The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
← Previous pageNext page →

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

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by BatBoy, Feb 21, 2011.

  1. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    As long as its set to raid in bios before installing the OS, there shouldnt be any reason why it wouldnt install in a raid setup. Are you sure you have enabled raid in bios?
     
    steviejones133, Apr 5, 2011
    #51
  2. chanks14

    chanks14 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    45
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    yeah, it said raid and it was a drop down with like 3 other options, but i made sure it said raid
     
    chanks14, Apr 5, 2011
    #52
  3. chanks14

    chanks14 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    45
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    everywhere i see i can't install windows 7 on drives configured as raid in the bios, whats the deal???
     
    chanks14, Apr 5, 2011
    #53
  4. Revoluxon

    Revoluxon Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    10
    Messages:
    87
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    16
    What's the point of installing the audio driver and the LAN driver if both of them are automatically installed and ready to use when you install Windows 7?

    Can you skip those 2 to keep your notebook free of software related to these drivers?, any other drivers which are not needed to install?
     
    Revoluxon, Apr 6, 2011
    #54
  5. alvinkhorfire

    alvinkhorfire Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    175
    Messages:
    249
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Revoluxon

    Usually, the default drivers bundled inside Windows 7 are outdated, compared to the ones available in Dell Driver website. That is why you still need to install the Dell drivers.

    Still, you can choose not to install Touchpad driver if you hardly use the Touchpad. Installing Synaptics Touchpad driver will cause 2 additional processes running, as shown in Windows Task Manager. It may lead to slight slowdown in performance.

    In my laptop, I do not install Alienware Command Center as well, as I do not need the AlienFX lights. Installing it will cause 4 additional processes running, as shown in Windows Task Manager.
     
    alvinkhorfire, Apr 6, 2011
    #55
  6. RED-XIV

    RED-XIV Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    44
    Messages:
    231
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Gak- hey people. I just reformatted my M17x R3 (3D Ready Version) and before I install the drivers, I wanted to ask a few things.

    I put the Driver disk in, and all the names of the drivers are... funky, can I get an order list with names, rather than just LAN, WIFI, then this, then that... I have like six network drivers on this disk, and three chipset things, and dont know what one to install first, or even if I am to install all of them 0_o ?? a little confused here. I miss the old M17x R1 Driver disk, so easy. This new R3 one sucks... >_< Oh ya, and where are the USB 3.0 drivers on this thing?

    Edit: nvm, the disk has a "your configuration" tab... lam that I missed that :p All good here, I think- I'll let you know how it went

    Edit: Ok, installed everything I think I needed to, but I still have SM Bus Controller showing up in Device Manager. Help pleas! (no I have not installed the Command Center yet)

    Edit: >_< Grr... it looks like it was the damned cougar chipset that didn't show up under my configuration ... ... ... well, all worked out, this driver disk is crap! took 4 hours more than it should have XP
     
    RED-XIV, Apr 11, 2011
    #56
  7. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,395
    Messages:
    7,964
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Reminder:

    DO NOT use the resource disc - always download the current driver from support.dell.com. All the drivers are on the support site. The resource disc should only be used in the event of no net connection.
     
    BatBoy, Apr 11, 2011
    #57
  8. Mexic00ls

    Mexic00ls Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    563
    Messages:
    857
    Likes Received:
    23
    Trophy Points:
    31
    would it be a good ideal to install windows framework 4 before the gpu drivers or is it not need...
     
    Mexic00ls, Apr 29, 2011
    #58
  9. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    As performing windows updates is towards the latter end of this procedure, I would stick to doing that - gpu drivers and the rest of the process and THEN perform windows updates towards the end of the process.
     
    steviejones133, Apr 29, 2011
    #59
  10. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,395
    Messages:
    7,964
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    206
    You can if you want. I doubt you'll run into any issues. The only item in terms of clean install which will need this is Alienware Command Center. If its not up to date, AWCC installer will handle it.
     
    BatBoy, Apr 29, 2011
    #60
  11. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    So basically....do all the drivers as normal, with the exception of CC....do the windows updates and lastly install CC.
     
    steviejones133, Apr 29, 2011
    #61
  12. BlazeGaj

    BlazeGaj Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    72
    Messages:
    324
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    2 questions

    Do I need to install HM67 cougar chipset driver? Or is it for people who got the laptops around early in the year.

    And these ones I think are not in Dell online:
    12. Media Card Reader Driver
    13. Remote Control/Infrared Driver
    unless I got it wrong.
     
