Where to get AlienRespawn (dell datasafe) software

Make sure you are selecting the following:

Backup ----> Create Recovery Media

Want to be sure you are not selecting Restore - seems that way from the error message.

Also, try doing the following:

1. Open this directory: C:\Program Files (x86)\AlienRespawn\Components\DSUpdate
2. Find the executable: DSUpdate.exe
3. Launch it - you wont see anything happen unless there is an update available. Confirm this by checking the log file ( DSUpdateLog.txt in the same directory). If there is not available update, you should see an entry similar to:

[12/09/2010 08:37:04] DSL Version match - SPUpdate does not need to run

If you still are unable to create the backup media option, its time to contact AW Support for assistance with troubleshooting.

 

BatBoy, thank you for your reply. I'll try to do as you said, then I'll post if it had effect.

Thanks!

 

I did everything and checked as you said. This error is still there...

 

I have deleted the AlienRespawn software, downloaded, installed and upgraded to premium. Started creating recovery media, it burned one disk checked it, I was nearly happy thinking that I got rid of that strange error, but on the second disc the system gave the same message... "there is not enough space on hard drive..." I just wondering, what could cause this.. Completely new system, fresh Windows install..

 

I'm out of ideas on your 'out of space' issue. Suggest calling support. Post back what the outcome is. Weird.

 

BatBoy,

I was nearly ready to contact Alienware Support Service, but happily and finally I've solved this weird issue by myself. So, what did I do:

- I did the complete factory restore (fourth time for today )
- I did not installed any Windows Updates
- I did not installed antivirus software (by the way it is Trend Micro Internet Security)
- Just after the first Windows start I tried to create recovery media, and this attempt was successful!

I guess now perhaps antivirus could cause this, or Windows security updates, because these things were first I've installed after unpacking my m17x. Anyway, I've created the AlienRespawn Disks and now feel safe...

Thank you for the assistance!


Cheers

 

Hmmm - that just doesn't sound right. I (along with many others) have also applied all Windows Updates to remain current. trend Micro is possible -

Post back if the message returns. Glad to hear you have your emergency rescue option - stash it somewhere safe

 

Yes, I agree that Windows Updates are necessary and should not cause that. Trend Micro has more probability to do that but also shouldn't. The idea to do that without all this stuff came to me last and by accident, and what you see - it helped

 

Just a note to those that are still on an M17xR1 before the Command Center update.....
Forget about using your Respawn. In the case of the M17xR1 and the old version of AlienRespawn it will fry your board when you update the Command Center. No more pretty lights.
Trying to save someone a headache so BatBoy if you have any
info, please share. I now use Acronis True Image after AW refunded my $, works just the same as Respawn.

 

Interesting - I dont see how this could happen as reverting to a previous image will not 'flash' the AlienFX firmware, even with the older version of AlienRespawn. This would only happen if the actual (older) CC installer was run over the newer version.

Odd, well - glad to hear they squared you away. Thanks for the heads-up.

 

I think I have seen the issue where the firmware gets updated and must be used with a newer version of software. So when the machine is restored to the older version of software but still has the newer firmware, boom.

 

A new M11x R1 owner here (can't resist the $549 price point you know...)
I am trying to learn as much about Alienware and M11x as I can...

I do have AlienRespawn on the machine, and already made my own USB thumb drive recovery media, but still have some questions (mostly my ignorance)

1) a few posts above mention about M17X R1 and CC update and Respawn, I assume it does not apply to M11X R1? I don't understand why it doesn't apply to M11X R1, unless 11x and 17x uses different Respawn software
2) I can keep using Alienrespawn to create new USB recovery media, and it'll include factory image, plus whatever software/data installed on the machine at the time of backup?
3) I can restore via a few ways
3a) function F8 during startup to bootup recovery partition and recover (not totally sure, but seems to read up something like this)
3b) while logged in, run Alienrespawn and restore. This will restore factory image?
3c) boot up using USB thumb drive recovery media. This will restore the last image created by Alienrespawn, which will include installed software and data?
4) Alienrespawn tell me there's an update available. I wonder if I should update it, or just follow the moto "Don't fix it if it ain't broken"

Thanks!

