HELP PART 2......M18 running BUT.....AMD/ driver install problems.....

I would like to thank Mr fox and Mikecacho for their help in getting me up and running due to my previous problems.

Ok....Ive been working non stop for the past few days trying to get everything sorted out. Now I hope I can clearly explain what I did and how I got to the problems I am at now.......

I did a clean install of windows via my windows 7 install disk (my first time ever doing this and I "think" I did it right)

Finally the computer made it past the windows loading screen and made it to my desktop

My desktop looked weird...resolution was low lol....but I figured I was over 1 hurdle...the computer booted woo hoo!

So I opened the thread about the clean install/driver order install

Well I couldn't download ANY drivers....cause I couldn't connect to the internet (no driver for my wireless)

So I grabbed the Resource CD and inserted that......

I then extracted the ATHEROS Ethernet and Killer N drivers and loaded them

Now im thinking GEEEZ im already screwing up and NOT following the driver order list in the thread...facepalm

Ok those drivers worked and I could connect to the internet.....the resource CD made it easy so I figured I would continue with it....

From the resource CD I then extracted the following in this order......

Chipset
USB 3.0
Engine Management RST
On screen display

Doing reboots when required, everything was going fine.....

Then I downloaded the AMD drivers from the dell download support, their most recent ones I think July 2013.

Here is where things start going south LOL......

Amd drivers downloaded....and I then went to install them.....I then get this........




I was like wt?.....leave it to me to screw something up.....So I just went on......

I continued to install via the resource CD

Intel 4000 graphics
Sound Blaster Audio
Bluetooth (which I take it went wrong????)
Touchpad
Media Driver
Motion Sensor

Then I went and did some things like Java, flash, and Microsoft Framework 4.5.1...then command center


Ok at this time things where still in a low resolution so I decided to hit the FN F7 and I switched and rebooted. NOW things looked pretty again and had 1090 resolution

At this time I was still mad cause I couldn't install my AMD drivers.....so I tired again.

It worked this time! Maybe switching the graphics (the only thing I did) let me....woo hooo!

AMD drivers installed.....rebooted.....windows screen loading and THEN.......


BLANK/BLACK SCREEN

I was like uh oh....now what. I couldn't do anything. Keyboard was lit up but nothing else. I let it set for 15 minutes still nothing.

I held down the power button, and rebooted.....WINDOWS REPAIR SCREEN again omg lol.

So I did a system restore back to an hour previous.....and everything was back to normal.

Tried ANOTHER AMD driver 13.12 installed .......

BLANK SCREEN AGAIN LOL

I did another system restore and then tried 13.9 off the AMD site

BLANK SCREEN ON REBOOT AGAIN LOL...



ALL AMD DRIVERS WHERE THE MOBILITY drivers from what I remember.


So that is where I am now I guess. Man, I love the chase of trying to learn this stuff but man I can try a mans patience.


Should I just totally start over and clean install again? Is there something small that im not doing....???

Please guys any help or direction would be great .

Thanks


God I hope that all made sense...lol

Just some more info.....

some pictures from DEVICE MANAGER




in OTHER DEVICES....

it shows no driver for BCM....that's my Bluetooth that I though I installed
and the PCI device....it shows NO driver also....when I try to install it says that I don't meet min requirements ????

Under DISPLAY ADAPTERS....
it shows my intel 4000 doing fine



OK so I then hit fn f7 and switch......reboot.....

Device manager shows......



I take it that it is showing my two 7970's with NO driver correct???

 

If you intend to use the HD4000 graphics you will need to stick to Dells exclusive drivers as they are modded to work correctly alongside the 7970m's. The latest drivers Dell has are not the most current with AMD and this might bother you to no end, but the Dell ones work just fine and are the best options if you intend to do a lot of work on your PC without the power block attached utilizing the power saving feature on enduro. (download the intel HD graphics drivers > install > reboot > download the AMD Radeon HD 7970m drivers > install > reboot)

If you are a gamer and could careless about the power saving then you will need to disable your HD4000 graphics via BIOS or with the FN+F7 key. Once you are only running on the 7970m's you can go ahead and download any AMD drivers you would like, but be warned if you attempt to switch back to HD4000 expect the lovely BSOD at boot... or shortly after.

 

Brother Mike, the OP has an M18x, so it doesn't matter what driver he uses for Intel HD graphics. He can use any version without causing complications because it never works in conjunction with the discrete graphics cards. The problems you are describing do not apply to the M18xR1/R2/18 because the two graphic systems are totally separate and work independently of one another. When one is active the other is completely disabled.

