G73SW and G53SW: Latest drivers and everything you need for a fresh install.

Have you tried CyberLink PowerDVD 9 that Allur mentions above, I have been using it for months w/o no issues.

 

one question before i make a clean install.. im getting a 250gig SSD disk 2,5. should i wait with the clean install before i get it????

 

I'd say it's more convenient to install straight to the SSD than to move it from the HDD later.

 

You can import your old install, but it can get a bit hairy, and you would need to use the right tools. I did using Acronis Home 2011 w/ Plus pack, and moving my Steam dir to an alternate drive. The existing install was only about 2 months old.

The Plus Pack adds the feature that a system partition can be migrated to a new setup with different hardware. In my case, I changed the motherboard from a gen1 EX58 board to a gen3 one, plus set up a 3x RAID 0 + installed a 120G SSD. I managed to successfully migrate the image.

 

I have the G53SW-XN1 and in device manager, my Wi-fi driver says Atheros 9002WB-1NG. Which driver should I install, the first option under wi-fi?

 

I followed all of the steps in Sarge's OP, except I installed SP1 after the 6 Windows Updates, and I also installed the MEI drivers after the Intel RST. I am, however, having a couple issues.

1) When I start my system, the backlit keyboard is off. I can turn it on by adjusting the brightness with Fn+F3 and F4. If I toggle it with the Lights On/Off button, it will not come on until I adjust the brightness again.

2) Windows won't let me update the wifi drivers for the Atheros AR9285. Whenever I point it to my extracted driver files, it simply insists that the driver is already up to date (2.0.0.74, dated 6/9/2009).

3) My Bluetooth drivers are showing up as 6.2.0.9419 from 2/25/2010 even though I downloaded and installed the 6.2.5.600 package from ASUS. A bit odd, no?

4) Some random display issues with the screen blinking black on login, things like that. Though I did download GeForce drivers 270.61 because some people had reported issues with 275.33. Perhaps an upgrade will fix this.

All of these are somewhat minor issues, but it's still annoying because I can't figure out where I went wrong. Any ideas?

 

bump for Wi-Fi driver?

 

@Kahn20
1) It should retain its settings. The keyboard should be at the same light level as it was before shutting down. And it's normal that you have to turn on the lights using Fn+F4 after disabling all lights.
2) Try uninstalling the old driver first (Uninstall button in the Driver tab). If that doesn't help, try the Have Disk... method.
3) Same here. They work fine, so no big deal.
4) Update the driver to the latest.

@starxidiam
Never heard of that one. You can try installing the Atheros driver (first option). If that fails, try the third option (driver from the Asus site).
Also you can try asking in this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-reviews-owners-lounges/570676-asus-g53sw-owners-lounge.html

 

Thank you Sarge,really great post!
Everything went well for me,even though its a loooong and fun process.
Anyway i would like to bring out only two hickups i had.
1)I used USB flash to format win7 and with no specific reason stick the flash to 3.0USB port,which is out of order with no drivers installed.Since i couldnt went through the partition step of install,took me some time to figure out that and to change to any other of 2.0 ports.
2)After flashing the HHD software, BOOTMGR file was gone,but i was able to fix this by "boot repair" option on Win7 installation disk.
Everything else went just fine,computer is blazing fast now.
The only thing that lacks on this machine and couldve been better is sound.Seems like THX certificate is only for advertisement,sound is so empty with no bass or might be im just spoiled due to my old Toshiba satellite X205-7483 with stunning(for laptop) Harman/Kardon system on it.
Thanks again!
Cheers

 

Sarge, the "Realtek 2.61 modded" link is not working :/

 

Updated the audio part. Modded drivers are not needed now.

 

Nice post sarge, thanks for bothering to keep this all updated and stuff, also very organized/easy to read. As for the wireless console, I don't have it installed, yet FN+F2 works fine with disabling wifi, so I'd say it doesn't need to be "recommended". Also ditto for P4G, SW models don't offer a turbo button, so the program really isn't needed. W7 seems to be doing a great job at power management for me so far,

Of course, I do tend to keep a low process running OS, so it's mostly me just being picky about running programs that don't do much.

I've even found a way to get the ATK package for the FN keys down to 1-2processes while maintaining most of the keys working, including turning on/off the kb lights(which is the most import FN keys IMHO). I'll prob write a guide for it sometime, since it should does work on all G73/53 models.

Basically though, everything but "HControl.exe", can be disabled, including the 2 services. It baffles me why it needs so many processes in the first place, but at least it can be tweaked down.

Anyways, still a super great guide, and I will definitely keep it bookmarked/recommend it to SW owners. So thanks!

 

Thank you!

Now "X-Fi MB2 modded (2.1)" is not working :/

Also, I have the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD USB Audio System with THX SB1240. Will this modded drivers work with this one too? (I will receive my G73SW-A1 in one week, I can't test here yet if they work).

