M6600 Owners Thread

If you are happy with your current install then there should be no problem with just doing a clone. I've done it a number of times myself with no problems. I personally prefer Acronis TrueImage --- I just download the bootable media and use that, no need to actually install it on your system.

For best results, make sure your old system drive is disconnected or disabled when you first boot your new system drive. (You can connect it back after the first boot.) I've had a case once or twice where Windows got confused about which drive was which and mounted the wrong one as C:.

 

thanx

so it should be straight forward with the CPU-RAM upgrade. The heatsink/fan stays the same?

 

My Precision M6600 has Power DVD installed. If I do a clean reinstall where do I get this? I don't see it on the Dell website with the Drivers and Downloads. Is it included on the Reinstall Disc that came with the notebook?

 

Well, I received the replacement laptop with the touchscreen instead of RGB/IPS and basically it has no cosmetic issues, however it has two issues that bother me.

For one, it has a Chi Mei 173HGE (Dell HC9GK) display. So anyone who has been around this thread/forum long enough they know the issues right there.

Secondly, the trackpad buttons squeak like a mouse. Its funny at first, however the more you click, the more annoying it gets.

Here is the comparison between the two displays. Even though the RGB/IPS is at full brightness (I can't adjust it), it still looks way better. Granted I know this is not scientific test, but it gets the point across.

Touchscreen:
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b473/johnpub/RGB vs Chi Me/IMG_1058.jpg
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b473/johnpub/RGB vs Chi Me/IMG_1057.jpg

RGB/IPS:
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b473/johnpub/RGB vs Chi Me/IMG_1061.jpg
http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b473/johnpub/RGB vs Chi Me/IMG_1062.jpg

 

Hey jet,

It's called My Dell Downloads. You have to sign-in and go into your account. There's usually a link on the left.
My Dell Downloads -- Frequently Asked Questions | Dell


Edit: There's Roxio, PowerDVD and if I remember one other title.

Edit: Sorry, no they're not included in the Dell Windows or Drivers recovery disks.

 

Is there nothing that can be done to fix the IPS one, so that you could keep it?

 

The problem is that I am waiting for the parts, and since the parts are on a serious backorder I dunno when I will receive the parts.

 

Well it's running right now, how big a deal are these "parts" ?

That other screen pic viewed on my IPS display hurt my eyes


Edit: Can any parts from the TouchScreen be used/swapped?

 

MS is offering $39.99 Win 8 Pro upgrade right now. So I ran my system through a compatibility check and my M6600 has two issues...

Secure Boot isn't compatible with your PC
Your PC's firmware doesn't support Secure Boot so you won't be able to use it in Windows 8.

WIDCOMM Bluetooth Software
Broadcom Corporation

What is secure boot?

Have they release update drivers for Bluetooth for Win 8?

 

Secure boot is a feature that allows the BIOS to check that the bootloader is digitally signed before executing it. It is not required for Windows 8 to work, it's just an extra level of protection against malware sticking itself way early in the boot process. Dell release a BIOS update adding secure boot support to the M6700 just yesterday... Not sure if they're planning on bringing it to the M6600 as well.

For Bluetooth, I've only tested with a M6700 which has a Dell Wireless 380 module (M6600 has a 370), but Windows 8 supports it natively, so I suspect it also supports the 370. If you uninstall the WIDCOMM software and upgrade to Windows 8 you'll probably find your Bluetooth working. If you want to use the WIDCOMM software instead of the standard Windows Bluetooth stack, you'll have to find or wait for an update. Maybe the Windows 8 380 drivers from Dell will work (M6600 is on the list of supported products).