AlienFX Problems/Questions Thread

Well I had to format my drive because I wanted raid 0, well after I finished it went fine nothing was wrong. I started installing all drivers/applications in the order provided in the sticky, restarting when asked to etc.

When I went to install the command center it failed for some reason and I was unable to install it. After I restarted all the lights were off and I couldn't get them back on. I was also unable to get rid of the botched version I installed in programs so I decided to stick in the CD and format again.

Now I have everything installed fine, I can run the command center, but under FX there isn't anything to turn on, its blank. Sense works, touch works, everything is fine except that.

I tried going into a theme and deleting the current, opening an advanced, creating new themes, pretty much everything you can imagine and restarting with nothing working. I have the tact X mouse and that shows up, but nothing else.

Also I tried the battery discharge trick as well, nothing, is there any fix for this or do I have to give dell a call and figure it out?

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AlienFX Problems/Questions Thread

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I have been noticing several posts lately concerning AlienFX and issues with custom themes, errors, etc. Since they are scattered amongst the various model sub-forums, I figured the best thing to do is create a central thread where these posts could be made. This will help to maintain visibility and provide the forum with an opportunity to better assist each other.

So, if you are having an issue with creating a custom AlienFX profile/theme or are seeing an odd error, post here.

For Command Center general issues, please continue posting in the Command Center thread -
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-m11xr1-r2-m15x-m17xr2-discussion-thread.html

We also have an updated list (as of 07/01/2010) from Bill-B of Dell which lists the current gaming titles that incorporate AlienFX into the game - see this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/465100-games-support-alienfx.html

IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you are running the latest version of Command Center on your Alienware M15x (or any other Dell/AW system), you cannot revert to the older version contained in the Resource DVD that was shipped with your system. Customers who reinstall Windows or uninstall Command Center and then reinstall must be careful to not use the Resource DVD or an older version of CC to reinstall Command Center, as firmware on your system board may become corrupted.
(src:http://forum.notebookreview.com/6507793-post1.html)


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Regarding AlienFX and Music playback apps - LightFX style:

For M11xR3, M14x, M17xR3 and M18x owners ONLY-

Open up winamp, windows media player or itunes and play a selection. Go to your audio player's settings/config and select visualizations.


You shouldn't have to move any plugins from the CC/Mediaplugin directory.

EDIT: The WMP plugin will not have to be moved. not sure about Itunes or winamp.

Windows Media Player walk-through:
1. Launch WMP
2. Select an MP3 and play
3. CTRL+3 to show the Now Playing window
4. Right Click in window ----> Visualizations ----> Alienware AlienFX ----> Default
5. Enjoy the AlienFX Light Show.
6. When exiting Windows Media Player, your LEDs will go dark for a moment. Don't worry - the last active theme will return in a second or two. AlienFX is cycling out of third party access and returning to the last theme file saved.

Not sure about Winamp or iTunes as I was not able to test/mess with these when I had access to an R3.


Current version of Command Center for the first gen Dell/AW lappies (M11xR1/R2, M15x and M17xR1/R2) does not offer this. Alienware has not released the newest Command Center on the older platforms.

There may be differences between the two so for owners of the previous platforms, I do not suggest trying to use the New Model version of CC. Might brick your AlienFX firmware.

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In Windows Media Player,

Tools ----> Options ----> Plugins Tab ----> Highlight 'Alienware AlienFX' ----> Click Properties

Selection window will open. See attached (from my desktop AW - same though for the 11xR3, 14x, 17xR3, 18x since this is the integrated plugin in the new model CC release).


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Hope this helps...

 

Nice idea BatBoy!:yes: Now there won't be many threads about alien fx cluttering the forum.

 

I'm having the same problem. I bought my m17 some time ago. It came with Vista x86 installed. I got in on the Windows 7 RC, at which point the Command Center stopped working properly. When I would attempt to use Fusion, the program would freeze up and I'd have to force it to close. When the RC expired, I used AlienRespawn to revert back to Vista so I could upgrade to the full version of Windows 7 x86.

After a fairly recent Windows update, I began having issues with FastAccess, and along with it, BSoDs referring to BAD_POOL_CALLER. The SensibleVision website stated to get rid of the FastAccess issue, I would need to update to a newer version of Command Center, only to find out, it appears, 32-bit OS's are no longer supported for the M17. I new installed Windows 7 x64 and installed the new version of Command Center. That resolved the FA/blue screen issue, as well as Fusion locking up, however now I receive the same unhandled exception, when clicking quit, it pops up a dialog box from AlienFX Controller with error text. I am currently running .NET Framework 4.0.