 

Hey guys thanks for all the previous help.

Yes...I have an m18 r2 with 7970's in crossfire.

Should I just start over with another clean install?

Also...awhile back Mr fox you had me purchase a USB memory stick in which I used to make a respawn....or a back up image....something like that. Should I use that?

Thanks for any help.

 

No, don't start over with another clean install. I don't think that will help. It sounds like you could be having problems with one of your 7970M cards. If I am remembering correctly from your previous posts, the problem is persistent among multiple Respawns and now a clean install. Am I understanding correctly that everything is fine until you reach the point of installing the AMD drivers and then you get a black screen?

In your last screen shot the two Standard VGA Graphics Adapter entries with the second having a problem status icon overlay is normal for AMD or NVIDIA with no driver installed. Please post the hardware ID for the other two items and we can help identify the correct drivers. You can get the hardware ID from the device properties. You can right-click on the lines with hardware ID, select copy and paste the text. You can also Google the hardware ID and find out what the device is that doesn't have the driver installed. The second line (without the revision number information at the end) is what you would search for.

 

The only thing needs to be added in to that clean install guide is Microsoft Netframework 4.0 ealier, just like you discovered AMD drivers want the user to install them prior. Don't care too much that you deviated from the exact order. However save AWCC for last.

I have a feeling you're just getting unlucky with AMD drivers. I have also had black screen upon installs and there isn't always a good or 1 size fits all explanation for the procedure that can causes it. I'd recommend installing an older set of drivers. Perhaps try and install your Dell ones off the CD to see if that gets you running first.

UPDATE: Just noticed Brother Fox has also posted some good advice at the same time

 

ok mr fox.....

first the display adapters.....

I guess the first card.......

GENERAL.....



DRIVERS.....





Second card I guess...the one with the yellow triangle and exclamation point....

GENERAL....




DRIVERS.....




getting more info on the

PCI device
BCM

 

Tomshardware....

A PCI device driver is software to make a piece of hardware function with the OS (Win7)

ok pulled up the resource cd......

I guess the pci is the Realtek and PCI data acquisition???

 

What is shown in your screen shots above is perfectly normal for the video cards without the proper drivers installed. You may have a bad 7970M card, but until you have the Catalyst drivers installed we cannot really determine that.

What are the hardware ID numbers? That will clearly identify the drivers that are needed without any guesswork.

 

Scratch what I said, Saw it was a HM77 and figured out that its an R2. Good luck with it.

 

Ok thank you brother fox....

Not sure I'm following how to get the Id....i right click and get something different ....I'm gonna keep trying

 

Ok got it.....sorry.

 

You find your hardware ID like this...

---

Edit: OK, there you go. As you can see from the matching hardware ID, your "PCI Device" is the Realtek Card Reader. (I thought it might be the case and that is why I selected that device for my screen shots. I saw it was missing from your original screens shots of Device Manager.)

What is the hardware ID on the other device?

 

should I grab that from my resource cd and extract?

Im not sure which one gave me a problem....but I either tried the realtek or the pci data acqui and I got a pop up saying my system didn't meet the min requirements.

 

Either the resource CD or here... Realtek RTS5209 Card Reader, v.6.1.7600.77, A00 | Dell Support US

While you are doing it, also grab and install... Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth Module, v.6.3.0.6300, A00 | Dell Support US

 

Duh, totally overlooked that aspect, my bad.

I would start off with the Dell OEM drivers for those 7970m's and see if that gets everyting working as intended and then go from there. Also when it comes to software for your hardware, i would reboot after each new item is installed to cancel out and faulty driver install. i had an issue with synaptics pointing device which would cause a BSOD, and all trouble shooting efforts could not detect it, so i had to back track what items i installed and one by one remove them until the issue was resolved (then re-installed it and to fix the issue), keep that in mind when doing a fresh install.

 

I agree... This is always good for troubleshooting.

 

Thanks guys....

Ok brother fox I downloaded the RealTek drivers from your link.....

went fine......




I checked device manager and still showed no driver for PCI device.

I then rebooted and still no driver....




Do I need to download the PCI Data Acquisition and signal processing controller driver from the resource CD with the realtek?

 

I did try the OEM drivers from the Dell sight....blank screen.

I don't see any AMD drivers on my resource cd....unless they are the Wimbledon XDA drivers here....?

 

Type in your service tag number here: Product Selection | Dell US

You will find the most current ones, i really am against using the resource disc, since software on there can now be considered obsolete and installing an obsolete item will cause unforeseen issues. By using your service tag number you will be provided with all software that was used on your machine plus the newest of revisions.

