Fresh install onto an SSD; a few questions

Hello all,

I received my M11xR1 (BIOS rev. A05) a week ago, and in a few days, my Kingston 128GB SSD will be arriving, so obviously this prompts a fresh Windows 7 install. I would like to preserve the factory install state as much as possible, and having searched the forums I have come across a few handy guides. What I've learned so far:

1) Do not clone my factory installed HDD image to transfer onto the new SSD
-Do a clean format and install so that Windows 7 can align and configure the OS for proper SSD function

2) Download Dell drivers and Alienware Applications AS NEEDED from support.dell.com
-I found a great guide from a user by the name of Kent(I forget the rest) which basically lists which drivers are key to maximize the function of the laptop
-Apart from the drivers, I personally chose to install Alienware CC, Alienware OSD, disable AlienSense, and the Alienware Wallpapers, Logon Background, and Logon Avatars

My only concern is -albeit a very superficial one-, will the Alienhead logo displayed during the BIOS POST screen be preserved? I did a search on NBR and google, and both yielded nothing useful.

I appreciate any and all help, and thank you in advance.

 

It will stay

 

Yep, it will stay.

 

Is AlienFX Lite ( link) a viable alternative to the Command Center if someone wants to reduce resource usage? With the lights being the only exception, it seems like everything the Command Center does is either pointless cosmetic stuff (in my opinion) or can be accomplished through normal drivers.

I'm probably going to be installing Windows 7 Professional soon so I'm sort of in the same position as the OP -- trying to figure out what I want to install or leave out.

 

Well, it needs Java JRE... not really a "resource light" JIT compiler

 

I only use CC for AlienFX and have disabled AlienSense and AlienFusion services and use the Synaptics driver in place of AlientTouch. AlienFX processes on my system uses a whopping 19,440K of memory combined. Hardly a blip on the resource radar. I tried AlienFX Lite out and didn't really care for the interface and didn't feel it added anything that made it worthwhile really.

 

Thanks you guys! Had no issues reinstalling and getting everything how I wanted to... and I am still amazed by how quick the OS and programs load! If you can afford it, get an SSD! The difference in response times was night and day.

 

You are correct that most things in Command Center are cosmetic and/or useless. In fact, I would recommend that you disable everything in Command Center except AlienFX, and go in and disable the Windows service called "Alienware Fusion" (facial recognition). That way, the only piece of Command Center that will run is the portion controlling the lighting.

You could try AlienFX Lite... but I did not care for the interface at all. You don't really gain any significant savings on system resources by using AlienFX Lite vs. Command Center AlienFX, but you do force yourself to use the clunky interface of AlienFX Lite. I would highly recommend you stick with Command Center, and disable all parts of Command Center except AlienFX.

 

I also been reading around tryin to figure out what is the cleanest way to install a fresh windows 7 on my SSD.. Does anyone know the order in witch to install the Drivers??

Is there a guide or something that explains how to disable all those things? I want to have as little as possible things loading up on start up.