Windows 8 pro upgrade

If I do a clean install with W8 will I have to reconfigure my RAID 0?

 

This is what it's supposed to look like in Windows 8. It looks the same on our M18x R1 & R2.

 

No, it works exactly the same. No issues at all with that. I saw somewhere it was posted with Intel RST is not compatible with Windows 8, but that is not accurate.

You should do a clean install. You stand a good chance of having issues with permissions and some programs refusing to launch with an upgrade-in-place. Simply delete the partitions during Windows 8 setup exactly as you would doing a clean install with Windows 7, and install your Windows 8 to unallocated disk space on the RAID0 array.

 

Thanks Skygunner27,

I can see from your illustration that my OSD is not working correctly. I've tried to install it numerous time it just blips through so its safe to assume what ever dell has on the website must be FUBAR. I bet if I were to upgrade windows rather than do a clean install the OSD would have likely worked. That will teach me to try and do things cleanly. Good thing I always carry a backup lol.

Thanks for the quick response, I'm going to try the upgrade path and see how that works out.

 

Regarding the upgrade path, only upgrade with a minimal Windows 7 installation. See what I posted above. If 99% of your apps are installed after the upgrade, it might turn out better. OSD works fine on a clean install for me. In fact, literally everything works fine on a clean install. Other that some annoyances that I am working through, there are zero functionality problems to report.

A glitch you may discover is the Windows 8 store sometimes refuses to work with an aftermarket software firewall. You'll have to configure exceptions for that or you will see error messages about not being connected to the internet even when you are.

I installed the Start8 app from Stardock, so I have a Start button and go directly to the standard desktop. I don't like the tiled Windows 8 Start screen. The appearance is OK, but I find it extremely inefficient to use. I am basically using it like Windows 7 v2.0 and live in the desktop 99% of the time.

Are you having issues on your M18x R1 or R2?

 

Mr Fox

It's an R2 system. I've tried everything I know (besides holy water and anointed oils) to coax windows 8 to play nice with the downloads provided from the dell support site. It would seem that everything minus the OSD actually works.

 

Ligithin, have you found a way to fix OSD? Maybe we got bugged OSD driver for win8?

 

I'm going to do the unthinkable since work is slow today and reimage my machine back to Windows 7 and gasp upgrade to Windows 8.

But I do suspect the OSD file from Dell is bugged. I mean we both have the exact same issue on R2 hardware on a clean install where as Skygunner did an upgrade and it works. Time shall tell I guess.

 

Which OSD version are you using?

0.32.0.6, A01 - Release Date: 10/26/2012 or 0.32.0.2C, A00 - Release Date: 4/30/2012

The newer one is the Win8 WHQL driver and it works on the M18x R1 as well as the R2, but it does not show up as a download for the R1.

 

Have I missed something here or is there a specific place on Dell's website for Win8 drivers? - punched in my S/T and that OSD certainly does not come up......

 

Mr. Fox now thats the crazy thing, I'm using the honest to god Rev A01 driver from 10/26 off the R2 support page. I had thought about using the one from the R1 since the media keys are the exact same hardware.

I even tried with the older A00 driver however I was met with the same unfortunate results. for some reason I don't believe the driver is actually installing correctly. It appears to but the setup exec moves way to quick, same way with the Chipset drivers its like next and less than 4 seconds later restart your PC, usually it goes though and copies the inf files and you can see it doing its business, not so with the W8 chipset.

I'm going to tempt fate by doing an in place upgrade, ill just remove the drivers it complained about, VMWare and the few other apps I have and give it a go worst that happens is I revert back to 7 and say "Microsoft Bob" 2.0 isn't for me.

 

anything i try to download from dell websites gives me: Sorry, the requested file could not be downloaded.


also, discovered that my ati driver where in fact downloaded from windows update... properties was saying version 12.9

trying to install 12.10 or 12.11 from clean install (remove , safe boot , driver sweeper) disconnect inet, and boot normaly and install drivers all lead to BLACK screen.

even windows 8 wdm 1.2 have a code 10

back on windows 8 (acronis saved image amd 12.8).....


i tried a clean install on another ssd i have here, ... same black screen problem!


