Does anyone have M18x R2 OSD drivers working on the A11 BIOS?

Using Win 7 Ultimate and the stock A11 BIOS. No matter how many times I reinstall the driver with admin privileges, I can seem to get the media keys working. I've used the Windows 7 64bit drivers and the 8.1 drivers, nuttin do it.



'Fraid I don't have many leads to follow on my own just yet aside from the possibility that maybe the stock BIOS just doesn't support it. I've read up there were similar problems with the A08 BIOS in the past. So here I am.

 

The OSD drivers do like to annoy a bit, did you install chipset drivers etc. as well beforehand?

Also did you try different versions (not windows versions, but actual driver versions) to see if it works?

 

I want to say I've got the chipset drivers installed, but Dell's system detect seems to disagree. It recommends these two drivers and continues to do so despite going through "successful installations" with both.
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/drivers/driversdetails?driverId=VFP83
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/drivers/driversdetails?driverId=MG1JJ

As for actual driver versions, are older versions of the OSD driver accessible somewhere? I presume I've been working with the 2013 release of the win7 OSD drivers from Dell's site.
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/drivers/driversdetails?driverId=YV0P9

 

check driver here
http://downloads.dell.com/published/pages/alienware-m18x-r2.html

later i'll publish my workin version number

 

I am running windows 7 Ultimate while using BIOS A08 A11 and Unlocked A11. My OSD has never played up at all. I am using version 0.32.0.2.C, A00 and everything works perfectly ^^
However do not ever install version 0.32.0.8C,A00, It has never worked for me and 100% stops working when you press any media keys.

As for Dells programs and support don't use it, there detect program always thinks I am missing drivers when I am not. I am using most drivers from 2012-2013, Dells updated drivers are hit and miss some work some cause problems.
As a few people have said before if you don't have problems with a driver then don't update it.

 

@DriftingFable

OSD 0.32.0.2C as well here
AWCC 2.8.10.0

remember to install .net Framework 4.5

 

'Fraid I've got the above config installed with no changes. Though it also seems my macro keys have been also inactive when they used to be a couple of fresh installations ago. I've only just noticed now and I don't think any drivers shut them off, they just haven't come online this recent fresh install of Windows.

I believe my chipset driver is the HM77 10.1.1.38. What could be missing? Hummm.

 

whups didn't mean to double post.

 

If device manager says you are not missing anything then you probably have it installed already, you can always try to reinstall it to make sure.
Also just remember that Alienware OSD and command center should be the very last thing you install, just like Aaronne I also have AWCC 2.8.10.0. All though you don't need to have .NET framework 4.5 for it to work as I don't install any updates until all drivers are installed and working.

I think the macro keys are linked to the Command center so if they are not working you might want to uninstall it and reinstall to see if that helps.

 

Wel,l I tried a full uninstall of the command center just as Dell instructs here http://www.dell.com/support/article...einstall-the-alienware-command-center?lang=en. Unfortunately, no changes. Interestingly enough the LEDs remained active even after a complete command center uninstall. Further testing with a reinstallation shows that the macro keys are functional, but the LEDs do not light up. Alas, the media keys are as dysfunctional as ever on both fronts.

I'd suspect hardware considering how finicky ribbon cables can be but the keyboard frame and its cable are supposed to be "brand new". Additionally, the macro keys haven't had problems with their LEDs in the past. Now I'm suspecting the BIOS, but whether I unlock or try to downgrade, I'm still pondering.

 

I'm not sure if the BIOS does anything that effects the macros or lighting as as far as i know this is handled by the command center. You may as well go with the A11 Unlocked Bios, you get more options and you will need it should you want to upgrade your graphics to 970m-980m.

Also you might want to try and windows reinstall and follow this guide in what order to install your drivers.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...all-order-guide-for-alienware-systems.556721/

I have used it and have never had an issue. Not sure if the updated drivers from Dells website could be causing it as I use the Recourse disk with no problems.

 

Well, the good news is I've successfully upgraded to an unlocked A11.

The bad news is I'm still in the same scenario with my keys. I've ensured to not connect to the internet, clean installed, and disabled automatic updates while going down the list of what drivers are applicable. I've also used almost exclusively drivers from the dell site that aaronne recommended, though I did accidentally install the Wifi drivers from Dell's site, the version number matches the other site so iunno.

Leaving the command center for last unfortunately didn't seem to have an effect. So guess its time to examine my ribbon cables directly and check the connections?

 

Yea by the sound of it if it is not a driver issue then it is more likely hardware. Before my laptops macro keys didn't even work, only the number 5 was lit up and nothing in windows would help. Changed it for a new part and works fine.
either the ribbon cable is damaged or it is just not connected properly.

 

I've got more good news and bad news. The good is that it looks like the problem was a hardware issue. I mentioned that the bezel and its cable were brand new. But I mimicked the original owner's configuration which just so happened to be "backwards". So all that was required was merely flipping the orientation and finally, I have my solution to that issue.

My macro keys are however less fortunate and I can't really decern whats up with them. The smallest cable feels snug and fastened but the larger one seems bent up and loose in comparison. I can much more easily pull out the bigger cable than I can with the smaller one. I've been inside this laptop many times and I've nearly changed out every component. I've even snapped a HDD flex cable in two from being too rough with ensuring it fits in the socket, so it's not improbable I damaged the cable in the process. The pins on the larger blue cable look pretty dark and rubbing alcohol doesn't seem to be the solution. Oh well, what's 10 more buckeroos to me considering I've how much I've already poured into reviving this system? It'll least be the last of the remaining bugs in this laptop.

 

The ribbon cables are easy damaged, that was the problem with my macro buttons. hopefully this will leave you with no more problems, I love my 18X R2 now with a 980m but stuck in SG mode

 

Aand quick followup, replacement macro keys solved the issue. All LEDs are active and buttons are registering correctly as they should. My year's worth of struggle finally bears fruit.