m18x and windows aero

OK. I have the "official" AMD 11.7 Catalyst package installed. I did a clean install, using Driver Sweeper and CCleaner to strip out all of the old crap. I have CCC disabled at startup in MSCONFIG and I have changed all instances of EnableUlps in the registry to a DWORD value of zero. I'll run a couple of benches and see if my score are better or worse than 11.6 and report on how Aero behaves.

 

skygunner, you need to keep up with your signature lol. You have 580SLI now? How? Since when?

 

OK guys, big time cah-cah alert. AMD Catalyst 11.7 sucketh verily. Tried 3 times and 3DMark06 will not finish. The first test the frames are noticeably slower. The second test (Firefly) freezes about 5 seconds into the test. Waiting for un-freeze, screen goes black. Hard reset, repeat, hard reset #2, repeat... we're done now. Buh-bye 11.7.

Went back to 11.6 and my system is screamin' again. Maybe 11.8 will be a winner.

 

Since last week...lol. PM me if you wanna know more about it. I'm not really suppose to go into it. Especially in this previously referrenced thread. That's why I haven't changed my sig. I'm on both sides of the fence because my Fiance has a M18x with 6970's(soon to be 6990's).


How's your Naga EPIC? I've been waiting all day for your evaluation!!!

 

Hush hush is the word then eh? OK.

As for the Naga, its in my trunk of my car right now but I got one. I'm pulling a double shift at work tonight, wont be home till 11PM.

LOL, I just figured out how to pull photos off my Iphone and post them here.

Spoiler

 

Yeah for a week...lol.

Dang!!! That sucks....oh well....you gotta let me know asap. I just bought another one for my Fiance. I'm so close to buying a Tactx keyboard to complete my Alien FX theme. I'm waiting to see if Razer adds the ability to the Black Widow Mechanical keyboard before forcing myself to settle for the Alienware Tactx KB.

 

Well, it took a while to get back where I was before installing Catalyst 11.7. Got it sorted and benchmarks are about where they should be again... Thankfully, 11.7 did not break anything and Aero is still holding up for me.

I ended up taking the route I did once before, which produced the best results overall. Did a clean install of Dell/Alienware AMD drivers, then used the extracted 11.6 Catalyst package and browsed from Device Manager for a manual installation of ONLY the drivers as Catalyst was already installed. This pushed my benchmarks back to 20K+, whereas they had dropped to the 18K range on Catalyst 11.7.

3DMark06: 21335 / Vantage: 21907 (GPU 23270 / CPU 18634)
Clocks: 815/1125 (scores are slightly lower than last week because my CFX has decided that it does not like the 820/1150 clocks today)

Spoiler

 

I have installed AMD 11.8 preview drivers and Intel Graphics Media Accelerator Driver (v15.22.1.64.2361) for Windows 7 x64 and i still have the Windows AERO bug.

I have to logoff and logon again to fix aero.

Brightness controls is not working with AMD 11.8 preview, is there a way to fix it ?

 

Tried 11.7 ......aero bug. Not gonna bother with 11.8 if Brightness is an issue. Gone back to 11.6 - Aero seems to work very well with these drivers AND Mr.Fox's "recipe"........

 

Well, my best recommendation is to go back to what you were using before it is was working good for you.

So far, my home-brewed recipe using Dell's version of CCC and manually installing only AMD's 11.6 drivers (8.861.0.0) without the 11.7 CCC package is the only combination that seems to behave well for me. I am on day 6 without Aero issues (other than those I created yesterday by testing 11.7 Catalyst package).

Remember, we're still not completely off of the bleeding edge of new hardware yet, and I think we can expect better results from the Intel and AMD reference drivers as the platform matures. Look at the impressive results our R2 brothers are getting with their 5870 CFX and that sort of speaks for itself. In the beginning, it was not so with the 5870 CFX.

I am just thankful we're not in the same boat that our brothers with the 580M SLi find themselves in right now with NVIDIA drivers.

 

I can totally agree with that!!

 

stevie - +1 rep, buddy. Thought some NBR brotherly love for testing the recipe might be appreciated.