...

 

I hope you get it all worked out soon. I'm sure Dell is also monitoring this thread and doing their own troubleshooting to see what works and what doesn't.

With how much of a dependency W8 has on gestures/touch I can't wait to hear about a touch screen version of the M18x. It has to be coming soon in the pipeline.

At my local bestbuy every new pc with Windows 8 has a touch screen.

 

Try the M18x R1 OSD and see how that works instead. I tried the Win 8 version of OSD for the M18x R2 and it worked, but not consistently. The older version for the M18x R1 works consistently for me. 0.31.0.15C, A02 - Release Date: 9/25/2011

*Tip* Copy the M18x R2 Win 8 OSD to a new folder. It has an executable file for graphics switching. You can create a shortcut to the "SwitchGPU.exe" file to use a desktop icon for graphics switching, and configure a hotkey combo or a TactX key for it. This works perfectly with the M18x R1.

I'm finding nothing especially great about Windows 8. Just some crappy tablet tiles and a dumbed-down version of Windows 7 with Windows Basic theme replacing Aero, mostly so it will work better on low-powered devices. There are some free games that are kind of cool from the Windows 8 App Store, but nothing compelling about any of it to be honest. I don't think it is a horrible OS, just not anything super awesome.

While there is always room for a variety of personal opinions, I definitely hope you're wrong about that based on my own personal preferences. IMHO, just because all of the crappy non-Alienware brands are doing something trendy doesn't mean it would be good for the M18x. I would see that as an undesirable downgrade. The fact that they all have them leads me to believe they are ramming it down consumer throats while passing it off as a "feature" they "need" to have, LOL. I think it has more to do with marching orders to make Steven Sinofsky's ideas the norm rather than what users really want. I have had several computers with a touch screen for work and I have literally despised every one of them. As a means of input and navigation it is so much slower and impractical compared to using a mouse and keyboard that I don't see where having it adds any value except for a device that has no keyboard to tracking device available... it just adds oily smudges and scratches to the screen. It always strikes me as being funny to see people using an aftermarket input device with their iPads... I always feel like asking them why they purchased a tablet in the first place.

No, but everything except the chipset drivers and Creative Audio drivers for the M18x R2 work on the M18x R1. Simply select Windows 8 from the drop-down menu for the manually selected M18x R2 rather than using your service tag.

 

an 18" true gaming and productivity dtr - with a touchscreen?

 

I wonder if Dell will actually update the R1 page with W8 drivers....thanks for the info though, buddy. I too agree that having a touch screen on something like the 18x is bizarre.....I would feel like a moron sat in front of my laptop (which surprise, surprise, has a keyboard not too far away from it's display.....) jabbing away at the screen to do stuff......if Dell were to do ANYTHING with the screen, they should improve the quality with an IPS or RGBLED type panel....now that would be FAR more beneficial.....

 

Yeah, why not? It's not like we have a choice to order Windows 8 without the RT start menu. Navigating the RT start menu without a touchscreen or touchpad, or with a mouse only, is retarded. I can see why Mr. Fox isn't fond of it. If the software is already there we should have the hardware to make the most out of it. Windows 8 was designed with the idea of using a touch device first. That's why you are greeted to a gesture based start menu, instead of the desktop we are all use too.

Even though I purchased my M18x's with the intent to mostly play games, I find myself too busy being an adult with adult responsibilities to afford myself such luxuries most of the time. For some the RT Start menu makes certain tasks(Xbox Live, Facebook, Share App, Weather App, Video playback App etc...) a lot more enjoyable in half the amount of clicks to execute....lol...I mean swipes/gestures to clicks.

