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    Windows 8 pro upgrade

    Discussion in 'Alienware 18 and M18x' started by FredFlint_, Oct 25, 2012.

  1. skygunner27

    skygunner27 A Genuine Child of Zion

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    Windows 8 Aero transparency is still there, it's just hidden. The first thing I did was enable it. How To Enable Aero Glass In Windows 8
    Windows 8 is still faster. I get an increase of 3 FPS in BF3 with W8 :)
     
    skygunner27, Oct 26, 2012
    #51
  2. devildoc17

    devildoc17 Notebook Evangelist

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    it looks like there is a new WINDOWS 8 experience score grading method, looks like no longer my CPU is the weakest(7.7) check out this picture.......... so weird! 2323.png


    can someone with a similar setup to mine please run WIE?
     
    devildoc17, Oct 26, 2012
    #52
  3. MrValle

    MrValle Notebook Evangelist

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    Somehow my Quick reply is broken, its window is all greyed out. Reply with quote works, but i cannot go advanced and attach a screenshot of my WEI score.

    This is what i get:

    Processor : 7.7
    RAM : 7.8
    Graphics : 7.8
    Gaming Graphics : 7.8
    Primary HDD : 7.9
     
    MrValle, Oct 26, 2012
    #53
  4. devildoc17

    devildoc17 Notebook Evangelist

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    thank you for running that. i wonder y im getting those weird scores lol
     
    devildoc17, Oct 26, 2012
    #54
  5. devildoc17

    devildoc17 Notebook Evangelist

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    weeeeeeeeee vantage and 3dmark11 are broken too!! lol
     
    devildoc17, Oct 26, 2012
    #55
  6. killaz05

    killaz05 Notebook Evangelist

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    My processor gets 8.0 while my 580M SLI setup gets 7.2 which is my lowest score. My guess is that even though Nvidia claims to have drivers for windows 8, there is room for improvement.
     
    killaz05, Oct 26, 2012
    #56
  7. devildoc17

    devildoc17 Notebook Evangelist

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    Don't feel bad lol. My dual 680's only get a 7.0...

    I guess the are rating from 1.0 to 9.9 now wow... I wonder what kind of machine can get 9.9's all across the board lol
     
    devildoc17, Oct 26, 2012
    #57
  8. juliant

    juliant Notebook Deity

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    I am running windows since last night and all the apps are starting almost instantly. It is fast. Please remember to install the 310.33 driver for the GPU. It is more stable and better performance. Here is a pic of my screen :) screen.jpg
     
    juliant, Oct 26, 2012
    #58
  9. skygunner27

    skygunner27 A Genuine Child of Zion

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    It's killing me being here at work on windows 7 :mad:
     
    skygunner27, Oct 26, 2012
    #59
  10. Defengar

    Defengar Notebook Deity

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    probably one with a 6 core i7, 64-128 gigs of ram, 2 terabytes of SSD's in raid 0, and quad SLI 680's (or dual 690's).
     
    Defengar, Oct 26, 2012
    #60
  11. FredFlint_

    FredFlint_ Notebook Consultant

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    Anyone know where i can download the OSD software, Dells site dose not work?
     
    FredFlint_, Oct 26, 2012
    #61
  12. swordofsilence

    swordofsilence Notebook Consultant

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    Turns out I'm getting the same issue as with the release preview - wifi cuts out intermittently for 5-15 seconds at a time. This seems to happen once or twice an hour. I'm going to run Win7 for now and will try out some other drivers in Win8 later. I will post back if I find a solution.
     
    swordofsilence, Oct 26, 2012
    #62
  13. littleone562

    littleone562 Notebook Deity

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    Ofcourse Dell's servers are not ready when windows 8 is out so we cannot download the updated drivers that are listed...
     
    littleone562, Oct 26, 2012
    #63
  14. teknikk7

    teknikk7 Notebook Geek

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    Odd, my 6300 works OTB. No drivers needed.
     
    teknikk7, Oct 26, 2012
    #64
  15. Heihachi88

    Heihachi88 Notebook Deity

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    Intel 6300 is better in terms of stability, than crappy killer cards.
     
    Heihachi88, Oct 26, 2012
    #65
  16. devildoc17

    devildoc17 Notebook Evangelist

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    I mean yes mine works too, but the software for it such as intell wireless display is not working. Mine picks up WIFI too....
     
    devildoc17, Oct 26, 2012
    #66
  17. swordofsilence

    swordofsilence Notebook Consultant

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    Turns out Intel just released a new driver for the 2230 (version 15.5.6.48). I'll try it out...
    http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProductFamily=Wireless+Networking&ProductLine=Intel%C2%AE+Centrino%C2%AE+Wi-Fi+Products&ProductProduct=Intel%C2%AE+Centrino%C2%AE+Wireless-N+2230&ProdId=3507&LineId=1784&FamilyId=1783
     
    swordofsilence, Oct 26, 2012
    #67
  18. FredFlint_

    FredFlint_ Notebook Consultant

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    Dell driver page is back. Just re-installed Alienware software but still no FN + F7 also have two unknown devices but dont know what they are?
     