The WIMBLEDON XTA is the correct driver.

Here is a great article for you to browse: http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?docid=536193

 

Thanks Mike,

I am familiar with that page and process, and will do it again thanks.

But when I wiped the computer, I had NO access to the internet, wireless or hard wired.

How can you follow the driver install if you cant connect to the internet.....I guess I could have saved drivers to a usb stick and downloaded them eh????

I am at my wits end really....this is beating the crap out of me. Im really close to starting all over, and if I fail again I guess I take it some where....

I did the blue tooth download.....seemed ok...I get a pop up saying activate Bluetooth using the switch......well there is no icon in my tray....I clicked customize and check show Bluetooth icon and nothing....

uhhh....

 

Found some info on the PCI data Acquisition signal......

I finally found the driver to this!! (PCI Data Acquisition and Signal Processing Controller) ...at least for the Latitude E4310.... I found it in the Dell comprehensive Driver Pack in the Video, Graphics DellDriverPack\xp\x86\video\R262117\IIPS - yay! finally!


So this driver that I don't seem to have has to do with video,graphics...????

 

by downloading all the drivers ahead of time, and placing them on a thumb drive. Try to download the Dell GPU drivers mentioned earlier and install them.

 

Ok Pci device driver done and installed! Woo hoo

Bluetooth driver done and installed....

Anyone have a link to AMD mobility drivers....like a list?

I see an AMD folder in my c drive....catalyst and a support file......13.12 drivers.....I guess I'm gonna try and clear them out and start new.....????

 

You can clear all amd/ati folder by either manually doing it with this link: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...all-amd-ati-not-have-rely-driver-sweeper.html

OR

You can use driver sweeper, which is a free program and wipe all old AMD/ATi files and start a new. (always uninstall using the catalyst control manager in the remove programs section first before using the sweeper)

As for certain (non)beta versions of 13.XX i would say use the latest, as it contains all of the previous fixes.

FYI: If you ever want to verify what Dell drivers you currently have installed on your system or "had" installed on your system go to C: > Dell > Drivers.
When you uninstall a driver it will leave the destination file in the Dell folder, so you can always refer back to that if you want to re-install it. What i am trying to say is when you download a new driver from dell, or you think it is newer... once you unzip it to the preferred destination and receive a message stating "replace existing file" or "file already exist" you now know you already once had it.

 

Well guys i just dont know....are my cards messed up????

Today did the manual uninstall of any AMD/ATi files.

Downloaded drivers 13,12 blank screen.

Downloaded DELL drivers....13.9 rebooted and got stuck on the windows log in screen....window flag stopped waving and just sat there.

I then booted into safe mode....and checked device manager and saw this.....




I then tried to boot again after i saw drivers installed......stuck on windows log screen. Had to system restore and now no drivers again.


Are my cards bad? Anyway to check even if they dont have drivers? Cards where running just fine.

I guess now....whats the number to alienware support, can they remote log in to my laptop?

Thanks guys

 

This is a really tough one... so grab a pencil.

1-800-ALIENWARE

Something is not right about your machine. Maybe the 7970M cards are screwed up. This is just WAY too hard what you are going through trying to get those AMD drivers installed without freezing and stuff.

 

Thank ya sir....I will be calling.

 

THANKS TO ALL THAT HELPED!

A week ago I called alienware support......we spent 4 hours on the phone, they had remote control of my laptop and could not get it to work.

They said I needed 2 new AMD 7970's....

DELL guy came today, super nice guy, and installed 2 new cards and heat sinks......and then left.

I installed drivers.....and I was finally able to boot my computer...AWESOME!

BUT......

I am guessing the guy didn't connect my Crossfire wires?????


I went into my catalyst to "enable crossfire".....and I get this....







Man it seemed like a lot of work for him to get to the video cards (although he did say this was just a part time job). He said he couldn't get to them from the back so he had to remove screen, keyboard, everything.

ANY tips on how I can take it apart and connect the crossfire myself....

Thanks guys, im about to start searching myself now

I am "this" close to having my baby back 100%

Thanks

J

 

To access the video cards you have to pull the palm rest, which involves removing the bottom cover, keyboard, media button panel and display assembly.

Steps are outlined in the Alienware M18xR2 Owner's Manual. It's not difficult to do if you are comfortable doing it. If not, call 1-800-ALIENWARE and have them send the guy back. If you are intimidated and prone to break things, have the tech come back because if you break stuff taking it apart the warranty does not cover that. If the tech breaks something while working on it, Alienware will take care of it for you.