 

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if you could help me. I have recently upgraded to windows 8 pro from windows 7 and for some reason I can no longer enable crossfire in the catalyst control centre. The option is visible however, every time I try to select enable and apply, it just resets back to disabled. I have uninstalled the drivers and ccc countless times. Used driver sweep, Uninstalled and reinstalled through safe mode, tried many different versions of the drivers including the ones dell provides but I am still getting this problem, is there any way to force crossfire without using ccc, maybe it is something obvious I am missing as I cannot find anyone else with this same issue. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

System Specs
Intel Core i7 3720qm
ATi Radeon 7970m Crossfire (12.10 drivers currently installed, have tried the dell drivers, and the latest beta drivers)
8GB memory

 

totally agree on that. I when back to 7, and now I'm back to 8!. I was missing something...

 

Welcome back!
Like it or not Windows 8 RT Start Menu adds a whole lot of multimedia cloud based active tiles in real time in a nice attractive easy to use(with touchpad or touch screen) Metro interface.

6 days a week I am reminded of what it's like to hang out on windows 7 at work without Metro/gestures/touchpad.

 

Ok I will try out Windows 8. But first whats the best way for me to go back to windows 7 if i dont like 8. thnx

 

Probably acronis. I'd wait for a second opinion....I'd also recommend a Logitech T650.

 

I would say create an image of your current drive with Acronis or what ever software you prefer, then either upgrade (haven't really checked if this is a good option) or do a fresh install of Windows 8.

If you don't like it, you have that image you created and it wouldn't take much time to re-image you hard drive back to the way it was before you upgraded.

 

That's exactly what I did, using Macrium Reflect. I don't recommend the in-place upgrade for reasons mentioned earlier in the thread. A number of applications, such as XTU and GPU-Z, refused to launch with my migrated user account. They would launch when I enabled the built-in Administrator account or create a new account, but the permissions from my original account were messed up even though it was an administrator account. I also had to take ownership of numerous folders to open them. It worked a lot better as a clean install.

I don't particularly like being forced into creating a Windows user account that logs in with a Microsoft/Hotmail user name and password. The upgrade allowed me to opt out of that (which is not possible with a clean install) and that may be what caused permission problems. Other than not caring for the Metro tiled Start screen, I also don't like the fact that Windows 8 requires an internet connection to function correctly. I almost always have one, but it makes me highly suspicious of what kind of sinister opportunities and security concerns that opens up. It also causes me to think this could be the beginning of some sort of backdoor/remote control enforcement of what Microsoft chooses to allow us to run on Windows through "Windows Updates" similar to the idiocy we have seen from Apple. I'm half way expecting they might do something to break the Stardock Start8 app that I installed to allow me to use the classic Windows 7 Start Menu on the desktop, and the app that I am using that allows me to use sidebar gadgets. It sucks that Microsoft eliminated the Start Menu and sidebar gadgets for those that choose to spend their time on the Windows desktop instead of the Windows 8 Start screen.

Try changing all the registry DWORD values for the EnableCrossFireAutoLink key from zero to 1. (Some are already 1, but some are zero.) There should be at least a dozen of those keys, maybe 20+ instances of this in your registry. Look under the heading "Additional Information" in the opening post of this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...sink-7970m-crossfire-upgrade.html#post8568526

 

you will love it! the xbox music is cool

 

Loving Windows 8 i got a upgrade copy for $15.00 Aus via https://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/ also if you want to add a free copy of Windows Media Center register at
Add features - Microsoft Windows

I really like what they have done with this you can get xbox achievements in Minesweeper & Solitaire lol

 

Well guys, I think I'm officially done with Windows 8 on the M18x R2 until Alienware / Dell ship their first machines with the factory load out, it seems the blasted OSD (AKA Satan) just won't work for me no matter what. It was working prior to my upgrade until I removed the drivers and such that Windows 8 was moaning about and then after the upgrade its back to the same old song and dance, reloaded the OS clean yet again, using only Windows 7 Drivers as one post had also mentioned earlier.

