[*Resolved] "Prototype Test-NVIDIA Confidential" Error Message [See posts #283, 319]

Yep...finally Ive received a confirmation letter of replacement. Shouldnt be too long now.

 

It finally came through, I received the replacement today.

However Im still getting the same warning msg whenever a 3D game or movie is played.

Can anyone with a 3D TV or 3D projector confirm with me that they DO NOT have this msg? Could it be that my projector is not compatible with this new 580m cards? But then again if it's not compatible then 3D Vision wont be activated when the connection is made right? I can still play and watch 3D movies and games but along with the warning msg...

 

Wow.. you need to get them to send a technician out to your house.

 

In my case, Im not sure what the techician can do. This has been forwarded to the Engineers before and they advised to change the video cards which they did, still had the same problem.

 

Still having this problem and Dell advised that this is a software related issues and will be retified in the coming driver releases...

But the problem is when exactly? the next release or the next year release?

My patience is running out...Im seriously consider a refund. It's a shame I like the laptop so much, my first ALienware too.

 

Luckily the tech guy who helped me with several of my situations is replacing my laptop now and will soon be receiving a m18x. GOOD LUCK LUBU! hope everything works out for ya!

 

Are you running the latest BIOS and VBIOS? (I've only skimmed the thread after reading the first page.)

 

To summarize, I see three M18x users (lubu, Alienwhere, T.A.P) getting the message, ""Prototype Test Only. NVIDIA Confidential. Not For Production. Not For Release.". Anyone else? I need the following information from those getting the message sent to me via private message -
Email Address:
Name:
Shipping Address:
Phone Number:
Service Tag number:
Reason: M18x getting this message:
http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/9757/abcdg.jpg

 

For anyone wondering, Chris M works with Bill B... no reason to fear sending him your personal information in a private message. He is a Dell employee just like Bill. Here is Chris' profile at the Dell Community LINK.

Chris - thanks for reaching out to these customers. We are very fortunate to have you and Bill in our community.

 

Just to add a level of additional confirmation... Chris is a Dell Employee. For anyone who is seeing the message Chris posted about - please feel free to respond via PM.

Thanks Chris!

 

this are things that make me feel like i'll purchase again from Dell and it will be an AW of course

Kudos to both of you!

 

Thank you Chris and Mr. Fox. I really appreciate this. The site contains vast information and the members/representatives have been very helpul to everyone in needs of help. I thank yous and acknowlege you all.

Thach

 

Yeah, he's legit, but he's not real chatty like me. He'll just come in, do business, get issues fixed for people and move on silently.

 

I still need the service tag numbers via private message from users lubu and T.A.P. Also, Wellwood and Alienwhere reported that the vbios did not correct the issue. lubu and T.A.P can you post your results?

Thanks!

 

Awesome.
10 char

 

Chris and Bill - thanks for the assistance. You guys are awesome. +1 rep to both of you.

I just sent a PM to both members asking them to come back to this thread and follow up. One of them has not been online since 10-20-2011, so we might not hear from that individual. The other has been active, so they may not have seen the post.

 

Hi, you mean the results from updating the vbios? no the vbios did not fix the issue. Regarding the Service Tag, didnt I already pmed it to you Chris?

 

Add me to the list. I just got my replacement M18x today with 580m cards and I'm getting the same message when trying to use 3D.

Will PM later with my details as required.

What's the word on this so far? Is it a software issue or am I up for my 3rd replacement system? If so, time for a refund i think.

 

I think I found the reason to this problem, it lies in the EIDD of the projector. To test it out I bought a Panasonic 3D ready and everythings fine. What I did next was connect the projector via the mini-display to VGA adapter and use the mini display port and update the Generic PnP Monitor with an Acer H5360 driver and it "sorta" work.

Now if I start in 1280x1024 (my projectors native 3D res) I still get a warning msg but its different this time, saying something like attempting to run in a non 3D res....blah blah, this is due to the fact the the Acer native 3D res is 1280x720. If I change the res to 1280x720 the warning disappears but 3D no longer work since the projector dont support the 720 res.

To make it work, Ill need to some how modify the Acer driver so that the 1280x1024 is the native resolution or find a driver that has the 1024 as the native 3D resolution. Can some onehelp me on this one?

For those who are experiencing the same problem please try the driver below and let me know the result, it should work fine if your display is 720 native res. Youll need to copy the inf below and paste them into notepad then save them as xxx.inf, afterward update your 3D display driver with this.