Also, if any of you know about this, with this reinstall of Windows 7, the pop ups on screen showing the volume/battery (un)plugged/screen brightness/etc no longer appear. Is there any way to get these back?

And is AlienRespawn even a possibility at this point, having installed a new version of Windows?

-Sakura

 

I've previously posted this in an older thread so as to not create an additional thread for the same issue. I'm having 'unhandled exceptions' with AlienFX. I bought my m17 some time ago. It came with Vista x86 installed. I got in on the Windows 7 RC, at which point the Command Center stopped working properly. When I would attempt to use Fusion, the program would freeze up and I'd have to force it to close. When the RC expired, I used AlienRespawn to revert back to Vista so I could upgrade to the full version of Windows 7 x86.

After a fairly recent Windows update, I began having issues with FastAccess, and along with it, BSoDs referring to BAD_POOL_CALLER. The SensibleVision website stated to get rid of the FastAccess issue, I would need to update to a newer version of Command Center, only to find out, it appears, 32-bit OS's are no longer supported for the M17. I new installed Windows 7 x64 and installed the new version of Command Center. That resolved the FA/blue screen issue, as well as Fusion locking up, however now I receive the unhandled exceptions, when clicking quit, it pops up a dialog box from AlienFX Controller with error text. I am currently running .NET Framework 4.0.

Also, if any of you know about this, with this reinstall of Windows 7, the pop ups on screen showing the volume/battery (un)plugged/screen brightness/etc no longer appear. Is there any way to get these back?

And is AlienRespawn even a possibility at this point, having installed a new version of Windows?

-Sakura

 

I just got my M11xR2 today, and I am having some issues with AlienFX

After using the computer for a few hours, and playing around with some colors I started getting an error that says:

"The device you have selected is included in the current theme, but AlienFX cannot detect this device on your system. Do you want to remove this device from the current theme?" If I select yes, there is no computer displayed in AlienFX (Showing which zones are what), and if I say no it displays the zones but does not respond.

I am unable to change the colors, and its stuck on colors that I didnt choose. The keyboard is blank, speaker lights are green, Alien head is yellow and the Alienware logo is red.

I have tried to uninstall, and reinstall Command Center with no luck. I tried calling support, but after 20 minutes of being unsuccessfully transferred around, they just hung up on me.

Does anyone have any insight?

 

Try this:

Create a new Theme in AlienFX (open Command Center -> enter AlienFX -> close the current theme -> create a new theme).

 

How can you disable the lights in the keyboard? And the logo on the back?

Can you even?

 

Ive gotten that problem sorted. For some reason a driver didnt install properly with Command Center, so I had to uninstall CC, then remove the battery and discharge by holding the power button. After that, reinstalling CC made Alien FX work again.

Next problem: When playing CitiesXL, the lights freak out. Literally changing colors every second... even the two speaker lights change colors seperately. Also, the FN+AlienFX button does not disable AFX

 

@madchild
a prank from citiesXL developers or your mobo and afx got burnt?
The first one But your lights shouldn't freak out like that :S http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/465100-games-support-alienfx-4.html
If you check that thread, you can seee citiesXL supports AlienFX however as I said your lights shouldn't freak out like that :S

NOTE: thanks BB

 

in the new command center there's an option to enable/disable zones during dark mode. try toggling it, then switch dark mode on.

 

My FN+ ALIENFX command doesn't toggle the lights on and off, & half the time the lights won't come on. Is the command center just glitchy in general and I should not have any worries?

 

This happened to me about a week ago. Try downloading or reinstalling the latest Command Center and try again. Hope it helps, mine's working perfectly now.

 

hi all

am not sure why this happened but i cannot find a fix.

my alienware fx (in right task bar) doesn't load up when i restart windows or load games ? due to this happening my keyboard and only the keyboard doesn't light up like it use to. i would have to manually run alienware fx for my keyboard to light up.
i have reinstalled command centre and osd.

anyone know why ??

 

I don't know the reason but can you try FN+F11. This is the M15X shortcut for turning on/off AFX. I don't know whatever it is the same or not in M17X but look for an F button with "ALIEN FX" text.

 

yeah its starting up by pressing fn f11 but my laptop use to do this automatically.

 

So the only problem I have is that when I restart, and the OS is booting up, only Keyboard 1 lights up (the left hand side portion of the keyboard). Nothing else lights up. But when I log in, the rest of the keyboard starts to light up. How Should I fix this?

 

ive just noticed that when i pull my power cable out it shuts off the lighting on the keyboard only, when i press fn-f11 it says its disabled ??

and now i get this message

The device you have selected is included in the current theme but AlienFX cannot detect this device on your system. Do you want to remove this device from the current theme?

