[NEW] Command Center 2.5.44.0 A05 / Discussion

Interesting jdamien75,
I was wondering if we could find a way to run the new CC with the older firmware.

My older version is working so I may just wait until a newer version comes out (plus I uninstalled/reinstalled the A05 version about 10x and am tired of it).

D.

 

I advise all M17x owners to steer clear and not even bother trying to 'hack' your way into a fix. The risk of damaging the AlienFX Board's BIOS is not worth it. Its Command Center - the previous version is just fine until an update version is released which resolves the bug found in Friday's release.

 

I wound up trying that because I couldn't get the device to be recognized, even by following the instructions on clearing everything out & reinstalling the old version for the M15x. Not sure why it wouldn't take during the install, but it would blink by in about half of a second when it was supposed to be "taking several minutes".

 

One thing I have noticed, sometimes the update/flash does not apply completely. It may take more than one attempt. If the removal process I outlined did not work, try it again.

I had a similar issue happen not long after receiving my M17x. I flashed a file - not going to say which as others may want to try it, and I basically hosed my AlienFX BIOS. It was only after several attempts using the process I outlined, I was able to perform a complete and error free flash to the AlienFX BIOS. Needless to say, I was relieved that it worked.

 

Good point.
I had a heck of a time getting A03 to work again after trying this "updated" A05 version.
I had to extract the firmware from the A03 version then force flash back to the A03 firmware. After that I had to run the A03 installer (which flashed it again) and now it seems to be working again.
I should not press my luck.

D.

 

I'm going to send my M15x back anyway. I cannot wait till they come up with a fix. I paid for something and I want it now. haha

 

does anyone know if it's possible to just flash the bios without re-installing the command center? If i was to do this over and over again to try and get my computer to recognize the fxboard, would I be doing damage to it?

 

You have to run the installer nick. Don't mess with any other methods. Just keep trying the process I outlined. Its a pain, I know. Sorry you are having so much trouble.

 

Once you have the old version installed, if the flash is running by quickly & doesn't appear to take during your installations, you can try the command line option I listed earlier.

Just make sure you only have one HEX/ROM file in the directory & run the AlienwareAlienFXTester.exe /factory /reset from an elevated command prompt. This will make it do the flash using that particular file. The installer runs it with /factory /nocheck as the options, but those didn't work for me when trying it after the installation.

I knew mine was the 0512 HEX file because it lists the device info in the registry.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Alienware\System\AFXCapableDevices\0512

 

It still does not recognize the board. In fact it says no board detected before exiting as fast as it does. I think I really may have bricked it. I'll be calling Tech Support tomorrow after class anyways. Maybe they have an idea.

 

Mine was also giving no board detected initially when running it through setup. It was after I tried running it manually that I managed to get it back.

Hopefully support can get you running.

 

yeah. I'm hoping to avoid replacing the mobo, but if I have to, oh well. I still have to get my screen fixed too.

 

so - is it confirmed that this will work with the M11x? or is this just completely hands off entirely?

 

I can confirm, that I tried this update on an M11x, and everything works perfectly. The Alienware Command Center controls the keyboard lights without any problems, and I get the Facial Recognition Software again!!

 

I just found out this thread, and all I can say is that I'm shocked ...

My Alienware experience so far has been beyond bad - after the complete bricking of my machine with the A03 fiasco, after a motherboard, lcd, and HDD replacement last month, now again an update renders your machine not working entirely as it should be? This is getting out of hand, they seriously need someone at the Quality department to be shaken up (read - fired). I too have the flickering problem in Section 1 of the keyboard. Completely unacceptable to have 2 component X (motherboard in case 1, alienFX board in case 2) of your M15x BIOS updates to go bad in less than a month!

I hope they release an update soon, because A05 of the CC is still available on the website.

 

Does anyone know when will Dell release a fix for this new Alienware Command Center issue?

 

According to DELL-Chris M no eta.

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/t/19323898.aspx

 

Hi may someone find it useful ... i just did a BIOS Flash again with the A03 version and all working again...also did some hex research and Phoenix BIOS editing i find the AienFX called Quicksilver and is sitting in the BIOS oem section....

 

I just got my mobo replaced today.
Was on call with the support for 3 hours other day, finally they said we will have to replace the mobo. Now I am scared to upgrade the CC again. Did any one else got the mobo replaced?

 

How do I check which version of Command Center I have?

 

I'm getting mine replaced on monday, but that is due to a different reason. I'm hoping it fixes my broken command center though.

 

does that mean if i flash my bios to A3 again i can get the new command center to work

 

Should I download this or not? Only read the first 2 pages...

 

Why what happened?

 

My screen has been plagued with flickering green and red pixels for the last month or so. I've already have the gpu and the LCD screen replaced, which basically leaves the motherboard as the last possible culprit. I'm thinking it's a problem with the slot that the gpu plugs into.