Spoiler

-------------
; INF file generated by Monitor Asset Manager, 20.03.2010
; Copyright (c) EnTech Taiwan, 1995-2009.
; Internet: EnTech Taiwan

[Version]
Signature="$WINDOWS NT$"
Class=Monitor
ClassGUID={4d36e96e-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}
Provider=%MFG%
DriverVer=20.03.2010, 1.0.0.0
;CatalogFile=YourSignedCatalogFile.cat

[DestinationDirs]
DefaultDestDir=23

[SourceDisksNames]
1=%DISC%

[SourceDisksFiles]
;YourColorProfileFile.icm

[Manufacturer]
%VENDOR%=EDID_OVERRIDE,NTx86,NTamd64

[EDID_OVERRIDE.NTx86]
%PRODUCTID%=OVERRIDDEN-EDID.Install, MONITOR\ACR0701

[EDID_OVERRIDE.NTamd64]
%PRODUCTID%=OVERRIDDEN-EDID.Install.NTamd64, MONITOR\ACR0701

[OVERRIDDEN-EDID.Install.NTx86]
DelReg=DEL_CURRENT_REG
AddReg=OVERRIDDEN-EDID.AddReg, MODE1, DPMS
CopyFiles=OVERRIDDEN-EDID.CopyFiles

[OVERRIDDEN-EDID.Install.NTamd64]
DelReg=DEL_CURRENT_REG
AddReg=OVERRIDDEN-EDID.AddReg, MODE1, DPMS
CopyFiles=OVERRIDDEN-EDID.CopyFiles

[OVERRIDDEN-EDID.Install.NTx86.HW]
AddReg=OVERRIDDEN-EDID_AddReg

[OVERRIDDEN-EDID.Install.NTamd64.HW]
AddReg=OVERRIDDEN-EDID_AddReg

[OVERRIDDEN-EDID_AddReg]
;Base EDID
HKR,EDID_OVERRIDE,"0",0x01,0x00,0xFF,0xFF,0xFF,0xFF,0xFF,0xFF,0x00,0x04,0x72,0x01,0x07,0x35,0x24,0x00,0x00,0x04,0x14,0x01,0x03,0x6A,0x00,0x00,0x78,0x0A,0xA4,0x9A,0xA3,0x58,0x53,0x9C,0x24,0x0F,0x4B,0x57,0x3F,0xCF,0x80,0xD1,0xC0,0x31,0x7C,0x95,0x00,0x45,0x7C,0x81,0xC0,0x61,0x7C,0x81,0x00,0x81,0xFC,0x1A,0x1D,0x00,0x80,0x51,0xD0,0x1C,0x20,0x40,0x80,0x35,0x00,0x00,0x00,0x00,0x00,0x00,0x1C,0x00,0x00,0x00,0xFD,0x00,0x32,0x78,0x1E,0x64,0x11,0x00,0x0A,0x20,0x20,0x20,0x20,0x20,0x20,0x00,0x00,0x00,0xFC,0x00,0x41,0x63,0x65,0x72,0x20,0x48,0x35,0x33,0x36,0x30,0x0A,0x20,0x20,0x00,0x00,0x00,0xFF,0x00,0x4B,0x30,0x37,0x30,0x31,0x30,0x31,0x33,0x35,0x39,0x30,0x31,0x0A,0x00,0x4D

[DEL_CURRENT_REG]
HKR,MODES
HKR,EDID_OVERRIDE
HKR,,MaxResolution
HKR,,DPMS
HKR,,ICMProfile

[DPMS]
HKR,,DPMS,,0

[MODE1]
HKR,,MaxResolution,,"1280,720"

[OVERRIDDEN-EDID.AddReg]
HKR,"MODES\1280,720",Mode1,,"30.0-100.0,50.0-120.0,+,+"

[OVERRIDDEN-EDID.CopyFiles]
;YourColorProfileFile.icm

[Strings]
MFG="EnTech Taiwan"
DISC="Monitor EDID Override Installation Disk"
PRODUCTid='Acer H5360 (EDID Override)'
VENDOR="Acer"

---------------

 

Just PM'd my details.

Any official news on this?

 

I just read about people having this same eact issue on Acer laptops with the 580M card too.

 

Do you have a link that you can share with us on the Acers you found with the same issue? I'd be interested in seeing that, bro.