 

Today progress was made on installing working Verde 280.19B drivers. It's silly we can't just go to the website and install the standard package.


http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m18x/598532-verde-280-19-beta-driver.html

 

All,

We would like to capture a PC for testing. In exchange, we will send you a like for like PC.
* The way this will work is we will setup a full system exchange
* You will receive via email the Dispatch number and also a Return Airbill to get us the original PC
* When you get the replacement PC, send us the original one using the Return Airbill
* Do not make any changes to the operating system
* Backup your personal data to a DVD or USB hard disk drive. Do not format the hard disk drive
* When we are done testing, we will Fdisk/Format the hard disk drive so you do not need to worry about any of your information that is on it

* If this is acceptable to you, I need the following information sent to me via a private message -
Name:
Email Address:
Shipping address:
Phone number:
PC Service Tag number:
Reason: Capture reason - M18x Windows 7 Aero issues

 

Everyone is having the problem, Chris. Just grab an M18x from the shelf and start logging on/off of it. Aero will randomly fail. I think another member mentioned disabling/enabling crossfire was the quickest way to cause aero to glitch.

 

Just got my M18x last night and third startup - Aero bug. I am not sure how Dell missed this during product testing?

 

PM sent. Anything to get it fixed and help out.

 

Thank you for taking this problem seriously. Every M18x I've seen has this problem. I've seen 5 total. 2 Nvidia with SLI & 3 AMD with Crossfire. Most AW techs know of this problem.

 

Nick, for most of the systems experiencing this bug, this is absolutely true. The way I currently have my system tweaked, turning CFX off and on does not cause Aero to stop working. Before I figured out the right combination of stuff this happened to me 100% of the time.

Another thing that seems to trigger the problem is running WEI. For many, Aero does not recover when WEI completes, but I have that sorted also.

There are a few M18x owners on this forum that are not having the Aero bug and so far it seems those that are not have wiped out their drives and reinstalled Windows using a standard media source rather than the Alienware-branded OS. I am still running on the Alienware factory OS installation and not having this problem, but only after many hours of testing, tweaking and trial and error. I am sure I would get better performance with a clean installation, and anticipate my 3DMark11 score will be over 7k, but I am holding off on that for a bit.

 

Hey Chris! Long time no seen, hehe. Just looking at your post I'm having a powerful flashback/deja vu

Would join the noble cause but I've done too many mods and upgrades on my system to be eligible this time around.

Wish you guys luck to quickly find the culprit!

 

In being 100% honest, it happens with my SLI 580's as well. By "it happens" I mean that occasionally the Aero effect of translucent bar at the bottom of the screen goes solid. It only happens when I switch from Intel driven screen back to Nvidia, meaning after reboot into Nvidia mode the Aero is broken.

What I found is that simply loading a different theme, then reloading a new Aero desktop theme fixes the problem. Annoying, but easy It doesn't happen all the time either, maybe 1 in 10 or more reboots. I don't reboot so often as to measure it, but that's what I've found.

 

You are right it is easier to deal with on Nvidia based systems using the method you described. But on the AMD side of things a reboot or log-off(sometimes) is required. It's truly annoying and unacceptable on a 2000.00+USD computer.

 

Although my Aero problem is still here, it has been reduced in occurance using some of Fox's "tweaks".....still randomly flakes out after running 3dmark'06...seems to behave a bit better upon booting though.

 

WOW!!!!!!! Now that's customer service. I'm impressed. :yes: +1 rep

 

Stevie - in addition to the list of tweaks that I posted before > LINK< I just remembered that was one that I forgot about. I've added it to the previous post.

I have disabled AeroPeek, so the button next to the system tray clock now functions like the old "Show Desktop" quicklaunch icon. You do that by changing the DWORD value in the registry from 1 to 0 (zero). You will find that key in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM. See attached screen shot.

In case anyone wants to play with it, I also created a batch file that I was using in early testing. I attached it also. Delete the .txt at the end of the file name so it ends in .bat instead.

 

The only problem is considering the lemon/defect rate, by sending in a good unit there is a high chance you could get back a brand new unit plagued with problems.


It took me a lot of time on the phone and a lot of orders to get mine perfect. The way it should have been in the first place.
I do appreciate his approach to go straight to the source/community to resolve this problem.
Dell/AW should have enough info on hand to rectify this problem. Almost every tech I have spoken to tells me that they are aware of this problem. The level 3 that I spoke to said it's a problem with incompatible hardware and a combination of BIOS/Video Drivers.

 

No no no, you can't send yours in now. You are right, its been worked on way to much to get it just right. You should have sent in your first one. lol.

And you are right again, that is kinda odd, if there are so many plagued with the problem, why can't they just build one and play with it and "boom" aero problem. Odds are definitely in their favour. Oh well, I guess this way they are guaranteed the aero problem.

Heck, I might even take them up on this offer after I get back home and discover the aero bug on mine.

 

I still want a red sock!!!

