HOW TO: Clean Windows 7 Install (Driver Install Order) Guide for Alienware Systems

Greetings fellow Alienware Owners... We frequently have folks post asking about driver install order when clean installing Windows 7, what apps to install in order to monitor the system, etc. Some of you have already shared your clean install process with the forum, many thanks for contributing.

Below is the driver install order I use. I have not run into any driver conflicts using this order and each clean install has completed without any odd issues. At the end of the 'guide' I have also included links to a couple of handy apps/utilities which I use.

Concerning AlienRespawn / Dell DataSafe Local:

Before performing a clean install, please do take the time to create your emergency rescue option using AlienRespawn. This will help if you ever need to revert back to an 'out of box' state.

Although it is possible to 'keep' AlienRespawn or Dell DataSafe Local installed on the system with a clean install, I find that its really not necessary (can also be a bit complicated for new users). Just be sure you preserve the out of box state by creating the rescue media and in the event of a failure, you can easily respawn back to when you first unboxed your system. Another third party app for imaging can be used if you want to preserve the fresh install of W7.

See this link for details on AlienRespawn:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...k-drive-aftermarket-drive-alienrespawn-q.html

Dell Drivers:

Recently, Dell made a change to their Driver Support page. As a result, all of the links I previously had here (to specific models) have broken. Please use this link to reach the Dell Driver Support Page for your model. NOTE: You may have to click 'Select A Different Product'.

http://www.dell.com/support/drivers?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=anavml

Driver Install Order for fresh Win7 installs:

(NOTE 1: I suggest disabling Windows Automatic Driver Install before updating drivers - reference this LINK)
(NOTE 2: I suggest disabling Windows Automatic Updates - reference this LINK. Once you have installed all of your drivers, re-enable Windows Update)
(NOTE 3: If the driver installer prompts for a restart, be sure to do so before proceeding with the next driver)

****Regarding WebCam****
Frequently we have folks ask where the webcam driver is so they can download it. The webcam does not require a device driver. It uses the microsoft driver. For the webcam software which came pre-installed with your system, see below, item #15.

1. Chipset Driver
2. USB 3.0 Driver (11xR3, 14x, 17xR3, 18x only)
3. Intel RST Driver / Intel Management Engine
4. Freefall Sensor Driver (Optional - many members choose not to install this. Also, as long as your drive supports it, the 'App' will work with aftermarket drivers)
5. Alienware On-Screen Display Driver

6. INTEL/AMD/NVIDIA Display Driver

• Optimus systems require the Intel Driver be installed prior to the NV Driver. So if you have an M11xR2/R3, M14x or M17xR3, install the Intel Driver FIRST.
  
  
• If you have a 17xR3 with 3D option, Optimus does not apply to you and the Intel driver is not needed
  
  
• For M17xR3 with AMD, install the AMD Display Driver. AMD owners report the Intel HD Graphics driver is included with the AMD installer.
  
  
• For M18x with AMD,
  If you are unable to switch between the AMD GPUs and the iGPU (Intel HD 3000), try the following:
  
  1. FN+F7 to initiate the GPU switch call.
  
  You will be greeted by a dialog box:
  
  
  2. Select 'Yes' and the system will shutdown.
  3. Once the shutdown has completed, power up the system.
  4. When you are back at the desktop, run the IntelHD driver installer (grab it from the M18x Driver Download page - linked earlier in this post).
  5. Once the driver is installed, reboot and when you return to the desktop, hit FN+F7 again (dialog box will display).
  6. Select 'Yes' to switch and the system will again shutdown.
  7. Once you power back up you will again be in discrete mode (AMD GPUs active).
  
  Done - iGPU driver has been installed.

7. LAN Driver
8. Wireless Network Driver
9. Audio Driver
10. Bluetooth Driver
11. Touchpad Driver
12. Media Card Reader Driver
13. Remote Control/Infrared Driver (Older systems - M15x, M17xR1/R2)

14. Alienware Command Center
NOTE: Command Center should always be installed last.

15. Log in over @ https://smartsource.dell.com to grab any apps which came bundled with your system that were not included on the Resource DVD. Webcam application is one of them.