I'll just be content to use it on my Macbook Pro under boot camp where it does actually seem to work ok even with older "Apple" drivers. I just cannot believe something as simple as the OSD can be so much haste, I blame Metro because I totally feel railroaded by my Windows 8 experience. Last time I felt this great about Windows was Millennium and I think we all know how that one landed.

 

It's too bad we as community can't figure out why OSD works for some and not for others. I'm sure Dell will figure it out shortly or after you switch back W7

 

I honestly think its either an OS bug or the OSD package is buggered up, I took a system image on the Windows 8 partition so when they do fix the OSD I can simply return to Windows 8 without a hitch, but for now Back to Windows 7 via system image, I have found that even though it isn't as elegant as Acronis workstation the Windows image utility is actually quite decent.

 

The M18x R1 OSD didn't work?

Here's something I posted in another thread that is relevant to people considering Windows 8...

 

The OSD working for me fine ??? infact all drivers & AW software are working

 

I just noticed that people on W8 that don't have problem with OSD is using Nvidia videocards (nvidia drivers) and others like me and ligithin amd videocards (amd drivers) - maybe amd drivers is conflicting with OSD? any thoughts?
Nevermind. its not the drivers, tried to use OSD with Intel HD4000 - no luck

 

I was actually thinking about upgrading to windows 8, in your opinion is it worth it? Meaning is their any bennifit over 7. Did you do a clean install over a upgrade. How did you deal with driver? Being that I have the AMD 7970's I'm curios. Also can all the performance tweaks that people do when they get a SSD still be applied, like disabling discdefrag, enabling trim, and ect. Also what is this secure boot I keep reading about? Would you recommend upgrading the BIos to A08 since it has added features for Windows 8? If you could provide a guide for installing Windows 8 that would be great.

 

I am making Windows 8 what I think it should be, not what Microsoft thinks I ought to have. As installed by default, I think it sucks. It's like a dumbed-down version of Windows 7 without Aero, no Start/Programs menu and no sidebar gadgets for the desktop, and a bunch of tiles on the default Start screen. As I have it configured, I am able to use it exactly the same as Windows 7, with some added features that I have limited interest in. If I were a tablet user, I might think the tiles are spiffy, but as a PC user I find they get in the way and slow me down too much. If you like lots of pastel colors and moving through layers of pretty-looking screens to navigate instead of quickly getting places, I suspect you'll be in love with it. It has an attractive GUI and it will mesmerize a lot of folks that value form more than function. For a PC user--especially a power user--I see it as being inefficient. Even though I normally have one, I don't like the concept of needing a 24/7 internet connection to realize full functionality from the OS. To me, that also sucks.

Long story short, I am adapting versus adopting. I have to stay current with technology. The product could be a lot worse than it is, but it seems clear to me that the OS is designed to be especially attractive to the masses with a rudimentary set of computer skills. The only thing you are going to gain is a bunch of apps. Whether there is a good use for most of them will be defined on an individual user basis. Think Android or iPhone on a larger scale. There are a lot of free games that are geared to average users... not so much for avid gamers. I think my wife will fall in love with Windows 8 quickly, and she is an average PC user.

I'm not aware of any features A08 is going to give you that add value. From what I understand, which is limited at this point, A08 will make your M18x R2 more locked down with a certificate that prevents you from doing whatever you feel like doing. I'm not a fan of that. I would think long and hard about moving to A08. Once you "upgrade" it will be difficult for you to "downgrade" if A08 turns out to be less than great.

 

So far for me I have been getting too many blue screens for my liking. The main one is an IRQL_NOT_MORE_OR LESS. Then I sometimes get others. It seems to all be driver related so I guess I have to deal with it until better drivers come along.

 

Anyone noticed high cpu latency yet?

Here see this attachment...


If anyone could post dcp latency checker from Win 7 for a reminder that would be great.