Hopefully they will get an AMD & Nvidia based system for testing purposes. I also think anyone with dead pixels or maunfacturing defects should be a likely candidate.

 

LOL, I just gave you something else instead.

 

+rep mate when NBR lets me.....

In agreement here. I am on AW laptop number six....within 12mths. Lemons....defects...you name it, Ive had it (just like you mate) and its only now that my current rig is fairly stable and error free - with the exception of the Aero problem - that it DOES make me think long and hard before I send back a good laptop with gpu's that can OC well and risk getting another lemon.

For me to do this, its gotta be 100% covered, 100% Brand New and not some system that was lying around in the back office at Austin,Texas. If there are ANY problems with it, I want 1000000% peace of mind.

Some of you will know what I have been through, many of you will know the long haul that was (and still is) the Sleep & Brightness issue on the M17x R2 (which actually exists on the M18x R1 too but to a lesser degree)....one of the contributing factors for me to "weigh up" when making a decision like this.

I have PM'd Chris and I await his clarification on a few things before I make a decision on sending my baby back to the mothership for a full exploratory....

I should also point out that I am extremely happy at Chris' prescence yet again on the forum....you dont get much better in terms of a company paying attention to its customers and their issues - its good to see that we are not being disregarded. Thanks again Chris.

 

Thanks Fox. +rep. (again, I will have to owe it you 'cos of NBR)

How is your system behaving at the moment? - and yours too Gunner, with you Sli 580m's?

 

I've been reading posts on other forums where people are experiencing the plugged in not charging problem on the M18x. I certainly don't want to risk seeing that problem ever again. Lately alot of agents are really pushing depot repair. Even with my NBD warranty, I've had to esculate my case to get POS(parts only service) as stated in my warranty clause. I never want to be put into a situation where I have to send my unit all the way from Alaska to Texas and back, to a facility that can't even get it right during developement, testing, assembly & manufacturing.

The sleep/resume brightess problem still exists on the M18x & M17x...what about that?
Might as well kill 2 birds with 1 one stone while we're at it.

I understand that this is not Chris's fault. Just putting in my 2 cents.

It's perfect physically, cosmetically & internally except for the resume/sleep brightness problem & Aero bug....I'd also like to see some new BIOS that aren't affected by Razer & Logitech G series products.

 

Thanks, Stevie. At the moment, pretty well. I did a little too much tweaking and Aero is not quite as stable. I need to run Driver Sweeper and CCleaner to get back to the Dell version of CCC and the AMD 11.6 driver version 8.861.0.0 to make it rock-solid again. It's got a hodge-podge mixture of stuff that I have been tinkering with. When I put it back the way I had things, it is actually a challenge to force Aero to misbehave.

 

That's because they want to accomplish the same thing they are asking us to do by sending ours in for an exchange. I think they use the Depot as a convenient way of doing inexpensive R&D work. I do not ever intend to send a machine in for depot repair. I'm OK with the idea of an exchange, because that's done on my terms and it's the proverbial bird in the hand is worth two in the bush scenario (possession of both machines before relinquish possession of one of them). I will not send one back until I have meticulously examined the replacement and thoroughly tested all aspects of its operation. If it is not equivalent or superior in every aspect, it's not acceptable as a replacement and they'll get the one they sent out as an exchange returned to them.

I have NBD onsite warranty and they are under contract to deliver that. Once it leaves your possession, you're basically screwed. You totally lose control of what happens to your system and what comes back to you when they are done with it. And, this applies to any OEM, not just Dell. I've been through some hellish experiences with HP and their joke of a depot repair system. In the immortal words of Homey the Clown, "I don't think so. 'cause Homey don't play dat."

In addition to better service and product quality, the better Tech Support and NBD onsite warranty is one of the reasons I choose to be a Dell/Alienware customer.

 

In all honesty Chris & Co...could order a similar spec'ed M18x and install 3DMark 06 and instantly replicate this problem after a few runs. I could call AW tech support in Costa Rica & El Savador and they could provide hundreds of case info on this problem. What I can tell you is that when you turn on your system for the first time and when the AMD/Nvidia driver asks you to enable CF or SLI, if you say no and don't open it again you will never see this problem.

Since I see this problem so frequently I really would like to send in my perfect unit but can't take the risk of getting a lemon or dead pixels.

 

A little late (was between flights) but allow me to congratulate all of us with your comeback here. Your presence (and efforts and answers...) will be most apreciated by all. Welcome back ChrisM!!!