    BlazeGaj, Apr 30, 2011
    #62
  13. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    I would grab the latest revision of the chipset driver from Dell Downloads for your specific system. You need to install this first and foremost regardless of date/time or Sandy recalls....

    Media card reader is Ricoh - falls under cd/dvd tab

    Remote Driver is ITE/CIR can be found under mouse/keyboards tab

    This is where they are for the R2, dunno if its a different layout for the R3 driver page.
     
    steviejones133, Apr 30, 2011
    #63
  14. BlazeGaj

    BlazeGaj Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    72
    Messages:
    324
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I see.


    They must be since there not there on my one.
     
    BlazeGaj, Apr 30, 2011
    #64
  15. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    Just had a look at the R3 driver list on Dell - actually, couldnt see an IR driver at all....the card reader is under the chipset tab as "realtek"

    The driver is use for my IR was actually for a Vostro and not an R2 - was the only way to get one to work. Maybe you could do similar and grab an IR driver from a different lappy if there isnt one for the R3....heve a look here for the IR driver I am using on my R2

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/574459-r3-ir-receiver.html
     
    steviejones133, Apr 30, 2011
    #65
  16. BlazeGaj

    BlazeGaj Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    72
    Messages:
    324
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    No point anyway I keep getting bsod every time I install nvidia driver. Seems to be a 3d problem. Can't even call dell given they help out only mon to fri. Great timing by me to install my ssd.

    Very close to giving up 3d all together.
     
    BlazeGaj, Apr 30, 2011
    #66
  17. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    Would that be the reference nvidia driver or the driver from dell that your trying to install? - if its the reference one, i imagine you need some kind of workaround/modded .inf to get reference drivers to install on the R3 as it hasnt received a vbios update like the R2 has allowing use of reference drivers without modification.
     
    steviejones133, Apr 30, 2011
    #67
  18. BlazeGaj

    BlazeGaj Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    72
    Messages:
    324
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I was talking about the one for Dell.
     
    BlazeGaj, Apr 30, 2011
    #68
  19. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,172
    Messages:
    10,077
    Likes Received:
    1,122
    Trophy Points:
    581
    Im no expert on the r3 gpu drivers but have you installed the Intel HD graphics driver first and then the Nvidia gpu drivers after? (see Batboys post at bottom of page 1) Might help.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/568205-m17x-r3-crashing-bluescreening-out-box.html

    Also, you may wanna have a look here:

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...instructions-recommendations.html#post7263615

    And here's Mandrakes thread on the problem your having with 3d and NV460m Dell Drivers

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...7xr3-w-460m-dell-oem-nvidia-driver-issue.html
     
    steviejones133, Apr 30, 2011
    #69
  20. BlazeGaj

    BlazeGaj Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    72
    Messages:
    324
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I skipped the Intel HD graphics since I had the 3d version
    I'm having the same problem as those guys with the nvidia driver.
     
    BlazeGaj, May 1, 2011
    #70
  21. The Xquisitor

    The Xquisitor Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I am curious, under what circumstances do you a clean install of Windows 7. Lets say if you are thinking of performing a clean install when you first recieve the computer? Does the pre-installed OS and Software applications consume alot of memory?Are the drivers outdated? Is the laptop filled with bloatware and ilk? The reason why I am asking this, is because I will be recieving a alienware soon and I am wondering will I have to prepare for a fresh reboot of the system in order to rid myself of redundant and useless items.

    This question may or may not be related to the topic, but to be safe I posted it here.
     
    The Xquisitor, May 8, 2011
    #71
  22. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,395
    Messages:
    7,964
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Good question with many answers... ;)

    Its really just personal preference. Some feel performance is improved, some dont. There really isn't any bloatware these days - sure you can call McAffee bloatware (I do... lol) but in the end, its your call.
     
    BatBoy, May 8, 2011
    #72
  23. The Xquisitor

    The Xquisitor Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Okay thanks for the response. I opted out of the McAFee, so I guess I will be okay. I will still make the recovery disc though to ensure I do not lose the Alienware look and feel.
     
    The Xquisitor, May 8, 2011
    #73
  24. InSidiousGG

    InSidiousGG Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    34
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I been messing around with registry settings, install games and stuff but didn't do a recovery media on my m14x.

    Is it still too late to do one now? Or is the factory disc provided in the system includes the "out of the box" state recovery?
     
    InSidiousGG, May 12, 2011
    #74
  25. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,395
    Messages:
    7,964
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    206
    the windows media provided on disc is an OEM Windows 7 install disc. No Alienware look and feel. Its clean.