Regards.

 

hi.
If you wnat it to work, do a fresh install from a flash drive or dv. click on advanced setting format your HD, then click one step back to chose the install option then chose install as upgrade this will keep your alien desktop backgrounds.
you don't need to install any dell driver for your system to work fine, not even the killer driver. then install the OSD and the graphics driver. this is what I did after having to much problem, now everything is working fine. sorry for my English, no native speaker

 

Well I really didn't have any interest in upgrading to A08, just was curious. I just remember someone on here saying a feature was added to it for windows 8. So It sounds like Windows 8 isn't very PC friendly only good for tablets. Did you notice any performance increases as to Windows 7? Also Mr. Fox, did yo upgrade or fresh install? I really don't want to go through the process of having to install all my programs over again.

 

I have already reinstalled win8 3 times, with clean install from DVD, formatted my disk 0, then left it as allocated space, then just installing windows on that drive. You said do that as upgrade, but then i have to install my W7 with all drivers or what? explain please.

 

no, you don,t need to install your W7 drivers, the only thing I install from dell was the osd and the IDT audio control driver, and NVidia driver.

 

I have AMD cards and after a fresh install the OSD is working fine.

 

Can you explain step by step on how you did that?

For example
1. Cleaned whole system disk
2. Installed win8 using DVD
3. Installed CHipset driver
4. installed alienware command center (versions) etc

Thanks in advance.

 

Thanks for pointing this out!! +rep!!
DPC Latency is back on my R1 & R2!!

 

You can even install windows by having the folder you downloaded saved in the same directory. Once you install windows 8, run the cleaner which comes with it, and select to remove the previous windows files. Everything will be removed and it will look as new. Another thing, please remember not to save your data of your win 7, just start with a clean installation.

Everything I had it installed and it runs like butter. Much lighter and faster than the win 7. A lot of things have been removed: gadgets, start menu etc. Also for people without a touch screen, if you leave it to load completely you will be directly loaded into windows

For those who miss the start menu, search for this file / program on google after you install windows 8 Pokki_PokkiSetup.exe

For those who miss the gadgets, search for this file / program 8GadgetPackSetup.msi

I think Microsoft has really done something good with windows. Much smaller package installed as well.

Enjoy it, guys![/QUOTE]



Can you explain this a little more. "You can even install windows by having the folder you downloaded saved in the same directory. Once you install windows 8, run the cleaner which comes with it, and select to remove the previous windows files. Everything will be removed and it will look as new. Another thing, please remember not to save your data of your win 7, just start with a clean installation." Also I'm guessing that you did an upgrade and chose the option to keep personal files and windows setting? Are you having any issues with Windows 8? I'm not sure if you did any of the twaeks for the SSD for W7, but if you did are they still active?

 

DO NOT install the chipset driver from dell, windows8 do that just install the OSD and command center from dell, but make sure you chose the late one.

 

Gunner, what's showing as the cause? - is it the Nvidia driver or something else?

 

I need help , i am getting random BSOD ....and it says IRQL_Unexpected_error value or something .....this is usually happens at any time , the last time i wasnt even using my computer , was on the phone and the next thing i noticed was a BSOD. Any help would be appreciated

 

how can i uninstall now them?

 

Hi,
first i did the upgrade install but a few things did not work so i did:
Used ImgBurn to create an ISO of the c:\ESD\Windows\ contents, then used rufus_v1.2.0 to create a bootable USB pen drive from the ISO. I then booted to the USB drive and deleted the c: drive partitions and created a new one. Windows also creates a 350 MB one for itself. Then just install, it took about 25 minutes to install. I then ran windows update then installed Free Fall driver (from dvd that came with new laptop), Alienware Command Centre (from dell website 66MB one) then the OSD (from m18x r1 website) and lastly the sound driver as the windows sounds driver dose not turn off the optical out so there was a red light coming out of it.

 

just hold the windows key and press the X key then chose control panel.