Recommended Updates after Installing W7:

Once all of this is done, proceed with the following:

1. Update/Install Flash
(NOTE: Be sure to uncheck the 'Install Google toolbar' option - lol)

2. Update/Install Java
(NOTE: Be sure to uncheck the 'Install McAfee Security Scan' option - lol)

3. Update DirectX

4. Update OS by launching Windows Update

*IMPORTANT NOTE:* If you disabled Windows Automatic Updates as suggested at the start of the driver install order portion of this guide, feel free to re-enable automatic updates now (if you like - not necessary, but easy to do if you want)

(NOTE: Once Win 7 SP1 has been installed, be sure to remove the service pack installation files. Right click on your boot drive (C:\) and select 'Properties'. Click the 'Disk Cleanup' button and then check the option to remove 'Service Pack Backup Files', select 'OK'. This will remove all of the SP backup files and free up space.)

Handy Utilities and Apps:

Once this is complete, proceed with any apps, games, etc. A short list of apps/utilities I use follows:

1. Piriform's CCleaner - very handy for cleaning up after driver/app uninstalls.
CCleaner - Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download

2. Auslogic's Disk Defrag - quickest defrag utility I have found.
Disk Defrag - Fast and Safe Defragmenter for Your Disks

------------------------------

3. CPU-Z - Yes, we all need a trusty CPU information app
CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting

4. HW Monitor - A handy monitoring app useful for keeping an eye on temps
CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting

5. GPU-Z - GPU information Tool
GPU-Z Video card GPU Information Utility

6. Speccy - System Information Tool from the makers of CCleaner
Speccy - System Information - Free Download

------------------------------

7. WhoCrashed - This is a very cool crash dump analyzer for anyone who is not familar with using the Windows SDK to troubleshoot issues. WhoCrashed can point you in the right direction when investigating a crash/BSOD and provides useful data which can then be shared here on the forum for additional advice/help.
Resplendence Software - Advanced System Tools and Developer Components

8. LatencyMon - A much more useful DPC Latency Checker which provides quite a bit of info which can help you pinpoint the offending device/driver/app. If you are encountering DPC Audio dropouts or other issues which may be related to DPC, give this one a try.
Resplendence Software - LatencyMon: DPC, ISR and pagefault execution monitor

9. Notepad++ - Very versatile source code editor and a great alternative to Microsoft's Notepad
Notepad++ | 5.8.7

Restoring the "Alienware Look and Feel":

After your apps, utilities and games have been installed, its time to restore the Alienware 'look and feel'.

Please see this thread for further instructions:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...ook-feel-after-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

Also, don't forget your Alienware Font pack

Wrap Up:

Well, you should now have a fresh install of Windows 7. At this point, how you proceed is your call. I will add additional apps/utilities as I think of them...


Have fun clean installing W7!

 

link added to AW General Info Sticky

 

hi I'm new here, do not speak English very well , I have a question for Bat Boy, how I can keep my data safe from alienware and then do a clean install? thanks

Concerning AlienRespawn / Dell DataSafe Local:

Before performing a clean install, please do take the time to create your emergency rescue option using AlienRespawn. This will help if you ever need to revert back to an 'out of box' state.

Although it is possible to 'keep' AlienRespawn or Dell DataSafe Local installed on the system with a clean install, I find that its really not necessary (can also be a bit complicated for new users). Just be sure you preserve the out of box state by creating the rescue media and in the event of a failure, you can easily respawn back to when you first unboxed your system. Another third party app for imaging can be used if you want to preserve the fresh install of W7.

 

I recommend using a second partition on your computer if you have one. If not you should make one, it technically only takes one hard drive to do this.

Safest way is to have two hard drives one serving as the file storage on your computer.

My alienware m17x uses a 256gb ssd and the secondary drive is a 1tb drive.

 

thanks for the reply, but I have only one hdd and my laptop is a m15x, so I would like to know how to back up the recovery partition

 

If you created "recovery media", you should be able to install windows to the SSD from that. It will reinstall the recovery partition.

 

LOL - I knew this would come up.

