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    M7700 HDD controler problem

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by ikscoman, Jan 11, 2009.

  1. ikscoman

    ikscoman Notebook Enthusiast

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    hello all, Im new and I really need someones help. I have a M7700(D900T) and I went to install a new HDD in the system. I only use 1 HDD so I am not using the RAID function, anyways the HDD controler is gone. The SATA 378 controler is no longer poping up after the BIOS loads and I can not install it during the Windows set up. I knowthe HDD and cable are goo because I put them in my other M7700 and there they were. The BIOS I have is ver 1.00.06, the KBC is ver 1.00.08, and the Motherboard is ver 6.1. Any help would be apprecieated.
     
    ikscoman, Jan 11, 2009
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  2. renheguy

    renheguy Notebook Enthusiast

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    The Hard disk controller (Promised Technology)had failed.
    either way, replaced the motherboard or bring to repair shop to let someone work on it..
     
    renheguy, Jan 12, 2009
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  3. Gophn

    Gophn NBR Resident Assistant

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    Gophn, Jan 12, 2009
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  4. ikscoman

    ikscoman Notebook Enthusiast

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    thanks for the replys, but to no avail. I have changed the Mode to RAID in the BIOS and still nothing happens. Also the link you posted Gophn doenst seem to be working. Im guessing that my Promise Controler on the motherboard has fried, should I see if a repair shop can fix it, or get a new Motherboard???
     
    ikscoman, Jan 13, 2009
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  5. renheguy

    renheguy Notebook Enthusiast

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    I would recommend you to buy the new board instead,
    So many people still sell on ebay..
     
    renheguy, Jan 13, 2009
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  6. Gophn

    Gophn NBR Resident Assistant

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    Gophn, Jan 13, 2009
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  7. ikscoman

    ikscoman Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok, ive downloaded the new BIOS and still nothing. Am I doing something wrong??? Im at a loss here and Im getting frustrated. My other m7700 didnt do this. Ive taken appart the problem laptop and i used a magnifing glass on the promise chip and I can not see any burnt connections. no burn marks or broken sodier connections. I dont know what to do??? If someone want to call me and help me I would love it. Gophn you seem to be the expert on this system so I would love for you to call me and help me out, just reply and I will give you my phone number.
     
    ikscoman, Jan 13, 2009
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  8. renheguy

    renheguy Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just like I said,
    If you did not see the promise techonlogy show up after the post screen.
    No matter how to upgrade the bios to newer verison or not. Won't help!!
    This is mainly the hardware problem...
     
    renheguy, Jan 13, 2009
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  9. ikscoman

    ikscoman Notebook Enthusiast

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    Done, just purchased a version 6.2 motherboard. Hope this will take care of the problem lol.
     
    ikscoman, Jan 14, 2009
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  10. aminal_99

    aminal_99 Newbie

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    ikscoman,
    do keep this thread posted. I have a problem that sounds alot like yours and i'd like to know if the new motherboard works.
    if you don't mind me asking, where'd you find the replacement MB?
     
    aminal_99, Jan 14, 2009
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  11. ikscoman

    ikscoman Notebook Enthusiast

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    I was able to find the motherboard on eBay. There are a few of them listed. Also http://ztronics.com/vmchk.html has quite a few of them listed as well.
     
    ikscoman, Jan 15, 2009
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  12. aminal_99

    aminal_99 Newbie

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    My computer apparently had v5.2 motherboard, do you know what your original was?
     
    aminal_99, Jan 15, 2009
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  13. ikscoman

    ikscoman Notebook Enthusiast

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    Version 6.1
     
    ikscoman, Jan 16, 2009
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  14. aminal_99

    aminal_99 Newbie

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    so what's the difference between the versions? could i jump from a 5.2 to a 6.2 with out any issues?
     
    aminal_99, Jan 16, 2009
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  15. ikscoman

    ikscoman Notebook Enthusiast

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    From what I have read, versions below 5.2 couldnt supply the power needed for the 6800 ultra and up. Versions 5.3 took care of that problem, but if you were gaming and didnt have the fans blasting at full speed you could overheat the systme really quick. As far as I know and what Ztronic's told me was tha only motherboard version you would need is ver 5.3. Ver 6.1 and 6.2 dealt with newer audio drivers????? Im no expert on this, that all I can tell you for know.
     
    ikscoman, Jan 16, 2009
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  16. aminal_99

    aminal_99 Newbie

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    so i could save some money and just look for a 5.3 board then? i can't seem to find a 5.2 really. but usually i always look for the best thing out there, but might not be worth it. esp since i've already replaced my computer, and when/if i fix the alienware, i'm going to sale it.
     
    aminal_99, Jan 16, 2009
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  17. ikscoman

    ikscoman Notebook Enthusiast

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    yep, thats the best thing to do. Look for a version 5.3 and go from there.
     
    ikscoman, Jan 16, 2009
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  18. renheguy

    renheguy Notebook Enthusiast

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    The new motherboard v6.2n version posted on ebay for $398.00.
    I purchased from ztronics before, All they have are old repaired ones.
    The v6.1 is not exist anymore. Even the vendor DOES NOT carried this version.
     
    renheguy, Jan 16, 2009
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  19. aminal_99

    aminal_99 Newbie

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    did you get the motherboard installed yet?
     
    aminal_99, Jan 24, 2009
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  20. renheguy

    renheguy Notebook Enthusiast

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    Everything put back together. Worked like beauty..
     
    renheguy, Jan 27, 2009
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  21. ikscoman

    ikscoman Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just to let everyone know, I did get the version 6.2 motherboard but it was bad. I had to ship it back and get a replacement motherboard. The new 6.2 motherboard is installed and working perfectly. It even came with BIOS revision 1.00.10
     
    ikscoman, Feb 8, 2009
    #21