 

Installing both on a machine = bad idea.

 

Fixed.

@dkillone
Wireless Console allows switching Bluetooth on/off as well. And as for P4G, the G73SW does have a "turbo" button, it's the middle one. If you have P4G installed on the SW, it allows switching between power profiles. Otherwise, it does nothing.

Since the laptops have at least 8GB of memory anyway, I wouldn't worry about a few extra processes.

 

Thanks Sarge!

 

Ahah, forgot about bluetooth, I just leave that disabled in device manager since I don't have any bluetooth devices. And I see about the P4G, guess maybe you could say "power profile button" instead of "turbo"? When I see turbo I keep thinking of OCing, so totally forgot that it does change the power profile. I dont tend to switch profiles/use those top3 buttons, even when I'm on battery since I just set it up all manually to use less power on battery, yet full power when plugged in.

But fair enough, fair enough. Your right, 8gb is plenty to have them all running. I'm just more so picky because I don't want anything taking up process cycles. I'm sure it's more placebo, but my system just feels smoother/seems like I get more FPS in games when I stay below 60processes.

Thanks again for the post, mainly the audio part, I seriously thought I was stuck with the audio popping and had given up months ago just accepting I was going to have to live with it. I was searching day and night for a fix, and almost feel a bit sad I didn't think to check the registry(i'm pretty comfortable messing with it), but I guess it is what it is. I appreciate someone found how to solve it. So I'm happy :>.

 

Ook, Once I receive the laptop I will try to use the modded X-FI app for both and see if it works...

I will install the X-FI HD USB Drivers and use (or try to) the modded X-FI app to change the effects when this one is plugged and in use.

 

You're welcome
I had to do the research for myself anyway, so why not post the knowledge gained so that others don't have to. You get some knowledge, and you contribute some

 

Of course, I'll test to see what happen and then post the result to contribute.

 

I was only explaining why I wrote this guide, but sure, more knowledge is always welcome

 

Thanks, got all of these sorted out (except for the wifi driver but I don't think that's important)!

I had been wondering why the equalizer I had on factory install wasn't on my fresh install with the latest Realtek drivers. But since the Soundblaster software has those features, I can just use that. The standard Realtek drivers now support it, correct? And should it install fine as long as I do a standard uninstall of THX (completely useless) through Control Panel?

 

I guess. I did a clean install when I got my laptop.

 

Sarge,

Check this link, it's about how to get the camera driver:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- FAQs G73Sw

Reverse Image (because of the wrong driver):
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. -Support- FAQs G73Sw

 

I've read that, and there's still no driver available. However, it works fine without it.

 

Hi there,

I'm having a problem with the audio stuff. I updated the realtek audio driver (6.0.1.6392), installed the X-Fi software, and ran the "activator" (using safe mode, as it would not run properly otherwise), but I don't see the third audio device that should appear under the Playback tab. I think I should also mention that in the Creative Audio COntrol Panel, I'm seeing something weird :

Spoiler

and after closing the window and reopening it, it goes back to what it was before.

I have not reinstalled windows 7, maybe it's part of the problem..?

Any idea? Thanks in advance.

 

İ am doing a clean install now. After downloading the hotfixes manually, when do we install the sp1 and the other windows updaate drivers? After installing everything asus driver related?

 

Fantastic thread. Got everything downloaded onto my external HDD ready for when my new G53SW arrives next week. This has saved me heaps of time and hassle.

For those whose machines came with two 500GB hybrids and kicking off with a clean rebuild: how are you configuring those drives?

There was mention of a guide coming in the first post of this thread.

Cheers.

 

easy, one partition on each, and save the Recovery partition

 

Any chance one of these guides will be available for the G74s?

 

I have the same problem as Lunacy, can you help us please? ( I have G53JW)

 

No idea. Probably something got messed up because you installed it over the Asus factory configuration, which contains Creative THX or something like that (which only offers EAX 5.0 and nothing else). I'd recommend a clean install.

After you've done everything as described, you can enable Windows auto updates and let it take care of everything.

Not unless someone sends me a G74.
Feel free to copy and adapt this one for the G74 though.

 

I have a clean install of Windows :/

 

Sounds like a problem with activation. Are you sure your antivirus is not blocking the activator? Are you running he RUN.BAT as Asministrator?
It worked fine for me without needing to go in to safe mode.

 

I'm noticing that by launching RUN.BAT (not as an administrator), the black windows pops-up and disappears as described, however in administrator mode I get this message :

I have done some search but haven't found anything relevant. I've also tried to run RUN.BAT by browsing to its location using a cmd console with administrator privileges, and it does not return anything. I'm going to try and manually do what RUN.BAT does, and see if it changes something.