 

Sorry for the thread Resurrection guys,
Im having (sort-of) the same thing with my M15X
On starting from cold the alien head and the 3 right hand segments of the keyboard light up but not the rest (this is before booting into the OS)
And then when in windows i can launch AlienFX controller to turn on the rest,
When i first got my laptop it didnt do this, all lights turned on blue before booting to OS - this all seems to be linked to the AlienFX board F/W updating - My question is, is it possible to get my full theme to be programmed into the AleinFX board so that it all runs before it hits the OS so i dont have to run the Alien-bloatware?

Cheers!
Myles

 

Hey guys, the Alienhead isn't supposed to turn off, right?
Cause whenever I hit the Alienfx, it turns of ALL the lights, including the Alienhead...

 

On the M11x the one on the lid doesn't turn off. The power button will turn off unless you enable Keep Status Zones On During Go Dark.

 

I've noticed in the command center under alienfx options that having your keyboard light up when you get a new email is an option. I've enabled this, but I can't seem to figure out how to get it to work. Anyone know how to do this?

 

You have to be using Microsoft Outlook for your email.

 

Pretty much the exact same thing is happening to me randomly only 3 times in a few weeks of ownership though. Its not a big deal I just want everything running perfectly.

 

Hi,

i recently went and saw some sample apps from the SDK,in my Command Centre folder under alienFX.

when run they make the lights do various things..falsh, morph etc. One of them makes the mouse trackpad morph.

and this is an official sample app. so how comes Command Centre leaves this function out.. and is there a way i could edit my theme file to make it Morph,pulse etc.

"C:\Program Files\Alienware\Command Center\AlienFX SDK\Managed" Location of said files

 

advanced mode?
i can make it flash/pulse/morph just fine using CC

i prefer watto's app though, alienfxlite... but it requires JRE installed etc.

 

sry man, I had this problem B4 too... the only thing you can do is call dell/alienware and get them to send a tech to install a new board for you. (worked for me).

best of luck to ya'... and ya... I know the alienware lights are very poorly designed! too many problems, bad hardware layout, and in my opinion you should be able to shut off the mouse pad light... I hate that you cant!

 

Hi,

I got my alienware M17x a couple of days ago. It was working all fine until yesterday. All of a sudden, after I formatted the system, all my Alien FX lightings have stopped responding. It were all working fine after the formatting, but after i restarted the system they went dead.
I tried installing various versions of the CC without any luck. I get various error messages....

FileAve.com - saileshunnithan's files

I would really appreciate it if someone could help me resolve this issue...

Thank you!!

 

Hey guys, so i was changing my colors in the AlienFX and I've never used the advance button, so i press it, and when im going to add another event on the app section... this error comes up.

Last moth i called dell so they can fix up my bluetooth card and i ask the technician what was this problem and he told me to send alienware an email with this problem, but i was on the support site... no email found. So I try re-installing but nothing happend.

Specs:
Intel 720
Gtx 260m Driver 197.16
4ram
Bios A06
Command Center version 2.5.44.0

 

update to a08! especially since you have a gtx 260m. once thats done, re-run the install.exe for CC and instead of install select repair. once thats done, shutdown, unplug, remove battery, and press down the power button for 20secs (thats a bios reset). Put yoru battery back in, plug it back in, boot up and all should be well!

hope this helps

 

hi guys,

need help on alienware command center issue.when I switch the alienfx software to change colour of the alien head at the front,the power button also switch to the same colour,is this normal?i cant seems to switch individual colour for number 1 and 2.they always change to the same colour when i select one of them.

any help would greatly appreciated


thank you and regards.

 

if you're using normal alienfx, the alien head and the power button will always have the same colour.

If i'm not wrong there's a program which can change individually. Well i'll leave it to the pros to answer

 

^
It's not a program, you just have to edit the .txt file to light it seperately.

 

Do I need a new screen?

My Alienware M11xR2 Alienware logo under the screen is displaying incorrect colors.
Dark blue - it is fine.

Light blue - is changing the left 2/3 of the "ALIENWARE" logo light blue leaving the right side still dark blue.

Very light blue - changes 2/3 from the left but keeps the right side dark blue.

Black - turns off.

White - 1/3 slight pink 1/3 white 1/3 (2 shades purple from red )

Next to white - light blue/green- That is again the correct color on the first 2/3 from the left.. leaving the end right side still a dark blue.

Light green -2/3 of the left.. and the blue/green on the right.

Sum this up. The FX wheel of colors.. clockwise.. after Dark blue it is not full color.. 2/3 is correct while the 1/3 is not.. Still dark blue.. the last 1/3 didn't change from dark blue.