When you clean install W7, in order to keep the recovery partition you will need to instruct the W7 installer only to install to the C: partition. Do not delete any partitions.

Once the OS install has completed, you will need to install AlienRespawn. See the following post (#2 link)
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...tasafe-software-respawn-faq-discussion-2.html

Once complete, you should then be able to use AlienRespawn again - I say 'should' since I haven't confirmed this is possible. Just keep in mind that the recovery partition will be back to the out of box state and NOT your clean install state.

The best solution - use a third party app to image the drive once you have performed your clean install. Ghost, Acronis or any of the others will do just fine and you'll just need to supply an external drive to send the image to - or, over the network.

 

thank you very much, I look now

 

If I were to do this on an M17X R3 with a 6970M, would I also need to install the IGP driver, then the AMD driver?

Curious b/c it has graphics switching.

 

Updated driver order with 17xR3 AMD/Intel best guess.

 

Would someone mind posting the correct way to update your graphics card drivers? As in, a way that leaves behind no "traces" from the previous ones.

I think it would fit for this guide.

 

1. Uninstall them using Control Panel

2. Reboot in Safe Mode (with networking and download CCleaner if you don't have it)

3. Run CCleaner and clean your registry for any remainders of old dispaly drivers.

4. Reboot

5. Install the new ones (choose clean install for nVidia)

6. Reboot when prompted.

7. Test and enjoy

PS: you can use DriverSweeper in addition to CCleaner at step 3 and select nVidia Display/ ATi Display

 

Considering this is a 'clean install of windows' it doesn't really apply here and is the reason why I did not cover it.

One of our AMD owners (doesn't matter on what system), can put together a thread on clean install of the AMD display driver - also check the NBR Graphics forum, I'm sure there is a generic guide for this.

Steviejones133 is also a good source of info on AMD GPUs - he has this process well documented in other threads.

 

Thanks BB.

The poster may wanna check out this thread regarding updating AMD drivers:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...st-11-2-mobility-released-get-yours-here.html

Alexnvidia has a good thread going on here and all you need is right at the start of the thread regards to updating AMD drivers. Should be applicable even if its an R3.

Any further questions, shoot me a PM.

Steve.

 

If I used AlienRespawn to make backup DVDs, then swapped out the HDD that came with my laptop for a SSD, would I get DataSafe back if I restored with the back up DVDs?

 

Yes you would. The backup (emergency recovery media) created by AlienRespawn will re-create the factory image on your replacement HDD/SSD. Just boot from the recovery media and follow the prompts.

 

And I'm guessing that's the only way?

Will that work well on an SSD? I've read that cloning to an SSD is not such a good idea. This is pretty much the same thing right?

 

then don't clone. Seriously, only you can decide if its 'ok'/'worth it'.

Personally, my take - unless you absolutely have to have AlienRespawn, just do a clean install of W7. Its simple to do, just follow the driver sequence I suggested. Stash the rescue media somewhere safe and if you ever have to restore to an out of box state, you have that option with the rescue media.

 

Not so much Respawn, but I paid for DataSafe, and dang it, I wanna use what I paid for.

 

I find this whole process scary and complicated. my r3 has pop ups for this respawn thing and says i have to upgrade and pay for it? How long would you guys say this process takes? i only want to know because I might consider buying an ssd and using the std hdd as a storage. I wont bother if it isnt easy.

 

There are two types of pop-ups. One, notifying you to upgrade the app itself (patch). This may present itself and when it does, update it.

The second type is to 'upgrade' to the full version. This pop-up can be dismissed - read the dialog completely - there is a checbox or option in the pull down menu to 'dont remind me'.

The process of restoring to the factory image via the emergency rescue media is an easy one and does not take a lot of time.

Lets not sidetrack the thread - this thread is on driver install order which I presented in post#1. If you'd like to continue discussing AlienRespawn/Dell DataSafe Local, please direct your posts to this thread -

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...datasafe-software-respawn-faq-discussion.html

Thanks.

 

I wouldn't recommend #3 for nvidia/AMD drivers. I would rather suggest driver sweeper as mentioned at the PS note. I also included the link of the most up to date driver sweeper download

 

Two questions...

