HOW TO: Clean Windows 8 Install (Driver Install Order) Guide for Alienware Systems

This guide explains how to do a clean install of Windows 8 as well as how to recover any programs/wallpapers loaded from factory.

Alternative Recovery Option:

Alienware systems ship with a pre-installed recovery partition in case you want to restore to factory settings without having to re-install drivers or OEM software, this partition can be accessed through AlienRespawn.

How to Recover Your Dell / Alienware Laptop (Internal Recovery Partition)

Windows 8 Clean install:

Important: Systems with RAID arrays need to have the proper Intel RST driver loaded during the installation, otherwise the RAID won’t be recognized or the installation will fail.

Alienware Systems | Loading the Intel RST driver for RAID arrays

When you’re done proceed to install Windows 8.

How to install Windows 8 on an Alienware System | Video Guide

Driver Install Order:

Note: If a driver installer prompts for a restart, be sure to do so before proceeding with the next driver.

Go to the Support portal and choose your laptop model to access the drivers listed for your computer. Under Operating System choose Windows 8 64-bit and start downloading/installing the drivers as follows:

1. Chipset
2. Intel Management Engine Interface
3. Intel Rapid Storage technology
4. LAN driver
5. Wireless Driver
6. INTEL/AMD/NVIDIA Display Driver

• 
  If you have an M14x or M17x with Nvidia graphics install the Intel HD graphics driver first.

• If you can’t install the discrete graphics driver on the M18x you need to press Fn+F7, select yes and reboot. This will enable the discrete card and let you install the driver for it (If you’re having trouble with an AMD card you need to switch to the iGPU, install the intel driver then switch back to the AMD card and install the catalyst).

7. Audio driver
8. Bluetooth driver
9. Media Card Reader
The following drivers might require Microsoft .NET framework 3.5 support to work properly, you can download it here.
10. Touchpad driver
11. Alienware On-Screen Display driver
12. Alienware Command Center

****Regarding Webcam****
The webcam does not require a device driver; it uses the Microsoft’s driver. To download the webcam software that came with your system see below, item #13.

13. Log in over @ My Dell Downloads to grab any apps that came bundled with your system.

Create your own “factory” image:

Now that you’ve got a healthy Windows 8 installation you can use AlienRespawn to create an image of the system as it is in case you need/want to restore to this state.

You can customize the installation with your favorite programs or games before creating the image (Keep in mind that a Larger Image = Larger backup space used).

Alienware Wallpapers

When you’re ready, download AlienRespawn for Windows 8 and run the installer. Please be patient, the installation may take a while.

Wrap Up:

Make sure your power options are set to High Performance and run Windows Experience Index if you haven’t done so yet (Computer --> Properties --> Retrieve System Rating).

If your system uses Optimus Technology you’ll want to set up your games to run on the discrete graphics only.

All done! Now go play something

***Special thanks to Batboy for his great guide to a Clean Windows 7 Install***

 

Thanks for putting this up, Luis, great job!
I'll soon update the Owner's Lounges with a link to this too.

 

+1, absolutely a great job luis - thank you!~ :thumbsup:

 

Top guide, Luis!! repped! :thumbsup:

Also, you *should* be able to "enable" 3.5 via "Turn Windows Features On or Off" from the Control Panel - reference this article: Installing the .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 8 The .NET 3.5 Framework isn't automatically installed with Windows 8, but by enabling the features from within Windows, it will connect to the internet and download/activate 3.5 for you. Both methods achieve the same end result though, just thought I'd mention it.

 

Nice job, Brother Pardo. We needed a new thread for this. Thank you much! +1 Rep

 

Thanks for this. +1 rep.

 

I added this thread to the index linked in the lower right corner of my signature.

 

Thanks a lot!

This tutorial just saved my life, I had too many problems with my sound card not being detected and did a clean reinstall. Now I don't have any problems and my bluetooth is back again!

 

Intel HD 4000 driver - "This system does not meet the minimum hardware requirements"?

I saw that this problem exists if you try to install from the zip or exe directly from Intel's support website but it shouldn't happen for OEM drivers. Is there a solution to this?

 

I'm trying to do a fresh Windows 8 install on my new AW 17 but I can't get the installation started because it says a driver is missing. Doesn't say which one. I suppose it's the RAID driver, because I did manage to install Win 8 after switching to ATA. What I want to know is - where do I get the RAID driver? The link in the first post above goes only to old sandy bridge/ivy bridge drivers.