 

Welcome to the NBR AW forum...

Concerning your q's:

1. Don't worry about it - current versions of CC are not impacted by the old 'fry on update' bug we saw with the 15x (and some 17x owners reported this). In the end, we wont know until they release a new version of CC. Once done, someone will end up updating and then restoring from the Recovery Media - we'll know then. I tell you what, I volunteer - as soon as a CC update is released I will test this.

2. No, not unless you update to the 'full paid' version of AlienRespawn.

3. I prefer option 3c you listed - boot from the USB (recovery media).

4. Yes, proceed with the update - once done, re-do your rescue USB drive.

 

I created my recovery DISCS right away (first thing) and didnt get the "update repsawn" pop up until AFTER i had installed other things etc etc...

So.....how would you "re-do" the recovery media in this instance....because im thinking, at this point, im no longer at a "factory state" as i have altered it....a new recovery media creation would only create an image at that point in time, right? - or am i missing something.....

I also was under the assumption that you only create recovery media once......

 

No, it should just re-create the recovery media using the original recovery partition. Updating AlienRespawn is not going to change your recovery partition with the exception of updating the AlienRespawn app and/or any glitches resolved with the update. the only way to create an 'exact' snapshot/image of your drive's current state would be to use the paid version of AlienRespawn or an aftermarket solution.

I have not tried to locate a change list but I'm sure one exists - you could try the directory itself (C:\Program Files (x86)\AlienRespawn).

You can create the recovery media as many times as you like.

 

So, as an example, i obviously created discs right away.....lets say i have installed many apps and games etc....then respawn update popped up...i updated....

I can then choose to "re-do" recovery discs that will STILL record the image as it was "out of box" regardless ... (the only thing that would change on my recovery image would be that respawn is up to date)

Is that right ? - i was just under the impression that recovery media took a snapshot of the system in full a that point in time but i guess what you are saying is that it only takes a snapshot of the recovery partition?

The only way to recreate a full image at a future point is by upgrading to preium backups by AWR or, like you say, using a third party back up tool?

 

In short, the "standard" Alienrespawn will ALWAYS recreate recovery media based on factory image
In order to "image" current machine state, you either upgrade to Alienrespawn Premium, or buy some other 3rd party backup/imaging software, such as Acronis True Image
And the advantage of creating your own recovery media is "in case the recovery partition is corrupted/gone/etc". A possible scenario is reformat the drive, and wiped all partitions

I think I know the answer, but I will ask anyway: can you use recovery media to recreate recovery partition? My guess is no

 

Yes and yes.

Yes, since its a 'snapshot' of the factory drive at time of boxing, yes - it will create the recovery partition along with the data partition on a blank drive. So, if you dropped in another drive, you could use that handy USB stick you made when you first unboxed your system to set it back to the out of box state - only difference being is that you how have your larger or in the case of an SSD, faster drive.

 

Nice!
Thanks for the confirmation

Now where can I find a 1TB notebook drive...

 

lol - newegg, ebay, best buy, fry's - take your pick.

 

lol
Guess I should be more specific

Now where can I find a good deal (read cheap) on a 1TB notebook drive

 

try the NBR MarketPlace

http://forum.notebookreview.com/nbr-marketplace/

or keep an eye here -

http://forum.notebookreview.com/notebook-tech-bargains/

 

I just wanted to clarify one thing regarding this thread so if anyone can - great!

Ok - lets say I have created recovery media right away from when i first got the system....used the Respawn that was loaded at factory and now have my DVD image burned and stashed.

Now, If I do a clean OS install, (from what i understand) , if i want to "reinstall" Respawn, I will need the recovery partition "in tact" to do so, right?

Assuming that I dont want to use Respawn for backups (i will use an external HDD), is there any point reinstalling it anyway?? - afaik, the only thing it does in "basic" is to allow recovery disk creation and as i have done that, its really obsolete to me UNLESS i wanted to utilise the "premium" features.

Heres the question.

If I reinstall windows, reformat the HDD's to just one big blank drive , this obviously ditches the recovery partition and creates just one large drive....