1. Is this method proven to work?

2. After you install the AMD driver, how do you install the Intel one? What I mean is, how do you switch to integrated graphics when there's no driver installed for it?

I'm doing a clean install right now, just making sure.

 

Its still going to switch over - its a hardware switch. You'll most likely restart after switching to the windows default standard vga driver. Once at the desktop, run the intel installer.

•For M17xR3 with AMD, install the AMD Display Driver first. Once done, the Intel Driver must be installed when in Integrated Mode. You will need to use the FN+F7 to switch over to Intel. A reboot may be necessary. Once done, install the Intel HD driver. Once installed, switch back over to your AMD GPU.

 

Also, do you need the Intel Management Interface drivers?

It wouldn't let me install the USB 3.0 drivers as well...

 

BTW, wanted to put this out there to the folks who are using DriverSweeper - be sure to review this info -

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (Page 1) / Driver Sweeper / Phyxion.net Forums

This is but one of the reasons why I (along with a few others here) suggest staying away from this app. Uninstall drivers/apps via the Programs & Features control panel and then reboot into safe mode. Once in safe mode, run CCleaner's registry module and clean any leftover entries it reports. Reboot normally (not into safe mode) and proceed with your driver install.

Just my 2 cents on DriverSweeper. I would only use it in the case of an extreme emergency where you are left with no other option.

 

From what I read up on the issue with Phyxion's driver sweeper utility, my understanding was that it caused problems (or could) if the version was older and not up to date. Just a thought. I, personally, have never had an issue with running it.

Good to know of its "possible" dangers though....

 

Hi, i have my alienware m11x R2 for over a week and i`m having a problems on and on .
I`ve done everything same way like in your manual (btw thanks for it ) but the graphics switch doesn`t work. Like i said i`m new to all this things so my first question is about OSD, is this the driver which is responsible for switching graphics ?
The second one : I was reading about "white list" but i`m not sure what it exactly mean.
And the third one : what the Fn+F2 is for? When i press it it shows "Battery enabled" but nothing happen. I would be gratful for any advice or a link : )

And sorry for any language mistakes.

 

I would just like to thank BatBoy for this again! Great job keeping it all in one place man, thanx!

 

I cant comment on the switchable graphics as I dont know much about the M11.....or the "white paper?" but I can tell you that Fn&F2 cycles throught the various charging states of the battery. If you press the combo a few times, you will get an on screen icon which "scrolls" through the various options.

You can enable or disable battery charging whilst your system is plugged in - its just a "switch" to allow you to toggle battery charging on or off really.

 

You should probably reference this specific post in the r3 owner lounge
I just pm'd someone instructions saying to install intel before amd because I didn't know

 

If I use the alienrespawn USB that I made to install on a new hard drive (getting a 64gb SSD today), will it make that ridiculous 15gb recovery partition on it?

Trying to conserve as much space as I could on it.

 

Done. Added note to Post#1 of the Owners Lounge thread.

Yes. You will still have the recovery partition on the new drive. What AlienRespawn does is it takes the recovery image (which includes the data (c:\), recovery and diag partitions) and recreates it on your drive. Once you 'respawn' to the new drive, just remove the recovery partition if you like. Be sure to keep that recovery media handy in the event you ever have to restore again. Once you frag that recovery partition, you will not be able to use AlienRespawn (running from the C:\ drive) again *if* you remove the recovery partition.

 

How would I go about deleting the recovery partition? I tried on my stock HDD and it wouldnt work.

It was a hidden partition and I had no idea how to get to it =/

Thanks!

 

I could be wrong but I dont think you can delete the recovery partition from within windows. I dont know if it can be done any other way.

When you clean install windows, it will ask you where you want to install the OS (which partition etc).

You have the option of creating partitions and deleting them in this process - example is that mine shows 3 partitions when I clean install.

1. OEM
2. Recovery
3. Basically the rest of my avialable disk space

You can choose to delete the recovery partition from this stage or elect to keep it. I chose to keep the OEM and Recovery partitions and just deleted the remaining partition.

