M11x R1- Fresh Install

Alright so here's the deal. A few days back I was using my M11x. Everything was fine. I didn't use it for 2 days or so since I had exams and when I turn it on MSE says I was attacked by some java exploiter. I no longer idle at 0% (now its like 20-60% -___-)


I have done 2 factory resets already and it's still laggy as hell.

I am considering doing a clean install of windows 7 but I have some questions.

1) Will this make a difference then a factory reset?

2) Will a fresh install wipe my recovery partition? Meaning I can't f8 into the recovery if anything goes wrong in the future.

3) Is there an order I should install the drivers?

Please leave any other tips, or suggestions that you have. thanks

 

Performing a clean install of W7 will technically kill your restore partition. While you may not overwrite it (if you install to the c:\ partition only), there will still be a disconnect.

Restoring via Dell DataSafe Local or AlienRespawn (whichever is on your system), will have the same result in terms of removing whatever funk is on your system which MSE is detecting. I always suggest a restore when possible. The factory image is fine in terms of performance. I went over a year on my 17xR1 with the factory image and it performed fine.

If you do go the route of a fresh W7 install, use the following driver install order - I have not run into any driver conflicts using this order and each clean install has completed without any odd issues. I have also included links to a couple of handy apps/utilities.

All M11xR1 drivers can be found here:
http://support.dell.com/support/dow...osl=en&SystemID=ALW_LP_M11X&catid=-1&impid=-1

NOTE: Before performing a clean install, please do take the time to create your emergency rescue option using AlienRespawn. This will help if you ever need to revert back to an 'out of box' state.

Driver Install Order for fresh Win7 installs:
(NOTE: If the driver installer prompts for a restart, be sure to do so before proceeding with the next driver)

1. Chipset Driver
2. Intel RST Driver
3. Freefall Sensor Driver
4. Alienware On-Screen Display Driver

5. AMD/NVIDIA Display Driver
NOTE: Optimus systems require the Intel Driver be installed prior to the NV Driver. So if you have an M11xR2 or M17xR3, install the Intel Driver FIRST.

6. LAN Driver
7. Wireless Network Driver
8. WWAN Driver (if you have a mobile broadband card installed - you'll know if you do)
8. Audio Driver
9. Bluetooth Driver
10. Touchpad Driver
11. Media Card Reader Driver
12. Remote Control/Infrared Driver
13. Alienware Command Center

NOTE: Command Center should always be installed last.

Once all of this is done, proceed with the following:

1. Update/Install Flash
(NOTE: Be sure to uncheck the 'Install Google toolbar' option - lol)

2. Update/Install Java
(NOTE: Be sure to uncheck the 'Install McAfee Security Scan' option - lol)

3. Update DirectX

4. Update OS by launching Windows Update

Once this is complete, proceed with any apps, games, etc. A handy list of utilities follows:

1. Piriform's CCleaner - very handy for cleaning up after driver/app uninstalls.
CCleaner - Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download

2. Auslogic's Disk Defrag - quickest defrag utility I have found.
Disk Defrag - Fast and Safe Defragmenter for Your Disks

3. CPU-Z - Yes, we all need a trusty CPU information app
CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting

4. HW Monitor - A handy monitoring app useful for keeping an eye on temps
CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting

5. WhoCrashed - This is a very cool crash dump analyzer for anyone who is not familar with using the Windows SDK to troubleshoot issues. WhoCrashed can point you in the right direction when investigating a crash/BSOD and provides useful data which can then be shared here on the forum for additional advice/help.
Resplendence Software - Advanced System Tools and Developer Components

After your apps, utilities, games have been installed - its time to restore the Alienware 'look and feel'. Please see this thread for further instructions:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...ook-feel-after-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

Good luck.

 

I was really interested in just removing the Malware that attacked me but if the restore supposedly removed it already I won't do a fresh install. It's just too hectic for me.


however, I have no idea why my M11x is running so sluggish. 2 days prior it was fine. Now it idles at 50-60% -________-

 

Hey Batboy, would this be the same order to install drivers on the R2 as well? i'm going to do a fresh install on a SSD (G.Skill Phoenix Pro 80gb)and having trouble finding the Driver install order on the R2..

I am currently running the R2 Stock. win7 - 8gb ram - i5 processor - i'm not planning to over clock cause i am worried i might break the laptop lol.. i am planning on getting all the drivers from the dell site unless you think i should get the drivers off of nvidia or something?? lmk if you need any other information. and thanks in advance

 

So I just installed win7 on my new SSD and I cannot get the drivers for the card reader to work, just the 1394. I must have downloaded and installed the command center prior to the card reader... So does this mean that I am screwed? What should I try next? Thanks!

 

Which card reader driver did you install? Provide the link. As for command center, I always install it last. This was suggested by one of the AW folks (cant recall where that post is). I dont think its something which you have to redo in this case. Post the link to the driver you used for the card reader. Also confirm you have an R1 or R2.

How is the driver 'not working'? If its not detecting a memory card, try inserting another memory card if you have one on hand.



Thanks.

 

card reader

R1

Not working, as in I place my SD card in and nothing shows in Computer.