    If you can launch AlienRespawn, you will be able to create the recovery media. Its only going to create the out of box state - any changes since you depressed the power button after removing it from the box will not be included. :)
     
    BatBoy, May 12, 2011
    #75
  26. mny03

    mny03 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I just got my R3 and replace the hard drive to SSD and do a clean install. Install all the driver using the resource DVD but I cannot install the wireless. When it extract the driver, it only opens the folder and there is no application. I tried to download also the driver from the website and it still the same. I tried installing using and Raid and AHCI and still no luck. Any suggestions?

    Thanks..
     
    mny03, May 15, 2011
    #76
  27. dirtrider

    dirtrider Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    3
    Messages:
    16
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I successfully installed the amd driver first (R291070). Then rebooted. Then switched to integrated (fn+f7 or through "configure switchable graphics"). The intel hd3000 package will not install for me (R299285). It says the driver being installed is not validated for this computer. Am I using the wrong one? Can someone point me in the right direction? I am using win 7 ultimate x64.
     
    dirtrider, May 22, 2011
    #77
  28. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,395
    Messages:
    7,964
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Did you accept the 'switch to binary graphics' prompt when you FN+F7?
     
    BatBoy, May 22, 2011
    #78
  29. dirtrider

    dirtrider Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    3
    Messages:
    16
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    You mean integrated graphics not binary graphics right? The actual prompt is "Switchable graphics key press detected. Choose yes to enable or no to cancel." I did select yes. I also see that it does switch in the right click context on the desktop under "configure switchable graphics". I also see "intel hd graphics" in the taskbar. Basically I see no evidence of needing the intel driver install anymore since it does switch and I see the intel software. It seems to me like it is included in the ati install now???
     
    dirtrider, May 23, 2011
    #79
  30. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,395
    Messages:
    7,964
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Good enough for me... As long as it works - thanks for the heads-up.
     
    BatBoy, May 23, 2011
    #80
  31. Oldfoggie

    Oldfoggie Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    55
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    After trying to image my SSD with Respawn, I could not reboot with either my original HDD nor my SSD. I have called Alienware support and we have done a Dell version of a clean install of Windows. I can run the M18x on the original drive. Now I want to do a clean install on the SSD. Since I could not get the Windows CD to recognize the SSD, I installed the SSD in the second HDD slot and reformatted it.

    I removed the original HDD and moved the SSD to the primary HDD slot and rebooted into the Windows disc. It would not recognize the SSD. I put the original HDD and SSD back into their slots and I can read / write to the SSD, when I boot up normally to the original HDD so I wrote about 9Gb of files to the SSD drive. I reinstalled the SSD in the primary slot and the Windows disc still does not recognize it, Windows suggests to install a device driver. My SSD is an OCZ Agility 2 240Gb. It has worked fine in the secondary slot in my M17xR2 for the past 8 months. Any ideas on why it does not recognize the SSD or says to install a driver for it?

    I have posted problems with my attempt to use Respawn to image my SSD in the M18x owners lounge. I decided to move my new questions to this thread as it seems to be the more appropriate thread.
     
    Oldfoggie, May 25, 2011
    #81
  32. Conspiracy

    Conspiracy Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    19
    Messages:
    124
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    When I attempt to login at https://smartsource.dell.com/, I just get an error. Says "An application error has occured" on the page, and that's it. Is there somewhere else I can get the webcam software again?
     
    Conspiracy, May 25, 2011
    #82
  33. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,395
    Messages:
    7,964
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Call Dell support and they can square away your login issue. smartsource is the only location to download it from.

    Make sure you are using Internet Explorer.

    Given the recent system issues the support site has had over the last several days, this could also be why you are seeing an error. I just tried and was able to log in but....
     
    BatBoy, May 25, 2011
    #83
  34. Conspiracy

    Conspiracy Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    19
    Messages:
    124
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Yeah, I usually use Chrome, I tried IE, both 8 and 9 and I get the same error with all of them.

    Thanks.
     
    Conspiracy, May 25, 2011
    #84
  35. Waterr

    Waterr Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    81
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15

    I have the same error and also my service tag is not recognized on my Dell account.

    Where can i download webcam software and SoundBlaster MB software elsewhere than on smartsource.dell.com ?
     
    Waterr, May 25, 2011
    #85
  36. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

    Reputations:
    1,757
    Messages:
    1,322
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    What does the Intel Rapid Storage Technology even do?
     