 

Sorry to hear that. Hope you get a brand new system as a replacement.
Has the tech. called you, that he is going to come on Monday?

 

The M17x CC version which had the flickering issue has been pulled from the site. What appears on the download site is the previous version. So, yes - you can download it.

 

Yeah, he's coming on Monday. I don't really see what else they can do besides give me a new system if a new mobo doesn't fix it.

 

NickKmet how did it go, new system?

 

Yup. After replacing the motherboard, the issue was still present, so the repair tech ordered a replacement laptop for me. Should be here in about a month.

 

wooahh hooo! I wish i had got one

Do you get change any config. or you get what you already have?

 

wooahh hooo! Congratulations! I wish i had got one

Do you get to change any config. or you get what you already have?

 

I just got off the phone (53 long minutes) trying to explain them that my AlienFX is acting up and I need a replacement laptop. I even sent them a couple of videos.

Here's one for all you guys to see and comment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neVwa7-S0UQ

I'm using the cycle morph theme created by inappropriate_name (found on the M15x owners lounge part 3 & 4). Take a look at the left speaker grill.

I also have random blue flashes of light under the top left portion of keyboard (under the F1-F4 keys) - when AlienFX is turned off.

To top it all, the white lights on my replacement keyboard and rest of the laptop do not match up . The rep said they will send a tech to my place to replace the LED's in all areas... I'm like , this is a 3 month old laptop. It should not be having these issues. I asked for a replacement.

He's gonna call me back in 1-3 hours with an update. They are going to take a look at my video and decide what needs to be done.

 

Has anyone heard if they are close to releasing the more advanced version that was pulled a few weeks ago. If they can get the random flashing fixed the feature set was quite nice. Though not nice enough to go thru all the problems that it caused.

 

As I understood it, I'm just getting a refurbished M17x with the same configuration. I need to check on that though at some point today.

 

Seems like there is so much buzz about the M11x and the M17x R2 (who receiced their update of CC), that the R1's are on the back burner.

This is just my opinion...

I purchased my M17x (now called "R1") w/free Win 7 upgrade with full intentions of ditching Vista as soon as I could. The CC has never worked correctly for me on Win 7.

This is very unfortunate.

 

That sucks. are you going take it or what?

 

Yeah, I'm just going to take it. I'm fine with it at this point. I just want something that works.

 

it will be a new build: Alienware only does replacements with new builds

 

From my experience with Dell, replacement/exchange systems are refurbished systems (if one is available). The only time a replacement system is 'built' is if:

1. A refurbished system is not available
2. During the discussion with the support or escalation rep, a new system is discussed and agreed to by both Dell and the customer.

FWIW.

 

My experience, every time refurbished.
You have to be really lucky to get a new one

I feel you man, anything working will do. good luck with the new system.
any word on when are you going to get it?

 

3-4 weeks. hopefully.

 

I stand corrected. My comment was based on my own experience, replacement new systems both times, and the statements made to me by Dell customer service that replacements are always new -- perhaps the difference lies in who initiates the order for a replacement, tech support (new?) versus order/customer fulfillment (refurb?) ?

 

no, i definitely got mine through tech support.

 

All i can say is, you are one lucky guy

 

hi, i think my M17x have the same problem,
reinstalled Win7 , BIOS to A03, installed CC and OSD,
the light isnt lighting anymore, and when i restart my laptop it wont properly restart just a black screen and can only hear the fan

is my laptop damaged or i just need to wait for a file fix?

 

I would recommend, call support, looks like a hardware issue.

 

so which version of Command center is the latest & greatest that can be trusted? R251006 command center A04? is that one good to go or good to brick?

 

2.0.10 A03, which is available on the website.

 

I think maybe my thoughts will save time for someone.

M15x here, with A03 system BIOS.
From the start new CC worked for me correctly after installation (I wrote about it in this thread). Some time ago I changed my HDD to SSD and noticed all CC problems are Windows-related.
I swapped disks, leaving on side old one, with all my system, and played with new one. It was SSD from M11x and firstly I did NOT restored factory W7 installation, just swapped and started uninstallation M11x drivers and installation for M15x. M11x had older CC and it worked with M15x good (!), but I installed newer for M15x. Than it started with all described issues, "unrecognised USB device" etc.
In this point I thought I messed something on the FX board. I had one chance to check it: start again old HDD, where all worked.
I swapped back my old HDD and with older W7 installation and... all was good.
This lead me it is not FX BIOS issue, or wrong installation process. Something gone wrong in the Windows on the SSD.
I swapped again disks, this time restoring factory W7 installation on the SSD and than immediately reinstalled all drivers for M15x and new CC. Now all is working correctly. No issues at all.

Maybe this is good way to try: restore your factory installation and than apply new CC ?