 

@Lunacy: This one worked for me ftp://jambi.mine.nu/x-fi_mod-by_cmhdream/
With the latest Realtek audio driver, when you want to install it, go to the setup inside the setup folder, the first one wont work, and for the activation just run it in normal windows its gonna work

 

Awesome, it's working with those files. Not sure what's different from the previous ones, I'll have a look a bit later, but thanks.

 

A little trouble here, nothing major, but still.
I followed step by step the guide for the x-fi modded drivers.
Upgraded to newer realtek, then rebooted.
During the installation of the modded x-fi package,which is the last one linked in the first post (not the older 1.2) I always end up with an error "could not locate the file CT..".
After I click ok the installation continues without problems.
Ran activator with admin rights, window pops up then closes without rebooting.
I'm sure the zip is ok, there are no crc errors and I've tried to download the package a few times.
Im able to select the x-fi realtek from creative control panel although if I reopen it the setting doesn't stick.
I'm able to select it in the equalizer application but I don't have any settings, no bass boost nor the crystal clear setting.
Also thx app brags that there aren't compatible devices.
Under sound options I can select only realtek audio for output but not the x-fi as guide advice.
What I'm doing wrong? Do I need to remove both drivers and preinstalled thx app to get it working?

 

I solved my problem.
Little step by step:

1 - First is vital to unistall any thx-creative software app using add remove program (no need of driver sweeper), since the thx app is a waste with newer drivers, pretty much useless..

2 -Reboot.

3 - Take the updated xfi mb2+activator package from the creator ftp:
ftp://jambi.mine.nu/x-fi_mod-by_cmhdream/ ( note this driver is a revised version of the one in the front page, IT MUST BE corrected), plus it contains all the realtek chipsets, included desktop ones!)

4 - Unpack. There should be other two 7zip files in it, one is the xfimb2 package and one is the activator (Activation1).

5 - Now install the xfimb2 package. Still the same error persist, so just click ok and let the installation continue. (check note above).
When it asks to reboot, do it ( dont do any change or launch any application as the frontpage guide states), but instead of normal boot, hit F8 after the bios/logo post to boot into Safe Mode.

6 - Go into the updated Activator (Activation1). There should be alot of files along with a .BAT file called RUN.BAT.

7 - Right click on it -> run as administrator. Window should pop up then go away in a second. You will notice that the previous files in the folder have been moved somewhere else.

8- Now reboot in normal mode.
Windows will load the audio card ALREADY as an x-fi mb2 and all the options should be there into the creative control center.

Optionally you can disable the shadow realtek output into sound devices as the X-Fi MB2 card should be already set as primary.
So far everything works like effects or other features like Crystallizer and CMSS-3D features.

 

It says i need a user name and password. Any help please.

 

Thats strange indeed, now I can't even enter the FTP...how can I help, I can't upload it, my upload sucks (64kb) it would take ages.

 

Updated the guide with the newer modded drivers.

guide is located here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/asu...ing-you-need-fresh-install-3.html#post7688868

We need to wait for Chastity, she's trying to mirror the newer package, but as the time of writing the package can be downloaded from the FTP again.

 

http://pcaudio.ath.cx/stuff/XMB2-allsoundcard.rar

I made some modifications.

To get the activator to work properly for everyone, there should not be any existing .KGA files. They need to be generated for each machine new. The original source included 3 of them with his distro, and that little fact has caused many activation attempts to fail, as nobody knows to delete them first.

I believe I mentioned this factoid in the original thread about this. And still noone ever cleaned up Activator1.7z. Until now.

 

Srsly, Vanilla Realtek Driver is 100times better.

 

Thats great, frankly i wasnt aware about the kga files issue. So far i didnt had any problems, so i guess on SW-A1 it install fine even with kga's.

 

Hey guys, I have been looking around for drivers for the stock webcam on the G73SW-XR1 but I cannot seem to locate them, either on the driver utility cd that came with the laptop, or on the internet. Could someone please post a link to the discussion about it if there is one?
My problem is this: When running skype, the program tells me I have no webcam installed. When checking in the device directory, sure enough, there is no webcam installed. Any one know about this, or like I said a moment ago, know of a link to a previous discussion or driver download?

 

So i did the format. Everything softwarewise seems smooth

But there are 2 problems

1-) i cant update the Wireless Network adaptor.

O go to the device manager, update and browse and select the folder that the file is in it but the computer says Windows decided that you have the latest version for this software bla bla...

I noticed that the driver version is 8.o something now but the one I want to update is 9.2. something

Any ideas why I cant update?

2-) i want to install the blutooth program but it tells me " no bluetooth deviced was detected " error

How can i just install the bluetooth drivers?

 

Hit the Asus support page for your model and use the BT drivers supplied there, or use the Driver CD and install them from the AutoInstaller.

 

I did this and got to step 3, it can't detect that I have an Nvidia graphics card.. ?
Its version 275.33 i'm trying too.

 

Also none of my usb devices work because it can't find a USB driver