    Typecast, May 26, 2011
    #86
  37. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,395
    Messages:
    7,964
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    206
    As a reminder, please do not upload and post links to software which is only available via Dell's smartsource website. This is copyright software and as such -

    Links to software obtained via Dell's secure site and re-hosted elsewhere fall into this category.

    Thanks :)
     
    BatBoy, May 27, 2011
    #87
  38. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

    Reputations:
    1,757
    Messages:
    1,322
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Hey guys, What's the default driver for the stock wlan for the r3?
     
    Typecast, May 28, 2011
    #88
  39. ZiZaK

    ZiZaK Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Hello, i have a question with the order of drivers.

    When you say chipset, and i see it in dell´s driver web i see there are 3 drivers of chipset. What should i use? all of them? or what? thanks
     
    ZiZaK, May 28, 2011
    #89
  40. libertine

    libertine Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    73
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Hi BatBoy, thanks for this post and great forum! the m14x is my first AW laptop and i am loving it! :D

    I read almost all the comments in this post.. and i have 2 questions:

    >I want to do a clean win 7 ultimate install... if i follow the steps you mentioned and make the recovery media.. everything will be alright???

    >in Dell's support site how can i enter my customer number(service tag?) in order to download my M14x's drivers and software(i purchase the x-fi Soundblaster)??
    Thank u. :)
     
    libertine, May 28, 2011
    #90
  41. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

    Reputations:
    1,757
    Messages:
    1,322
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    All of them. First the Hm67 then the Intel management engine then last is the card reader.
     
    Typecast, May 28, 2011
    #91
  42. The Xquisitor

    The Xquisitor Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    19
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Currently updating my drivers, when should you download the bios update before the chip set or after.
     
    The Xquisitor, May 29, 2011
    #92
  43. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

    Reputations:
    1,757
    Messages:
    1,322
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Doesnt matter. It has nothing to do with the drivers.
     
    Typecast, May 30, 2011
    #93
  44. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,395
    Messages:
    7,964
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Thanks - glad to help.

    Just save that recovery USB stick. Some folks have run into issues with moving from a large HDD to a smaller size SSD. Not sure what is happening here. Just keep in mind you may not be able to do a recovery to a smaller drive. The stick is still good to have in case you need to recover to the factory state on the original drive or a larger, aftermarket drive. Performing a clean install will be fine. Post if you run into any issues.

    regarding the service tag,

    Just log in to the smartsource website with your Dell Account login. You dont have to have the tag under your name. Key in the service tag and it will show you the appropriate software. Again, you have to have a service tag and login with your Dell Acct.

    :)

    -
    -
     
    BatBoy, May 30, 2011
    #94
  45. JimmyC

    JimmyC Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    14
    Messages:
    245
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Hi all, I've found this thread invaluable during my fresh install so many thanks to BatBoy and all contributors.

    I'm 99% of the way there but have an SM Bus Controller still remaining in Device Mangler with an exclamation mark. I'm quite sure I've installed everything I should, certainly from the list on the first page. Any ideas what this last piece could be?

    TIA.

    Scratch that... Google is your friend. Intel Cougar driver thingy... marked as Optional I'd overlooked it.
     
    JimmyC, Jun 1, 2011
    #95
  46. Brabostaan

    Brabostaan Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    238
    Messages:
    1,452
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Download file. Should be somewhere at C:dell/drivers/R"some numbers"

    Go to device manager and network devices if I'm correct and it will list a unknown decive. Right click and select update driver, choose to find the driver yourself. It will ask you to specify the location of the driver, specify it where it is stored ie C:dell/drivers/R"some numbers" and click open. It will then install.
     
    Brabostaan, Jun 5, 2011
    #96
  47. Andre56

    Andre56 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    17
    Messages:
    547
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Hi, just wondering at what stage do you install Intel Management Engine Interface?

    Thanks
     
    Andre56, Jun 8, 2011
    #97
  48. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    7,395
    Messages:
    7,964
    Likes Received:
    25
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Keep it high up in the order - after the chipset is fine. I've added it to the list in post#1.
     
    BatBoy, Jun 8, 2011
    #98
  49. eleven

    eleven Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    77
    Messages:
    234
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Thanks for clearing this up sir BB. I had trouble finding this for my R3.
     
    eleven, Jun 10, 2011
    #99
  50. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

    Reputations:
    1,757
    Messages:
    1,322
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Lately, Everytime I login in windows, The Aero is turned off and I have to restart for it to be on. Any fixes on this?
     
    Typecast, Jun 11, 2011
    #100
← Previous pageNext page →