 

You can get it directly from Intel. https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Se...tel®+RST)&ProdId=2101&LineId=1090&FamilyId=42 (select your OS)

Download the file and run it on another computer. Select "extract without installing". Check the extracted files, there will be a folder called "F6flpy-x64". Copy this folder to a USB stick and insert it when you see the "driver is missing" message. Find the "F6flpy-x64" folder. The rest is installing W8. Good luck.

 

I have an alienware m17x r4 with gtx680m and windows8 x64bit.

I have not followed the steps described, but I have tried to install all the drivers, and I have a question.

How do I know I have installed ALL the drivers without missing any of them. And how do I know that they all work properly, is there anything I can do to examine ?

Lastly, there are bunch of drivers on dell's site even though I entered my tag. I chose the ones that I believe I needed, so I can't be sure if I installed the right drivers or if I installed any extra unnecessary drivers.

Could someone please help me?

 

Luis - thank you for this guide, my R4 came stock with windows 7 on it. I plan to install Windows 8.1 on it. Can you please point me to a place where i can see the steps i need to do in order to install UEFI windows 8 !

Thank you

 

When do Windows updates go in this list? Intel recommends OS, OS updates, chipset, then all other drivers. But that doesn't sound right to me, updates would install a bunch of outdated drivers unless you micromanage, and it's not always easy for a non-pro like me to recognize what should be left out.

 

Windows Updates are not required. They often cause more harm that benefit. It is best to disable Windows Updates. Check occasionally for urgent security patches and apply them in small batches with System Restore Points in between so you can undo any damage that may result from applying them. Automatic Windows Updates are a threat to the stability of your system... updates are applied indiscriminately and this often leads to instability and performance problems. Driver updates from the Windows Catalog should be avoided.

 

I second Mr Fox on that, install updates only when you are completely aware of what they really solve. Most major updates to the OS get highlighted in forums as glitches.

And if you meant what order to do the install in, then it would be install OS, chipset, Install drivers and then finally updates ----- only if you know what they fix.

 

Thanks guys. All this time, I was having Windows auto install updates. No problems die to that that I know of, but lots of little glitches whose cause I could never determine. I'll try it the no update way this time, other than service packs and security.

 

Maybe you guys can answer another q for me?

When installing chipset drivers for a new system, should I use the standalone chipset driver, or the intel chipset software installation utility?

Intel Chipset Driver v9.4.0.1026 for Win8.1

Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility v9.4.0.1026 for Win7/8/8.1

From what I've read I'm guessing its the standalone, do an INF install, but I want to make sure I do this right.

 

In my opinion , If you have a fresh install of the operating system on your computer, run the Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility to make sure the operating system recognizes the chipset components. It is important to run the utility before installing any other device drivers or service packs.

If i am wrong, some1 can correct me.

 

Hi guys, thanks for this very useful thread!
I would have a question: why don't you install the Intel Rapid Start Technology Driver? Doesn't it worth it or are there problems with it?

Thanks in advance for your answer.

 

Indeed you need to install the IRST Driver as it has a better controller than the default one in Windows (AKA MSAHCI)

If you are not running a RAID setup, then do not install the full IRST Setup just manually update the controller in device manager to the INF folder of the IRST Driver folder to only update the controller. You don't need the utility running on startup everytime if you don't have a RAID setup.

 

Ok, thanks.
But does the update of the controller only is sufficient to have the full performance?

 

Yes, the IRST app is usefull only in 2 situations:

1) If you actually have a RAID setup then it has some performance options like selecting the cache mode and stuff (not gonna open up a new subject here it is beyond the scope of this thread)

2) You might not actually have a RAID setup, but let's say you don't have an SSD and have an HDD as your main drive, but you have a small mSATA 64 GB SSD, then using the IRST application, you can set it up in a way that it will use the mSATA SSD for caching to give you a bit of a performance boot.

Now if you have an SSD, you do not want to use any caching drive as that will actually be slower than your actual SSD

Thus, all the IRST application features are useless if point #2 does not apply to you and it will actually just add another useless startup item to your list

Now speaking about the controller, even the latest Windows 8.1 still uses the ancient MSAHCI controller driver which is dated back to 2006. Why? simple, because it works, it's reliable, and people don't have a problem with it. But it's performance is limited, and particularly at the 4K Read/Write speeds, and that's what matters to you as a user, that's where you feel the OS snapiness, it's those hundreds of small 4K or so files being accessed frequently to load the OS, drivers, small DLL files and what not

The IRST Driver is way better than the MSAHCI driver

Do take note that the latest drivers may not be necessarily the best. Stick to the latest version provided by Alienware not the latest IRST driver

Results for you to compare benchmarking my 512GB Samsung 850 PRO FTW:

AS SSD Benchmark with MSAHCI Driver (W7)



AS SSD Benchmark with IRST 12.8.0.1016 (W7)



AS SSD Benchmark with IRST 13.1.0.1058 (W7)

 

And in these cases you just updated the controller with the INF files and not installed the complete iRST?

