Do I need to Update Bios -M17x- Before Updating other Updates

Hey Guys -

I was just about to update quite a bit of updates on my M17x, however, do I need to update the M17x's bios version to A02 before updating any other updates that came out recently?

I am still currently on factory bios when M17x first came out. I know this is a stupid question, but I just dont like updating the bios, as it has caused me problems before with other machines.

Thanks for your help

EDIT: Also, Do I need the ITE Driver? And is it worth it to update?

 

Your call of course, but I prefer to run current drivers as there are always fixes/updates from the previous version. BIOS A02 is solid and I have not encountered any issues.

The ITE Driver is the infrared remote control receiver driver.

Couple of points:

If you move to the current version of OSD (Alienware's Onscreen Display software - what is responsible for the volume pop-up, etc.), you need to use BIOS A02 as a conflict exists with BIOS A00 or A01 and the current OSD.

Be sure to install/update drivers in the order Dell suggests. You can find this HERE.

If you are running Win7, be aware of this critical item:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=436486

All I can think of at the moment... brain fade... been a long day.

 

Thanks BatBoy

How to install new versions of bios? Is it just like a new driver, click and install? Uninstall current bois, etc?

Can I just forget about everything, and just update the 260m drivers to 186.40 (dells)? And just let the rest lag behind?

Thanks BatBoy.

 

Like I said, your call. If it were me, I would update everything.

With the BIOS just launch it like any other executable and it will do the rest.

Remember, if you do the BIOS - make sure you update OSD as well.

If you find you are running into issues, then update the others.

Might also look into updating your NVIDIA driver using drivers other than Dell. If you are new to all of this, then stick with the most recent Dell driver until you research, ask questions and develop a better understanding of the process. If you are on Win7, be sure to take a look at the last several pages of the M17x Windows 7 thread so you can catch up on current developments.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

Thanks Batboy

I see you dont have dell's 186.40 graphics drivers on your blog? Instead you have 186.64.... Should I install the .64 instead of .40? Are both very stable? etc etc

P.s. I dont see an option for Dell's 186.64 drivers on their driver page??? And do the 186.40 drivers have physx?

Thanks + 1 rep (darnnit, it wont let me. I havent gave you a rep for a while too?)

 

Hi monkey123456,
The bios is fairly easy to install. Just execute the downloaded file from your desktop, and the laptop will do the rest.

Saftey Pointers:

1. Make sure your laptop is plugged in and has a decent charge.
2. Don't press any keys as it's updating
3. Make sure all external peripherals are unplugged (mouse, printer, etc)

Thanks,
Gabe

 

Dell posted the 186.40 for vista and the 186.64 for win7 both on the same day. Oddly enough, the 186.64 includes vista 64 setup info. This is the reason why I left 186.40 off the driver page. I also had a chance to mess with the 186.40 driver a few weeks prior to it being posted. Had the issue of waking to a blank screen. No dice... if you are going to use a stock dell driver, try 186.64 first.