 

If you are in the USA or Canada and are still getting this error message AFTER updating the VBIOS on the GTX580M, GTX560M, GTX460M, “Prototype test only. NVidia confidential. Not for production. Not for resale.", please contact the Alienware Team at the following email address -
[email protected]
The email address is provided for customers in the USA and Canada and it is set up to manage this repair order only. Provide the following information –
Email Address:
Name:
Shipping Address:
Phone Number:
Service Tag number:
Reason: Error = Prototype test only. NVidia confidential. Not for production. Not for resale

For customers not in the USA or Canada, please contact the regular Dell Technical Support for your region. Explain the error and that we recommend that the video card(s) should be replaced.

 

Chris Ive already contaced the Alienware Engineering Team in Australia and they had already replaced the two video cards in my previous system, but that did not fix the problem. After a while (about 1 month) they advised me that the problem will be fixed in the coming drivers...

 

I too am reluctant to contact Dell for a replacement until we have word that this is in fact a software issue and not hardware. I don't want a technician ripping apart my brand new laptop just to find the problem persists as it seems to have for everyone so far.

HERE is the link I was referring to Mr Fox. This guy has an Acer Aspire 5745DG.

 

Interesting conversation on the NVIDIA thread. Thanks for the link. Seems the NVIDIA rep is telling fstar it is a hardware problem. Even more interesting that the hardware replaced by Alienware did not fix the problem. How strange is that?

 

Yeah. Basically as it stands, Dell are asking people to reflash the vBIOS, which doesn't work, then issuing replacements cards, which also doesn't seem to be working.

It looks like either it's a driver/vBIOS bug (my guess is that the vBIOS available on the Dell website is the same engineering BIOS as ships with the cards, or all of Dell's current stock of 580m cards are engineering samples, hence why the replacements have the same issue. Or both.

I think there is a good chance that everyone with an M18x and 580m cards has the issue, but as it only shows up under certain circumstances, it's hard to test.

Have you tried enabling 3D view on your rig Mr Fox?

As for me, I am not keen to have replacement cards issued until I can be assured that the replacement cards will actually solve the issue. I have 10 days left on my money back period and if I can't get a solid answer by then, I think I'll have to ask for a refund. Part of the reason I bought this machine was to be able to play games and content in 3D. The 6990m rig simply doesn't work with 3D due to the terrible driver support, and now this problem with the 580m system.

I think it's great that Dell are taking the issue seriously and participating actively in conversations here, but we really need to try and get to the bottom of this issue BEFORE just splashing around replacement cards which don't seem to be fixing the problem. Left hand really needs to sit down and have a good chat with right hand.

 

I haven't seen evidence of this bug on my 580M cards, but I suppose it's possible that all are affected. It's interesting, to say the least.

I have not tried enabling 3D view. I don't know much about it, or how it works. Does it require a 3D display to work? If not, let me know what to do and I will test my system to see if the problem exists.

 

You need to either plug in a 3D vision kit, or use the virtual driver to trick your system into thinking there is one plugged in. I'm at work right now so I can't send you the file, but you can google it.

Once you have the driver running, Stereoscopic 3D settigns will appear in the Nvidia control panel. Run through the configuration wizard and when it gets to the point of testing the display, choose the anaglyphic display option. WHen oyu click next, it will ask you to click on the pattern you see. On that screen, the "NVIDIA PROTOTYPE" message will appear if you have the problem.

For reference, I'm trying to get it working on a Samsung SA7 series 3D 120Hz display (not 3d vision certified) using the virtual driver. 3D works fine using the Tridef middleware supplied with the monitor.

 

Did you get a chance to try this brother Fox?

 

Not yet... may be a day or so. Working very long hours right now.

 

No worries. I'm waiting to hear back from my contact at Dell Australia regarding a 3rd replacement system. Dell claims that it's only a handful of people with the issue. I'd argue that only a handful of people would ever see the issue, but oh well.

I just think it's great that the Dell guys get on here to try and help out. Chris has been very helpful so far!

 

My 3rd M18x is now on it' way due to engineering sample GPU's being fitted. lets hope this fixes the problem!! Will keep you posted

 

BUMP. Any more news on this?

I get my replacement in 2 days so I'll post back and let you know if the new system does the same thing (I'm betting it will).

 

ohhhh.....great!!!! I knew I should have kept away from this thread!! That's what I get for looking for trouble. This problem was easy to replicate with my UN55D8000 and M18x.

The good thing is I rarely feel the need to use an external 3D monitor. It's a good thing I didn't buy that 3D Playstaion monitor. I would have been seeing that message daily.