 

yes, I never install the IRST full app unless I am running on RAID which I did once and never again, 4K speeds n RAId and boot time are worse, RAID is only good for certain workloads like copying large 10GB + files all day long or for servers running large databases not for end users

only sequential speeds are high in RAID which mean nothing to a user in the real world, all that matters are the 4K speeds and latency which is higher in RAId and boot times are longer due to the fact that the RAID controller has to be activated

Here is a long discussion proving that RAID is useless on an SSD:

1 Single SSD vs 2 SSD RAID-0

 

Hi ppl
i have now decided its time to update my R3 to windows 8
i go to dell site using my service tag and only gives me windows 7 drivers
how can i get windows 8 drivers for my r3?
regards

 

There's a drop down to choose OS - locate it and choose Windows 8 or 8.1 and there you go...better still, enter your service tag and then choose Windows 8 from the OS menu.

Product Support | Dell UK

 

thanks for the link, it work but soon as i insert my tag it only gives me the option for windows 7 , is this normal ?

 

Ah, sorry. Yes, unfortunately Dell does not officially support Windows 8 on the M17x R3 - see below quote from one of the AW reps that frequent our forums: (quoted from this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-17-m17x/694380-m17x-r3-windows-8-drivers-list.html)

Maybe this might help http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...e-m17xr3-windows-8-clean-install-drivers.html but it's quite old.

 

so is mean, is not necessary to install IRST driver?how about Intel Management Engine Interface?thanks

 

The driver is a must, the app is not a must unless you are doing RAID. You can manually install the INF driver through device manager.

About IMEI, I find that many apps require it such as Intel XTU and a few others that I can't recall now. Plus, if you don't install it you'd have an exclamation mark under one of your devices in Device Manager so I would install it always

 

so for IMEI it should be install after finished install windows 8.
IRST don't have to install because it use AHCI on the bios.
how to install manually inf driver in device manager?which device should I install it?

 

1) IMEI needs to be installed obvoiusly after the Window 8, you can't install it before

2) The default MSAHCI Driver even on Windows 8 is an ancient crappy driver that is dated back to 2006 and never got updated. the reason Microsoft stick to it is for compatibility reasons as it would work on any system be it new or old. Even when one doesn't do RAId and is in AQHCI mode in the BIOS, it is highly recommended to install the IRST Driver as it is a newer and better controller driver that offers much better speeds. That is why you see IRST installed in almost any laptop from any brand regardless whether they were setup in RAID or not. Heck, even a cheap $300 USD Acer laptop I bought my mom last year had IRST installed.

3) After installing Windows 8 and doing all the Windows updates, start by installing:

a) Alienware OSD Application
b) Intel Chipset Software (AKA Intel Lynx Point Driver)
c) Intel Management Engine Interface
d) Intel Dynamic Platform & Thermal Framework Interface (only if you have an MX Extreme CPU otherwise you cannot install that and ONLY if you don't do manual overclocking through BIOS)
e) IRST Driver, install the IRST driver manually by going to Device Manager, right clicking on the controller, then pointing it to the INF folder in IRST to install the driver only without the utility which is not needed unless you are doing RAID
f) Card Reader Drivers
g) Intel HD Graphics Driver
h) GeForce or Radeon Driver
i) LAN
j) WLAN
k) Bluetooth
l) Audio
m) Touchpad
n) Command Center
o) ST Microelectronics Free Fall Sensor Driver

 

Hi @Matrix Leader6 I would have a question concerning the order of the drivers installation. You said Alienware OSD Application has to be installed first but on the first page of this topic it's like the 11th or 12th driver to be installed.
And I always thought the Intel chipset/RST/IMEI drivers were the first to be installed.
So, what do you think?
Thanks!

 

Well I learned that when I popped in my Alienware Resource DVD, if I click on Installation Order, it says to install the Alienware app first which is the OSD app that's the only one with the name Alienware in it......

Secondly, this guide is wrong and I've stated it. By wrong, I mean, they tell you to install OSD and Command Center last right? Well let me ask you this......when you want to install the Intel HD Graphics, followed by the nVIDIA Graphics Driver, you need to hit FN + F5 on your keyboard to switch from Integrated Graphics to the Discrete Graphics......without the Alienware OSD App, how are you gonna do that??