You can then choose to install windows to that partition or create a specific sized partition but I didnt need lots of partitions so I just install to the remaining unallocated space (916gb in my case i think it was)

Some users will nuke everything right back to the bone, deleting all partitions to create one large space and then install windows to that space. Personally, I chose to keep them as I have 1tb of space anyway, but if your tight on space or need alot then you can do as you wish.

Thats my take on things anyhow.

 

Looks like I cant use my AlienRespawn USB driver on this drive.. It says I need 238gb of free space on it for some reason??

Guess Im going to have to do a clean windows 7 install. DLing windows 7 from microsoft now so I could make a USB drive of it to install =/

 

Can you do a clean install with an SSD in AHCI mode? Still thinking about whether or not I should buy one again, considering I got screwed over with the one I had. (Only had it for 5 or so days, wouldn't offer me a replacement, even though there clearly was a hardware issue).

Some other questions...

How large do you need to make the partition for Windows 7?
Do you still need the Intel MEI & RST drivers even if you are in AHCI?
Would the Intel 510 series SSD work in the M17X R3?

 

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Regarding RST drivers, its worth having a read of this http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/474521-installing-ssd-tips-tricks-benchmarks-66.html as on post #656, DR650SE has given a link to the latest RST drivers.

Could come in handy as when I read the thread, it seemed that perormance was better using these drivers.

I would assume that they are ok with the R3 and your SSD.

Could be worth a look as the thread has some great tweaks for getting the most out of your SSD

 

which driver is this "13. Remote Control/Infrared Driver"?

 

ITE/CIR is the driver for infra-red devices located under the "mouse & keyboards" tab on Drivers/downloads.

 

thanks!..And I notice in several forums, people have been saying that it's best to set the sata mode to AHCI..However, I forgot to switch it, mine is at RAID now..

So is that mean I'm screwed?or I can still change it?or should I reinstall it again?

 

I was just looking at a thread that asked the same kinda thing. I believe that for best results, it should be set PRIOR to clean installing as changing when up and running doesnt work well for some reason.

Also, im not an R3 owner, but i seem to recall seeing a thread about this question.....might wanna have a look through the R3 owners lounge thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...ial-m17xr3-owners-lounge-thread-part-2-a.html

 

ok I don't actually mind to re install it..So should I do another clean install on the ssd and set it to AHCI before I do so?

 

Well, from what I have read here, SSD's perform better using AHCI mode. I currently dont own a SSD so I can compare but I would be tempted to try a clean install and set to AHCI.

If for any reason it doesnt work as well, you can always go throught the process again and revert to original bios settings.

Maybe ask in the R3 thread for advice on bios settings for a clean install? - the R2 and R3 seem to have some bios differences and can act differently.

You could read this http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...install-ssd-instructions-recommendations.html for some info on clean installing on an R3 - its not totally relevant but has some good info.

 

That's what I heard too..I think we should continue this ssd discussion in the other thread..

 

Where can I download webcam driver/application for R3?

 

this might sound like a really dumb questions.. but i gotta ask. is the driver install order for the part of windows 7 install where it says something like select drivers. or can i install the drivers at the desktop after i've already installed win7

 

Not a dumb question at all. Thats exactly what you do...install drivers AFTER windows install.

Basically, the drivers you install for your system will be done AFTER the operating system has been installed. These will be drivers for chipset, video, wireless etc etc.....

Once you have a fresh install of Windows OS, your computer will be a blank canvas that you need to install drivers for all your system hardware etc.

These drivers will be specific to your system so a generic install of windows will do only what is required to get you to the desktop. From then on, you need to install the relevant drivers for your system. These are done in the order listed and according to your system hardware configuration. (eg. if you have 5870 gpu's - you need drivers for them...if you have Intel Wireless 6300 Lan, you need drivers for that....etc etc...)

Pretty straightforward really....Install OS, then install all relevant drivers in the order stated...once done, thats your clean install done.

 

thanks for that answer. i just tried a clean install of win7 and it got to the very end and said that it can't finish the install on my hardware and it reset itself. earlier i installed a second hard drive and set it to raid 0, could that have anything to do with my problem