 

Dell claims that it's only happening on a small number of units. I argued that only a handfull of people would ever see the problem. I reckon they all do it.

 

You're probably right. It was easy enough for me. From what I've gathered here in the threads is that most people who would even try 3D have a M17x R3 instead of a M18x with capable 3D external display.

I actually saw this problem briefly 2 months ago, but quickly reset and chalked it up as a one time glitch. That is not the case here.

 

My 3rd replacement arrived today. I'll fire it up this evening after work and see. I reckon there is a 99% chance it will have the same problem. We'll see

 

Keep us posted!!

 

The replacement does the same thing, as expected.

 

Maybe Dell will offer to capture your system to try and research this problem.

 

Well at the moment, the replacement system is bluescreening every 5 minutes. So at this rate I'll be keeping the old one. FFS!

OK fixed the bluescreen issue. KIller Wireless related, had to turn off "Software Control".

As far as I'm concerned, the issue is present on all M18x with 580m graphics cards and there is no reason Dell cant test on their own system. They all do it.

I sent them clear instructions on how to reproduce the fault before they sent me a replacement system and they ensured me they would test before shipping. This has clearly not occurred.

Either ALL their stock is engineering samples (unlikely), or there is an issue with the BIOS or driver profile for the 580m.

 

Dell always captures a system from the affected population. They have their reasons. I for one am glad they do this. They give the affected user willing to part with their system the opportunity to receive a newly built unit without jumpin through a bunch of hoops.

I think Nvidia is focusing too hard on Asus/Tegra 3 and needs to pay more attention to QC/Drivers with DPC Latency.

 

Well they can capture both then. I have 4 GPUs in my posetion right now, all with the issue. lol.

I think I'm gonna organize a refund tonight and order a desktop elsewhere.

 

Brother Sentinel... I agree this needs to be fixed. No question it does.

Does this error message in any way affect the 3-D graphics performance of the system, or is the issue limited to being a major annoyance? I'm asking only to enhance my understanding of the issue in general and to understand why this is serious enough to prompt your decision to seek a refund.



Check this out...

NVIDIA Forum: About red text message while activate 3D Stereoscopic

Seems like NVIDIA is being as unhelpful with this as they are DPC latency. Good old silent treatment, it seems. Also, no answer on this thread...

NVIDIA Forum: Alienware m18x 3D Vision problem

I'm wondering if this is really a Dell issue or another unresolved NVIDIA issue. 3-D users are so limited, I am guessing this is far more prevalent that anyone actually knows. But, going back to my question... is it an annoying message or something that is creating an impediment to function?

 

It doesn't affect the performance at all, but games are unplayable with the huge overlay in front of them. It stays there all the time.

You should eb able to see it on your own system. With an external monitor connected via Display Port (might work with others or even without an external monitor, I haven't tried), enable stereoscopic 3d and set it to anaglyphic mode. You should see the overlay.

 

Ah, that explains a lot. Thank you. I thought it was a message that momentarily appeared at the onset of 3D display utilization, then disappeared. Thus, my confusion about why it would be severe enough to warrant seeking a refund.

If you are into 3D gaming, then this would definitely be an issue. Thank you for sharing that insight. I'm glad I asked.

I cannot try this until my beast comes back from the depot.

 

Grrrreeeaatt!!!! Disconnected from my 3D display back on my M18x's screen. Now I'm stuck with this message no matter what!! Gaming behind that message also seems blurry and washed out. I've tried 3 resets. Disabled 3D vision>Restore>Uninstalled Nvidia Driver>Driver Sweeper>ccleaner>reset BIOS>reinstalled 290.53>285.62>269.03>290.53. Problem is still there. Any game I play has that message over it. I can't even read the screen in the video, I'm so upset
I knew I should have stayed away from this thread....lol. Now I'm going to be up trying to fix this the whole night. Alienware support should go back to being available 24/7 for times like this.

If you have a M18x with 580M SLI, Do Not hook it up to a external 3D display and enable Nvidia 3D vision.

width='560' height="315"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BBfsATN7SJ0?version=3&amp;hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BBfsATN7SJ0?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width='560' height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

 

Did you get to the bottom of it with L3 support after we chatted on Steam?

 

Thanks for posting that, skygunner. It should be a warning to anyone reading this thread.

Please let us know if you get it sorted, and what the steps were to correct it.

I know that I will definitely be unchecking the box during driver installation so that 3D Vision is not even available.