Should I need to get back to the factory image that I created at the outset, is this possible? - I assume it would be and that I would just need to insert disc 1 of my created recovery media and then boot from it right?

In my head, this gives me back the system to factory, with a recovery partition and everything as it was "out the box"....

Can anyone confirm this as BEFORE i do anything with formatting to one large drivespace, i just want to be 100000% sure that I can utilise the reovery media I made (should something go pear shaped) to put my system back to factory.

Thanks people and Merry Xmas to you all!!!

 

Correct.

Reasons for reinstalling AlienRespawn:
1. You want to recreate another set of AlienRespawn Recovery Media.
2. You want to use AlienRespawn, which is installed inside your hard disk, to restore your system to factory state, without using AlienRespawn Recovery Media.

So, if you do not have any of the aforementioned intention, you do not have to reinstall AlienRespawn. You can probably as well delete the Recovery partition, although it is advisable not to. Why? Once your AlienRespawn Recovery Media is spoilt or lost, you lose the ability to recover your system, because it is the only way for recovery as the Recovery partition is gone forever.

During Windows installation, you only need to format C drive, containing your previous Windows installation. You do not have to format or delete the separate Recovery partition. Thus, the Recovery partition remains intact.

I previously asked the following question to Batboy:
Does AlienRespawn Recovery Media (either DVDs or USB stick) create a new Recovery partition in a new hard disk?

Here is Batboy's answer:

 

Thanks for the detailed explanation Alvin, much appreciated. I ask as I am contemplating on doing a clean OS install, am aware that I will be given the option regarding formatting my HDD's (raid 0) and wondered what the best option is.

Seems for the small space occupied by the revovery partition, i may as well leave well alone and be able to respawn to a factory state just incase the recovery media I created does go missing (highly unlikely) or corrupt (who knows with discs?).

When i reinstall, I will just reformat the C drive like you say, install OS and then use the links earlier to check and reinstall AWR.

Thanks guys - this has been a really good Q&A thread on the subject.

+Rep Alvin.

 

steviejones133
Thanks for the rep. . Glad to be helpful whenever I can.

Just to be clear, I list down the list of partitions you should see during Windows installation:

1. OEM Reserved partition: 100 MB
2. Recovery partition
3. C drive: You should only format this partition and install Windows in it.

There you go.

 

Cheers Alvin....obvioulsy at I have x2 500gb raid 0 HDD's....C drive will just show up as one big space of some 900+gb....I will just format that partition and should be good to go eh?

 

Sorry to say, I have no prior experience in RAID 0. Maybe someone else can advice you better.

In my honest opinion, you are right. Just format the 900 GB C drive and proceed on installing Windows.

 

Just wondering about the scenario where i get a ssd to replace one of my hdd's...obviously i cant raid them, (well i could but it would be a very bad idea lol), i would have to use the ssd as a boot drive and whatevers left over for frequent apps etc....(thinking of a 120gb+ ssd and an existing 500gb internal for storage - ssd for speed.)

How would this affect recovering from the media i created when i "originally" had 2 mechanical 500gb hdd's in raid 0? - is it possible or not? - is it only possible to use the media on the original harware spec or will it work on a different hdd config?

 

Okay, the situation is getting more complicated. I will try to answer the best I can. Where is Batboy when you need it?

What is your original factory specification of your M17x without any aftermarket upgrade? I presume it is RAID 0. With that, your Recovery partition and thus your AlienRespawn Recovery Media are also configurated according to RAID 0.

I afraid that unless you are planning to have RAID 0 of 2 SSDs, the AlienRespawn Recovery Media is not going to work. As you have said, a setup of a hard disk and a SSD is not RAID 0. Thus, you cannot recover the original factory setting in your new SSD.

Maybe, you can ask GetFound regarding this matter. GetFound attempted to go from non-RAID to RAID. No much success has been reported. Just ask GetFound directly.

 

Hahaha - it does get complex doesnt it!....have PM'd Get....

Seems that the media I created initially would be useless in this scenario due to changing HDD/SDD and raid config....

I presume that by swapping out one hdd for an ssd would obviously mean getting rid of my factory recovery partition - this means that becasue thats gone, I cant even reinstall AWR and create new discs for the new hardware config?