    FredFlint_, Oct 26, 2012
    #68
  19. Hero1711

    Hero1711 Notebook Consultant

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    Deleted............................................
     
    Hero1711, Oct 26, 2012
    #69
  20. Heihachi88

    Heihachi88 Notebook Deity

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    When the DELL driver page will be available for downloading drivers for windows 8? :(
     
    Heihachi88, Oct 26, 2012
    #70
  21. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    steviejones133, Oct 26, 2012
    #71
  22. jlyons264

    jlyons264 Notebook Evangelist

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    Is the clean install option gone with the upgrade? With 7 and vista you could upgrade the clean install and let you use the install key on the second upgrade. If that made any sense...
     
    jlyons264, Oct 26, 2012
    #72
  23. swordofsilence

    swordofsilence Notebook Consultant

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    swordofsilence, Oct 26, 2012
    #73
  24. killaz05

    killaz05 Notebook Evangelist

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    So I installed Windows 8 finally, after getting my drivers from Dell which took patience I was able to get everything working like normal. I can switch my graphics and everything. So far so good. :)
     
    killaz05, Oct 26, 2012
    #74
  25. skygunner27

    skygunner27 A Genuine Child of Zion

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    Finally.... :)
     
    skygunner27, Oct 26, 2012
    #75
  26. Harlon21

    Harlon21 Notebook Evangelist

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    I installed W8 Pro and all my Vantage programs. It took 5 trys to get Vantage to open, when it finally loaded up what a freaking dissapointment!! 40 Fps with the latest beta driver and PhsX. MSI AB overclocked to 1035/2600. My cpu runs slower in W8 also.Back on 7, glad I only paid 15 bucks for this piece of junk.
     
    Harlon21, Oct 26, 2012
    #76
  27. devildoc17

    devildoc17 Notebook Evangelist

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    It works you just gotta download the latest system info component man......... here:

    http://www.futuremark.com/downloads/Futuremark_SystemInfo_v4120_installer.exe
     
    devildoc17, Oct 26, 2012
    #77
  28. devildoc17

    devildoc17 Notebook Evangelist

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    Damn... So I started downloading all the windows 8 drivers from the DELL website and my computer doesn't wanna start. It is very strange...
    I updated to the latest bios, black screen and my hardrive got dropped.
    I removed Harddrive, CMOS battery. Computer booted after a few tries...
    Installed latest windows 8 drivers, such as intel rapid storage manager...etc.
    Again black screen and my Harddrive was dropped.
    This time it would not come back even when I removed hadrive and CMOS battery, sometimes I would get 4 loud beeps on startup.

    After 20 tries my hardrive was miraculously detected somehow and I was able to go into advanced boot settings and do a system restore to yesterday when I booted to windows 8 for the first time.....

    I am now terrified of installing windows 8 drivers because I don't wanna go throught that ordeal again.... I will just leave it as it as and not touch anything at all....

    I really want to like windows 8, but it seems upgrading its not for the faint of heart :(
    There are bugs galore with my machine and its just disappointing...clearly NOT an easy transition.
     
    devildoc17, Oct 27, 2012
    #78
  29. skygunner27

    skygunner27 A Genuine Child of Zion

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    That's too bad. I hope things get better for you. So far it's smooth sailing for me. W8 feels so foreign to me. I can't wait until I get a full grasp on metro and gestures.
     
    skygunner27, Oct 27, 2012
    #79
  30. devildoc17

    devildoc17 Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks :(

    This is epic!! FN+F7 worked before
    Now after doing system restore is doesn't;(
     
    devildoc17, Oct 27, 2012
    #80
  31. trooper1414

    trooper1414 Notebook Deity

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    So i just recieved my free copy of Windows 8 :) BEnefits of working for a great company and being a student both :) Anyways ...is it safe to go ahead and install win8 on the r2 ...any issues encountered that i should know off ???
     
    trooper1414, Oct 27, 2012
    #81
  32. BrickTop

    BrickTop Notebook Consultant

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    Reinstall the OSD software
     
    BrickTop, Oct 27, 2012
    #82
  33. Heihachi88

    Heihachi88 Notebook Deity

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    What driver i have to install in order to get working media buttons? At this moment Reject CD button on media panel doesn't works.
     
    Heihachi88, Oct 27, 2012
    #83
  34. BrickTop

    BrickTop Notebook Consultant

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    Try installing the OSD software and it should work.


    Has anyone using stock A08 gotten Secure Boot enabled at all?
    Seems to be constantly greyed out.

    I've made sure to install to a clean GPT partition from a UEFI compatible USB stick
     
    BrickTop, Oct 27, 2012
    #84
  35. Heihachi88

    Heihachi88 Notebook Deity

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    Already installed it. Is eject button works for you?
     
    Heihachi88, Oct 27, 2012
    #85
  36. trooper1414

    trooper1414 Notebook Deity

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    so i installed windows 8 .....my keyboard on my r2 would not work ...but when i connect an external keyboard it works ...anyone can link me to drivers ??