That's why I think the resource DVD is right in stating to install the OSD app first.....

From the READ ME HTML file of the Resource DVD:

Driver, Utility and Application Installation Order Guide
The purpose of this document is to outline the general software and driver installation order for your Dell computer.

Note: This document assumes that the user has successfully installed the Operating System using the Dell Recovery Media provided with the system.

Installing Operating System Updates

1. Operating System Service Packs

After installing the Operating System (OS) it is recommended the latest available Service Pack (SP) be installed. If the Operating System was installed from the Dell Recovery Media provided with the system it will already include the latest Service Pack.

1. Notebook System Software

or

Desktop System Software

After installing the Operating System and Service Pack the most important component to install is the Dell Notebook / Desktop System Software (NSS / DSS). The Notebook / Desktop System Software executable is a collection of essential software that provides critical updates for correct Operating System functionality. This software package is designed to automatically detect and install the appropriate files and/or updates, depending on the Operating System and Service Pack present.

Depending on the system model, the Notebook / Desktop System Software installation files may be found on either the Utilities or Drivers page of the Resource CD.

Installing Component Drivers
Driver installation files on the Resource CD may be located using the following methods:

• Click the Drivers link at the top of the page.
• Choose Drivers from the Topic drop-down menu on the left-hand side of the screen.

Choosing the appropriate system model from the System Model drop-down list on the left-hand side of the screen will display only those drivers applicable for your system.

1. Controller Driver and Software

Install the appropriate Chipset driver for the system.

Depending on the system model, the chipset installation software may be found under either the 'Controller Drivers' heading or the 'System Drivers' heading on the Drivers page.

1. Video Drivers

Install the appropriate video driver for the system.

If you are unsure which driver to choose refer to your system documentation and order information to identify the video card installed in the system.

1. Communication Drivers

Install the appropriate communication driver(s) for the system.

Depending on the system model and configuration you may need to install a Network (NIC) Driver. If you are unsure which driver(s) to choose, refer to your system documentation and order information to identify the communication controllers installed in the system.

Modem drivers are located on a separate installation CD.

1. Input Drivers

Install the appropriate input driver(s) for the system.

If you are unsure which driver(s) to choose, refer to your system documentation and order information to identify the input device(s) used by the system.

1. Audio Drivers

Install the appropriate audio driver for your system (this step is optional as some system models may not include an audio controller).

If you are unsure which driver to choose refer to your system documentation and order information to identify the audio controller installed in the system.

1. Miscellaneous Drivers

The system's Resource CD may include a 'Miscellaneous Drivers' heading on the Drivers page. This section includes various drivers and utilities that may need to be installed your system model.

If you are unsure which driver to install, refer to your system documentation or Dell's support web site ( http://support.dell.com) for more information.

1. Patches, Utilities and Applications

Your system's Resource CD may include a Patches link at the top of the page. Click the link to access applicable patches for your system model.

Your system's Resource CD may include a Utilities link at the top of the page. Click the link to access applicable software utilities for your system model.

Your system's Resource CD may include an Applications link at the top of the page. Click the link to access applicable applications for your system model.

If you are unsure which patches, utilities or applications to install, refer to your system documentation or Dell's support web site ( http://support.dell.com) for more information.

 

On a side note, I have figured how to switch from the Integrated Graphics to the Discrete Graphics via the BIOS, but this only works for switching from the INTEL HD Graphics > nVIDIA or ATI not vice versa.

so before formatting, you need to have switched to the Intel HD Graphics first so you can switch to the nVIDIA/ATI Graphics later to install the driver without the need of the Alienware OSD app and thus leave it to be installed at the end.

1) After formatting and ensuring you are on the Intel HD Graphics, install all Windows updates and configure your personal folders, settings, etc

2) Now start by installing the drivers one by one, rebooting after each driver installation, I don't take shortcuts, please don't do to ensure optimal driver installation with no errors

3) Once you install the Intel HD Graphics, reboot when asked

4) Once you reach Windows after the reboot, don't install anything now, reboot again and spam the living heck out of the F2 key to enter BIOS settings

5) Go to the last tab in BIOS, then select Load Optimized Defaults

6) Save and Exit

now you will reboot but will notice that it takes a longer time for the BIOS to boot up again and you are now switched to your discrete graphics so you can install the nVIDIA/ATI Driver

 

All this method can apply for 3D model also right?

 

IRST Driver is exe file right?if you not install it how come INF folder show up in IRST?