Black worked
White and 2 more clockwise don't work correctly either.

I clicked updates on the bottom right of the FX window.. no updates available.

Do I need a new screen?

* EDIT>> Alienware are sending a rep. to replace the screen after remote diagnostics. I sent a photo to imageshack and Alienware confirmed to send out the new screen.

 

How do you make a zone flash for a new email then revert to its default? Every time I try the email part works OK then the zone goes black. The settings in default work OK by themselves.

 

Help! I've had an alienware m11x for quite some time now. But just recently I noticed I have a problem with my keyboard lights, its no longer working. Sometimes this message comes out,

There was an error while AlienFX Controller was communicating with the computer. This might have been caused due to a problem with the hardware or the software.Try these solutions to correct the issue, in the following order:

- Try to enable AlienFX Controller again. Right-click on the AlienFX icon in the Windows notification area and select 'Enable Alienware AlienFX'.

- Shut down your computer and power it back on.

If neither of these solutions works, please contact Alienware technical support.

This error may also be caused if Alienware AlienFX software is installed on a computer without the proper hardware support for Alienware AlienFX.

I tried everything, uninstalling CC, reinstalling cc. I also tried removing my battery and pushing the power button. Still my keyboard doesn't light.

Please help me

 

Just wanted to post I also popped the FX controller, I tried all the stuff people said on this forum however it wasn't recoverable and as such phoned dell for a replacement board.

Now it works just fine

 

Well I am having the same issue, I am unable to change the lights. For me alienfx works only when I do a fresh install using alien respawn. In my case it is Win vita 32 bit (alienware respawn). I wanted to upgrade to Win 7 64bit. At win 7 64bit, I am unable to change lights and I get the exact error as mentioned by you. I have tried a lot of things, i even used alienfx light by wattos, but no use.

 

Well I could just easily call dell but I can't. I live all the way here in the Philippines, as much as possible I wanna try to fix it here on my own. Anyone having similar problems and know how to fix it? I really don't have a lot of options

 

Sorry tibo - if the AlienFX Controller is toast, the only way to resolve this is with a motherboard swap. You should still contact support and have them confirm the MB needs to be replaced.

 

Woot! first post!

Can anyone who has a working version of the new CC for the AREA-51 m17X tell me what they have in their registry under:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Alienware\Alienware AlienFX\

Model=

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Alienware\Alienware AlienFX\

Model =

For some reason it keeps bringing up the wrong computer, and i'm hoping it's not toast. Thank you!!

 

For Area-51 Legacy systems - see this subforum:
Alienware Area-51/Aurora and Legacy Systems

You sure you have a legacy area-51?

 

I have a slightly different problem to what I have seen anywhere else.

I just recently bought an M17x on Windows 7 and the AlienFX mostly works fine. I have made different themes for applications in the advanced page; the updater for Final Fantasy XIV, the login form for Final Fantasy XIV and the game itself. For the first two, the themes have always worked fine, but the for the game itself it has had problems. When I first created the theme, it worked absolutely fine, but then after a few times it started to only change the middle of the keyboard from red to purple, then after that it changed everything but the left side of the keyboard to purple, and now it changes nothing at all. I tried deleting the theme and then remaking it but it still does the same. Like I said, this is only for one application.

 

Pretty sure. I bought it before Alienware was purchased by Dell, I think it was June of last year. It has the Core 2 proccessor and dual Nvidia 9800's.

 

Update: If I alt-tab out and then back into the game (I can only do this in windowed mode) the problem is fixed. The game crashes if I try to do this in full screen mode.

 

2 days ago I received my new M17x R2 with Win 7 x64. I am quite surprised at how often AlienFX command center crashes. Is this an incompatibility issue with Win 7 x 64 or do I have another problem please?

Also, in the video of the ultimate Alienware screensaver the R2 keyboard lights smoothly perform an amazing light show but I can see no way to make that happen with mine. Can anyone tell me how that is done and is it not possible to share/import themes?

 

There shouldn't be an incompatibility issue with that as I have the same and I haven't experienced any crashes. You might need to check the Dell website for updates.

To make the lightshow in the video you just need to click on "Enable Advanced Settings" in the top left and use morphs with the correct timing in the actions column.

 

Just wondering i know that the AlienFX uses up power and resourses from the System and all
but does it use up enought to make a difrance in how it runs ?
and when its on Morph does it use even more ?

 

with the current version of Command Center, AW tweaked the code to optimize battery/power use. This resulted in extended battery time. See the release notes for command center.

With morphing, I'm sure its going to have an impact however how much of an impact, I cant say. I have no idea and doubt anyone has measured it here.

 

is Alienware M15x have a corsor in mouse touch pad ?