    EDIT: FIxed it ...but i am not happy with the overall speed of the computer
     
    trooper1414, Oct 27, 2012
    #86
  37. Harlon21

    Harlon21 Notebook Evangelist

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    Harlon21, Oct 27, 2012
    #87
  38. Heihachi88

    Heihachi88 Notebook Deity

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    I have the same problem with eject button... that OSD is bugged :(
     
    Heihachi88, Oct 27, 2012
    #88
  39. bumbo2

    bumbo2 Notebook Deity

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    nop, I just did a clean install from a flash drive. but I lost everything from alienware.
     
    bumbo2, Oct 27, 2012
    #89
  40. killaz05

    killaz05 Notebook Evangelist

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    All of a sudden, the day after I installed Windows 8 and got all my programs back. It keeps freezing and locking up from time to time. I am really irritated and just want to throw the whole system out! Why can't things just work like they should :(
     
    killaz05, Oct 27, 2012
    #90
  41. bumbo2

    bumbo2 Notebook Deity

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    if you want everything working fine do a fresh install. oh one more thin, the Xbox music feature Is cool...!!!
     
    bumbo2, Oct 27, 2012
    #91
  42. sy5tem

    sy5tem Notebook Evangelist

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    there is s bunch of driver foe windows 8 that came out the 26th ,

    for forst install went well , but after first boot i've got a black screen! reboot, black screen!..

    restored acronis image of windows 7, now i removed all drivers that could be the issues... i removed AMD drivers +drivers sweeper, and sound blaster 3di drivers, uset fn+f7 to switch on intel video card, rebooted , removed the intel hd 4000 drivers. install windows 8, AS UPGRADE , install all drivers, all went well except for amd drivers first install got black screen, ad to force shutdown, when i came back drivers where installed but no utilities (amd control panel) restarted the setup. 1 black screen and drivers saying they crashed and came back. installed all ok, rebooted...

    now everything works fine


    DONT FORGET TO CHECK support.dell.com for windows 8 drivers!
     
    sy5tem, Oct 27, 2012
    #92
  43. skygunner27

    skygunner27 A Genuine Child of Zion

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    My OSD works perfectly. All the media controls work including eject. I did not reinstall OSD. I read a few places that you need to remove your virus protection if it isn't windows defender before upgrade/install or you will encounter bugs. Luckily that's what I did.

    Windows 8 likes to use its own protection.
     
    skygunner27, Oct 27, 2012
    #93
  44. Keith

    Keith Notebook Deity

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    Has anyone had issues using Windows 8's "Optimization" feature with raided SSD's? If I go into Tools - Defragment Now, the drives are detected as Solid State Drives. It says "Optimization Needed" or something to that effect. When I tell it to run, it immediately comes back and says "Not Available", and is greyed out. At first I thought it may have something to do with the version of IRST I have installed, but every version I have tried yields the same result? I'm guessing Windows 8 out of the box does not support raided SSD's with respect to this feature.

    Another weird thing I have noticed with Windows 8 is that USB 3.0 sticks don't seem to always be recognized immedaitely after plugging them in. It just sits there and blinks and eventually fails out. However, if I unplug it and plug it back in, it works. Very strange.
     
    Keith, Oct 27, 2012
    #94
  45. skygunner27

    skygunner27 A Genuine Child of Zion

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    Here's a few good shortcuts for power users like us:

    Windows Key + X = Power Menu
    Windows Key + C = Charms Menu
    Windows Key = Toggle Start Menu/Desktop
    Windows Key + D = Desktop

    Here's that OSD eject button working.
    http://tinypic.com/r/2hdvfc4/6
    [​IMG]

    This is also "Good Reading" http://lifehacker.com/5955162/how-to-not-get-lost-in-windows-8-the-best-shortcuts-and-tricks especially if you have a Windows 8 touchpad. http://www.logitech.com/en-us/mice-...0?ci=0&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=AMR_DR_Q3_FY13_SERP

    Now it's time for me to go to work and get on W7 machines :(
     
    skygunner27, Oct 27, 2012
    #95
  46. devildoc17

    devildoc17 Notebook Evangelist

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    Mine still doesn;t worl even after reinstalling the latest ODS drivers. I refuse to do another OS reinstall that is so time consuming!'

    Im close to giving up on this laptop and just sell it and wait till next years R3, maybe its optimized better :(
     
    devildoc17, Oct 27, 2012
    #96
  47. devildoc17

    devildoc17 Notebook Evangelist

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    arhhhhh makes me so jeaulos!!!! :( you osd working!!!!:cry:
     
    devildoc17, Oct 27, 2012
    #97
  48. devildoc17

    devildoc17 Notebook Evangelist

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    arhhhhh makes me so jeaulos!!!! you osd working!!!! :frown:
     
    devildoc17, Oct 27, 2012
    #98
  49. skygunner27

    skygunner27 A Genuine Child of Zion

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    At work on W7 :mad: no smart glass, no touchpad, no Xbox live app......no fun :mad:

    For me, W8 feels drastically different for the better.
     
    skygunner27, Oct 27, 2012
    #99
  50. Heihachi88

    Heihachi88 Notebook Deity

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    What version of OSD you have installed?
     
    Heihachi88, Oct 27, 2012
    #100
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