I suppose the only "surefire" way of reverting to factory image (in this instance anyway) would be to keep the removed HDD and image, and if needed, reinstall the HDD and use image to return to out of box....

What a PITA....

 

No, it remains useful if and only if you maintain RAID 0 setup in your system. 3 possible setups I can think of:
a. RAID 0 of 2 hard disks as in default factory specification
b. RAID 0 of 2 newly-purchased hard disks
c. RAID 0 of 2 newly-purchased SSDs

For Setup b and c, just insert the recovery disc and it will create a new Recovery partition in the form of RAID 0.

Yes.

 

Looks like the only way to create some kind of bootable media (if i swapped out for a ssd) would be to use software such as acronis true image.....i think that would then allow me to create a usb/discs of the image at time of installing the OS on the new ssd with all the relevant dell drivers...

Bit like doing a clean install and then using acronis to create the media that i wouldnt be able to create via AWR....because, obviously, i wouldnt be able to install AWR in the first place to create recovery media!

 

I used Paragon Adaptive Restore and at least was able to go from non raid to Raid 0 once. The second time is when I had trouble, even using the original USB that worked the first time. When I try to reboot to respawn the second time it acts like it cant find files and wont restore. From what I understand the USB recovery media created by Respawn fdisks the entire drive and relays the partitions and all the files. No way it should have an issue. I need to try it again this week with my coworkers image.
* Edit - NM my coworker formatted with windows disc, no more respawn.

 

Just for information guys, I did a complete fresh OS install the other day (without changing my factory configured Raid 0 HDD's atm) and it all went very well.

Completed all the drivers that I saved on USB beforehand....even saved the DSLchecker and Respawn.exe but the checker picked up that all was fine and that I could indeed proceed to step 2.

Took me straight to the link for Respawn Basic.exe too! - installed it, checked for program updates and no problems at all....

Also, as Alvin said, one thing that I found pretty amazing was that after installing, It recognised that I created recovery media back in October this yr!!!

So, at least I know it works on this basis - Im still kinda "unsure" how things would work out if I swap out one HDD for a SSD....I guess since I wont be using Respawn for any of the features (other than basic), its kind of a null point in me worrying about installing it on a new hard drive config that is Non - raid...(for me anyhow)

I very much doubt that, atm anyway, I would be going to SSD's in Raid as I havent got that much cash to throw about more's the pity

I guess that if and when I do upgrade to a boot SSD, Respawn will have to be left out and some other software used to image the new system. At least , worst case scenario, I can reinstall OS to the new SSD should anything go wrong.

Of course, keeping the old mechanical and original recovery's would be a good idea too i think....

 

Thank a lot for the links it's a big help, acctually i sufferd a lot in doing backup to my machine cause the file size get so big at the end of the recovery it gets 35GB...Right now i have windows7 on my machine and i did a partition to the hard disk and i cancel the recovery partition , So when i tried to install the AlienRespawn i get the message below....My laptop is M17xR1

 

As your "message" says, if you have deleted the recovery partition from your system, you no longer have the ability to "re-install" Respawn software as it needs the recovery partition to be in tact to do so. Same goes for Dell datasafe afaik.

The only way to revert to being able to use AWR or DDS is if you have initially created recovery media at the outset. Booting from this will wipe your current HDD and revert you to an "out of box" state - where you should have AWR or DDS factory installed. In effect, this reverts your laptop to when you created recovery media when you first got it. (assuming you DID do that!) - it wipes your current partitions and will re-install the partitions "as they were" originally, when new. BUT ONY IF YOU CREATED THE RECOVERY MEDIA to do so.

If you didnt create recovery media when you first got your system, as far as i know, there is no way to reinstall either program.

If i am wrong about the latter, (and someone please correct me if i am wrong), apologies but i am pretty sure that if thats your sceanrio....you wont be able to get it back.

 

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

Thanx a lot steviejones133 for ur help.well, u r right , cause i did partition to DDS and i canceled the recovery partition.. today i'm gonna to revert it to an "out of box" state and i'm gonna to install the AlienRespawn and test it if it works,if it works i'm gonna do an upgrade for windows7 and try again to see if it's ok. So i'll see if it's going to work in either way.. thanx again for ur help.

