolated it to the OSD software. Both the m17x and m18x point to the same software (version 0.31.0.14C, A01). When I install it, I get stuck in Aero Basic when I switch graphics. When I uninstall it (i.e. no OSD software) or I revert back to the original software (version 0.31.0.8C, A00), the problem goes away.

 

Sounds very promising. I'll give it a shot.

 

The only reason I installed newer OSD drivers is bcoz of when you press volume button while playing game it will go to deskop.

Are you very sure thats the issue? Also, to roll back to stock OSD drivers how do you do it? Is it a simple process like uninstall from control panel and then install the drivers from M17x R3 dell drivers website?

Pls let us know if that solves it! If it does then kindly tell us your way of doing so! thanks

 

oh yea one more thing! My Aero is disabled already but also the windows logon screen wallpaper (Red glyph) has changed back to default windows!

I checked the directory the red glyph file is still there! Can this be related to the Aero problem?

 

That's because everytime you change themes on windows it will go back to the original logon theme. Here, Download this http://www.sevenforums.com/attachments/tutorials/5893d1237240868-log-screen-change-use_custom_log_on_screen.zip and that will solve your problem.

 

thanks so much! by the way did you encounter with the aero theme issue after your clean install?

 

Yeap. I also did experience that issue. How much did you get your system in Singapore? I live in the Philippines btw.

 

@ Typecast - nice to meet ya! I got it here for S$4750.

Ok just now, I switched to IGP then re-run the assessment for WEI. Restarted. Aero theme is back. Then I switched back to ATI and re-run WEI test again and its still working.

Lets hope it continues this way! *touch wood*

 

Holy crap! That's one overpriced system you got there. )

 

That is the discounted price lol. Original on the website was close to S$5300. For some reason in Singapore & Australia AW systems are overpriced.

 

Bought mine in the states during my summer vacation there. Total price is $2400. They even gave me a free tactx keyboard worth $99.

 

I can definitely understand your frustration with the OSD stealing focus from the game - It's the same reason why I tried the new OSD software too.

To answer your question, it's simple to switch between the two. Just uninstall the software (Control Panel/Programs and Features/Alienware On-Screen display), and install the original version (0.31.0.8C, A00)

As for whether or not it's definitely the problem, I can reproduce it every time. I've also tried it too from a fresh win7 install, and installing the latest OSD software directly, and it still reproduces. I'm amazed that more people with switchable graphics aren't hitting this. Ever since I've reverted back to the original software, I've yet to see it get stuck in Aero basic.

I guess you have to choose which of the two bugs you'd rather live with. I personally would rather have bad behavior (stealing focus) over running in a broken state (stuck aero) anyday.

 

I guess in my case I will stick with the latest OSD as I often need to turn volume up/down during gaming lol. Also, I don't restart my system that often so I guess I can manage to re-run the WEI assessment everytime I restart if it get stucks in aero basic!

 

Ok, not sure if this will help you with your Aero problem but it fixed mine. I have been having the issue(as in not working...no preview desktop or the preview panes, etc) for awhile and I thought it was my ATI drivers, but I did a fresh/clean install of 11.6 the other day and that did not change my Aero problem. I actually found part of my answer from microsoft!!! I went through MSCONFIG, and on general unchecked load startup items, then went to the services tab, checked hide all microsoft services, then disabled all. Rebooted my computer, reselected the Breed theme, rebooted my computer and BAM, Aero was back. Went back into MSCONFIG and reset everything back to the way it was......I still have Aero working after 2 days. Hopefully it will keep holding. I am not sure if this will work for you, but it was driving me crazy....now I am happy again.

 

Just gave you some rep because this fix worked flawlessly on my M18X I just got. I was about to pull my hair out but you saved me! Thanks for this!!

 

Sweet!!! Glad it helped!!!!