 

Just curious, but how do you get NBD onsite? Is it already built into the standard/advanced warranties, or is it something separate such as the North American support?

 

That's what I requested when I purchased the warranty originally. It's not included the basic (send to depot) warranty. My warranty also includes repair or replacement due to accidental damage. When you are on the ordering web page, it is very vague. You have to stop configuring your system and go read all of the fine print to understand what the differences between warranties are. Sometimes--maybe even usually--I don't slow down enough and do that, but I am so glad that I did when ordering my system from Dell. It was well worth the extra money.

 

I ordered the 4-year CC/advanced warranty. Are you saying that I had to make a custom request on the phone for NBD? That makes me a little unhappy...

 

Guys - I have created a package with modded INF, drivers and instructions. Aero is now rock-solid on my system (with the factory Alienware OS installation) and it appears to me that on AMD systems, CCC is the culprit. I find it very difficult to crash Aero on purpose and it has not spontaneously crashed on me with the installation tweak I am using. This is a slight variation and a lot less tweaking than what I previously posted.

I would appreciate your feedback and testing on your systems.

For instructions only (no drivers) click this link: DOWNLOAD 19k

For full download (instructions and drivers) click this link: DOWNLOAD 116MB

Not only has this fixed my Aero problem, but my system performs snappier.

 

Very nicely done! Awesome work! I haven't had the issue since I did my fresh install about 4 days ago, but if I do I will be trying this package out. Nice looking instructions and great job!!!!!!! +Rep

 

Thank you. I appreciate the feedback. I actually had WEI run three out of five times without Windows switching to Basic (which I have never witnessed before) and the two times it did, Windows immediately snapped back to Aero when it finished. I have run 3DMark06 and Vantage four times before and four time after the mod. After the mod, Aero never failed. Before the mod, Aero failed to resume about one-third of the time. The benchmark score had the normal amount of variance between runs, but with essentially identical performance with and without the mod.

I've spent the last two days testing and I figured the results were consistent enough for me to post it and ask for more tester to see if it works for them.

Where this holds the most promise is for noobs that struggle with a from-scratch OS installation or people that just don't have enough spare time to devote hours to reinstalling the OS and all of their games and applications. I have intentionally held off doing a clean install to try to fix this with a factory OS installation. Hopefully, this will work well for those folks. I'm crossing my fingers.

 

Nice work fella. Should help out many that have the issue and want to try and resolve it.

 

I hope Mr. Fox and Chris M are sharing info to help resolve this problem for Nvidia & AMD M18x owners.

 

Thanks, gents... I am in contact with DELLChrisM. At the moment, still waiting for confirmation whether they will be exchanging my system for testing. I am sure they will need to test it thoroughly and make it an "official" Dell/Alienware solution before they can start offering it as a fix or make it part of their standard build.

This thing is rock solid with my tweaks and driver mods. I think this will be part of standard build from here on out, as my system seems snappier to me as well. I am anxious to see how well it would perform with these tweaks on a clean install, but I don't want to do that until I find out for sure what their intentions are. This was fixed with the factory installation and I am certain they would want it that way. I still have AlienRespawn, etc.

I am also sharing the information with my Alienware Tech Support rep. The guy is awesome.

 

I'm on a fresh Windows 7 install for about three days now and had the aero issue this morning. I'm downloading your package and will try it out. Thanks! +1 rep

 

This also happen on my M11X R3
seems all Alienware theme have these problems

 

I hope ChrisM can see that the Aero problem isnt just limited to a handful of systems or one particular platform.....its becoming more and more apparent that it is actually quite a common occurance seeing as how more and more people (like pixelcloak and DarthLED, whom I have quoted here) are reporting it and finding out about it......

Seems odd why "someone" has to send back a system to try and "reproduce" the issue for the Engineering team over at Dell to actually SEE it in all its glory.....surely it cant be that hard for Engineering to grab a system that actually has this problem without returns and exchanges. Saying that, I am willing to try and help diagnose and cure the issue and if its the only way to get things moving on this problem, it may just have to be done.....

 

If you have an AMD GPU, I bet my fix will work for you also. There is nothing specific to the M18x about the fix. The HP Envy has the same issues and so do some Acer systems. Please give it a shot... there's no chance of harm and the likeliness it will fix it for you is pretty great.

Another thing Alienware owners should do is disable the SoftThinks Agent service in the Servics.msc console. This corrects the issue of the narrow band of unusable space across the top of the display that randomly occurs. It also shuts off the AlienRespawn nagging.

 

Thanks for your suggestion but worst thing is It's with a nvidia 540m