 

No probs mate, just be sure to back up any personal stuff before you reinstall via your recovery media or you will lose the lot! - good luck and let us know how you get on.

Just note that reinstalling windows via the OS disc will NOT recreate the recovery partition, the only way to do that is using the factory image (recovery discs) that you created using AWR/DDS when you first got your system......

 

Still show the warning message did not take advantage of the existence of something partition recovery

 

Did you restore the laptop to factory via "recovery discs or usb" that you made when you 1st got the system??? or did you just put in the windows OS disc and boot from that? - if you used the Windows OS disc, that wont re-create the factory recovery partition image, it will just re-install your OS to the HDD without the recovery partition - maybe you did this?

Assuming you made recovery media (whilst you had the factory recovery partition intact) and that is the media you booted from, I cant see why it wouldnt have restored your initial "factory" recovery partition where the factory image is stored.

I think Alvin mentions in one of his earlier posts (top of page 2) that if you do get an error meassage, to proceed onto step 2 and run the AWR.exe that he has linked to. If the program installs, great...

 

thanks again dear for ur help.. and sorry for being annoying.. well, when i got my laptop from the factory i got with it three

CD:1-AlienRespawn2.0 knowing that inside the programmes file there is one application which is CHMBRPWAW..that's all, and that means that i can use it only to put a new password to go to the recovery
2- the secondCD M17x Resource
3- Vista 64bit

Now i'm gonna to explain to u what i did yesterday:

1-I run AlienRespawn CD and i did a factory recovery which is : partition C it has operating system and a hidden recovery partition ,, and when i finished the recovery i tried to install the software but unfortunetly i get the error message
then i update the system from vista to windows7 and i tried again to re-install AlienRespawn_Basic, and again i got the same erorr message, when i did an upgrade to win7 the recovery directory disappeared, so i download the patch from this link Alienware Respawn V 2.0 Patch/Upqrade and here i saw the recovery directory again

Knowing when i failed in all my attempts .. I did a restoration to the recovery through the hard not through the CD and that by going in through Dos window by hitting F10 and i restore windows vista safely.... and that's mean that the recovery is there in my laptop and i can get it any time i want

well, at that point , i don't know why the AlienRespawn_Basic doesn't recognise the recovery directory,

and this problem make me think that i acctaully own a scaner not an alienware laptop My laptop is M17x R1

i appreciate ur big help

 

Alien Respawn 2.0 (circa M17xR1) is not compatible with the current version of AlienRespawn or Dell Datasafe Local. Two different types of recovery.

 

i'm so frustrated i don,t know what to do really
I want to ask u if there is any special copy to M17xR1 or if there is any link or an email to contact the company to help me solve this problem

 

Again, I'm curious here (and no, I did not review all of your posts in this thread), why do you want AlienRespawn when you have Vista on the recovery partition and you are running W7?

There is no way to update the recovery partition with a W7 install. If you are sticking with W7, wipe the drive completely and use an aftermarket solution for backups/drive rescue images.

If you ever need to reformat the system to Vista and a out of box state, just use your AlienRespawn 2.0 DVD to do so.

 

Hi,

I am currently away from home and my AlienRespawn is corrupted (due to new virus definitions thinking the exe was a trojan ><) and I have been trying to figure out a way to download it from the web. Is there anywhere to get AlienRespawn....or do I need to wait to get home and reinstall from the CD? I am also waiting to see if the file comes back good from the false positive report I put in.

 

http://alwchecker.alienrespawn.com/alwchecker-en.html

 

That helped immensely/ Thank you very much!!!!

 

Hey guys my R3 is on the way and is my first Alienware. Wanted to ask those that have the machine already of they got the Blu-ray player / DVD +-RW burner. If so is it Dual layer burn compatible? Want to purchase some DVD media to place my recovery backup on and want to make sure I purchase the proper disks. Any suggestions on the best DVD disks to buy for durability / reliability for the original recovery image? Thanks for any responses.

 

Put it on a USB. 8GB at least. Best bet