 

I gather so much knowledge here and waiting for your new post.thanks for your great post.

 

No its the inf folder not exe

 

You don't need to do this on the newer alienware systems unless for some reason you're using integrated only.

There isn't a hardware switcher on the AW 13/15/17 R1 and R2s, it's all software controlled so basically the discrete GPU is connected and detected at all times its just disabled until the driver calls for it to be enabled.

There are basically two ways optimus is used in laptops.

The more expensive / less common way requires a hardware switcher and both the integrated GPU and the discrete GPU are connected to the monitor.

The cheaper / more common way is basically only the integrated GPU is connected to the monitor. The discrete GPU has 0 physical connections to it. So when you load up a game that the driver detects needs the discrete GPU, the discrete GPU processes it, passes it on to the integrated GPU that passes it on to the monitor. There's simply no way to disable the integrated GPU because it's the only one that has a connection to the monitor, disabling it means nothing will get displayed. This is the way Alienware and multiple other OEMs do it now.

I've reinstalled Windows multiple times on my R1 and once on my R2 and I've never ever had to use the switch key and I follow the driver installation order posted by the OP (it works fine). On these laptops the switch key only allows you to select Integrated and Integrated + Discrete. There's no option to select discrete only.

 

if screen 120Hz model how to boot with intel HD graphic?
in bios Secure Boot can't change to enable and color is grey, there is no Fast Boot options in bios also. when legacy boot want to disable there is error message "Can't detect MXM card GOP driver"
what is that mean?

 

ahh that explains it. One of the best thing I like about my Alienware 18 is that it requires a switch via FN key that way when you're in Windows, you never have a doubt if a program, game, media player, etc, is using the Integrated or dedicated graphics, all I want is my nVIDIA GPU to power everything unless I am out on the run and need to extend my battery then I switch to Intel HD Graphics crap. That's why I said it's wrong. Even on the Dell FAQ their install order is wrong as they state the same thing as the guide you mentioned, I think they copy/pasted from an older laptop guide as they were too lazy to go through the steps and test them. That FAQ is now gone after Dell migrated to the new Dell Support site though. Now there is no install order on their site at all

 

Secure boot cannot be emabled until you:

a) change BIOS from Legacy to UEFI

b) Disable Load Legacy ROM option

Then you will be able to enable Secure Boot but that will only work for Windows 8 not 7

 

I can change bios from legacy to UEFI.
But I can't Disable load legacy rom option. There is come up error message " can't detect MXM card GPO driver"

 

Well so, what's the good order ?^^

 

Integrated graphics are disabled if you have a 120hz 3D screen - the iGFX is only capable of 60hz output and as the native refresh rate of the panel is 120hz = no optimus as the panel is run by the descrete GPU only. Bottom line is that the iGFX is unable to work at all as it is bypassed, so you won't be able to boot on iGFX.

I think that following a 'very specific' order is somewhat pointless (or at least not of huge importance) as long as some 'basic' methods are followed. Generally (for me, anyway) it's Chipset first and foremost and then IMEI, IRST and OSD prior to installing descrete GPU drivers. I leave CC to the last once .NET is up to date via Windows updates etc.

 

Would you recommend installing the newest drivers on the website, or stick to the original ones that came on the system DVD?

 

Get the drivers from the dell website EXCEPT for the following:

- Intel RST - Download it from intel.com because the dell driver is over a year old.
- Intel Graphics driver - Same as above, the Dell one is very old.
- Nvidia driver - Get it from nvidias website

Everything else the dell drivers website is just fine. My install order which has never failed me or given me any BSODs has been:

1. Intel chipset
2. Intel management interface
3. Intel RST
4. Intel extreme thermal framework (if needed)
5. LAN drivers (after restart, disable the killer network manager from loading on startup)
6. Wi-Fi drivers (after restart, go to adapter settings and uninstall the bandwidth manager)
7. Intel iGPU
8. Nvidia GPU
9. Sound
10. W/e that memory card driver is called
11. Touchpad
12. Alienware OSD (you don't need this but it'll get rid of a ? icon in device manager lol)
13. Alienware command center
14. Free fall sensor (yet again not needed if you have a SSD but it'll get rid of a ? icon in device manager)

Connect to you wireless/wired network and then update windows.

You're good to go.

 

@cookies981

See, I had clean-installed my AW17 R1 using the drivers from Dell's website, and I was getting BSODs quite often, usually from the Broadcom BT driver (bwcl63...something). I was wondering if it was due to me using iffy newer drivers as opposed to the original ones on the DVD.