The thing you need to be most careful about is the plastic retainer for the HDD SATA interposer. It breaks easily if you get rough with it. Actually, all of those ribbon cable retainers will break if you are not gentle. They are not serviced, so breaking one means a new motherboard. I am not trying to discourage you by sharing this as much as simply giving your a heads up so things will turn out well with proper awareness. I have taken mine apart dozens of times and I have never broken one. Here are a couple of links to look at in this regard.

[Quick Tips] M18x How to Properly Release the Plastic SATA Interposer Ribbon Cable Clamp and Avoid Breakage also see HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS WITH THIS IN THE FUTURE

Maybe watching me do it will make you feel more at ease with the process. This goes deeper with the teardown than what you need, but it will get you to the right place.

<iframe width='640' height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sOU-aXYiA6Q?rel=0" frameborder='0' allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

Here is a second teardown video by HIDEvolution as well.

<iframe width='640' height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NhURMyavgks?rel=0" frameborder='0' allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

 

Brother Fox,

I can't thank you enough for all your help! You have been there in the past for me, and the duration of this current problem. I go back to hurricane Sandy when you where swamped at work and you STILL found time to help me. You sir are an asset to this community!

The hands on stuff, actually physically working on parts, I am not afraid of. Software stuff scares me, but I will respect the fact that things are delicate and need to be handled as such.

By NO means am I here to "name and shame" the guy who installed my cards today, but I don't think he ever worked on an Alienware M18 before. I am thankful for what he did, but I have already found 2 small silver screws laying on my kitchen floor.


So judging from the "error" message I posted, do you really think that its the crossfire cable. I watched that the arrow must be facing up, and to make sure the cable not being crushed.

Do you really think a TECH could incorrectly install the cable? Is it common?

Thank you brother Fox and the others who have helped....

 

Thank you for your kind words. Glad to help.

It probably is the cable. The CrossFire cables are really picky. It has to slide in just right to make contact. It should have a piece of transparent tape over the metal connectors after the cable has been fully inserted to keep them from coming loose. It's possible the tech connected it and it case loose, especially if no tape was added. It doesn't take much wiggling or movement of the CrossFire cable to cause a poor connection at the GPU where it plugs in.

It does not require special knowledge to install this cable, so yes... a good tech could do this and have it turn out perfectly without any experience if he pays attention to what he is doing.

Alienware may dispatch a new CrossFire cable just in case something is wrong with the one that is in use right now. It's not that likely, but it is possible the cable is properly connected to each GPU but has something wrong with it and needs to be replaced.

You can use ordinary Scotch tape over the connection. Fold over 1/8-1/4" of the end of the tape to form a little tab that you can grab to pull the tape off easily if you need to later on. Place the tape over the joint where the cable end butts up against the socket on the GPU and that will prevent cable from getting dislodged.

Edit: about the silver screws... most of them are black. There are 2 silver screws that go underneath the HDD caddy. They screw into the palm rest. I actually leave them out intentionally on my system. (I probably should mention this in one of the above links as a tip.) The palm rest is plenty secure without them and this allows me to avoid removing the HDD caddy or disturbing the SATA interposer cable for simple maintenance. I don't know for sure that these 2 silver screws are the ones that belong there, but that would be the first place I would look. These are silver instead of black to make them easy to indentify. They are shorter than all the others. If you use one of the longer black screws under the HDD caddy they can put a bump in the external surface of palm rest surface from poking through too far.

The only other silver screws that come to mind are the tiny little buggers that attach the ODD bracket to the ODD housing.

 

Is it risky to use a magnetized screwdriver?

 

No, not really. That's the only kind I use. The magnet is not strong enough to hurt anything and as long as you don't leave the magnetic tip of it sitting on top of a hard drive for a long time or something like that, you should not have anything to worry about.

 

I take it all I really need to do is go as far as removing the keyboard?

Seems that is when I can check my crossfire cable?

Thanks

 

Yes, that is correct. The cable sits on top of the palm rest, just under the keyboard. You don't need to pull the palm rest or display to access the CrossFire bridge cable.

If you end up needing access to the GPUs for some reason then you do have to remove those other parts.

 

UP AND RUNNING!

Thanks guys.

Yeah the tech didn't have the cable in correctly/all the way.


Thanks again brother Fox!

J

 

Sweet... happy days are here again.

Good job on your part. I knew you could do it.

 

Ive learned a lot in this journey. I hope one day I can pass on some knowledge.