M15x driver install order (Help)

Noob incoming...

Hello everyone, I just reinstalled windows 7 on my M15x & I need help on what order should I install the drivers.

I used this guide LINK REMOVED - FOR AW LEGACY, NOT AW/DELL M15x everything went well until I got an error when I tried to install the Turbo Memory driver & when
I installed the Command Center app, The light effects went off! (keys still functional) I can start the Command Center & even
change the colors but nothing happens.

Anyway, I reinstalled windows again & downloaded the drivers from the official dell website ( Click Me)
Would you guys kindly help me out on what order should I install them? thanks in advance.

 

Here you go..
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...not-use-command-center-your-resource-dvd.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...er-install-order-guide-alienware-systems.html

 

^
Thanks T man! appreciate it

 

IF you are still under warranty place a call to Dell Support. You toasted your motherboard/ lighting effects.

Did you install Command Center from the Disk they sent with your machine?

 

No, my warranty expired

That's the problem... I don't remember I was having trouble downloading the (Turbo Memory / Touch Pad / Media Card Reader Driver)
from this guide so i used the disk. So now I'm not sure if I installed the app from it or not

when i clicked on the Command Center app, a pop up box appeared telling me that
I'm installing an older version (don't remember the exact number but it was definitely an older version) that's when the light effects went off.

***************

For my second try I used the guide that T man gave me ( Click Me)
Everything went well until I reached (14: Alienware Command Center driver)

The light effects are still off and every time i start or shutdown the laptop or launch the Alien Fx app (Not Command Center), this pop up message appears:



and here is the error details for you:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
See the end of this message for details on invoking
just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box.

************** Exception Text **************
System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at AlienLabs.AlienFX.Controller.LightsZoneController.SupportChangeBrightness()
at AlienLabs.AlienFX.Controller.ControllerMainForm.configureTrayIconContextMenu()
at AlienLabs.AlienFX.Controller.ControllerMainForm.initializeTrayIcon()
at AlienLabs.AlienFX.Controller.ControllerMainForm.controllerMainFormLoad(Object sender, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.OnLoad(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.OnCreateControl()
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateControl(Boolean fIgnoreVisible)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateControl()
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmShowWindow(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WmShowWindow(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WndProc(Message& m)
at AlienLabs.AlienFX.Controller.ControllerMainForm.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)


************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.4927 (NetFXspW7.050727-4900)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v2.0.50727/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
AlienwareAlienFXController
Assembly Version: 1.0.92.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.92.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Alienware/Command%20Center/AlienwareAlienFXController.exe
----------------------------------------
AlienwareAlienFXTools
Assembly Version: 1.0.92.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.92.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/AlienwareAlienFXTools/1.0.92.0__bebb3c8816410241/AlienwareAlienFXTools.dll
----------------------------------------
Alienlabs.CommandCenter.Tools
Assembly Version: 1.0.92.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.92.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Alienlabs.CommandCenter.Tools/1.0.92.0__bebb3c8816410241/Alienlabs.CommandCenter.Tools.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.4927 (NetFXspW7.050727-4900)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.4927 (NetFXspW7.050727-4900)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.4927 (NetFXspW7.050727-4900)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll
----------------------------------------
AlienLabsTools
Assembly Version: 1.0.92.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.92.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/AlienLabsTools/1.0.92.0__bebb3c8816410241/AlienLabsTools.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Configuration
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.4927 (NetFXspW7.050727-4900)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Configuration/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Configuration.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Xml
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.4927 (NetFXspW7.050727-4900)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/2.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll
----------------------------------------
WindowsBase
Assembly Version: 3.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 3.0.6920.4902 built by: NetFXw7
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/WindowsBase/3.0.0.0__31bf3856ad364e35/WindowsBase.dll
----------------------------------------
PresentationFramework
Assembly Version: 3.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 3.0.6920.4902 built by: NetFXw7
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/PresentationFramework/3.0.0.0__31bf3856ad364e35/PresentationFramework.dll
----------------------------------------
PresentationCore
Assembly Version: 3.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 3.0.6920.4902 built by: NetFXw7
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_32/PresentationCore/3.0.0.0__31bf3856ad364e35/PresentationCore.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Management
Assembly Version: 2.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 2.0.50727.4927 (NetFXspW7.050727-4900)
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Management/2.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Management.dll
----------------------------------------
AlienFX.DeviceDiscovery
Assembly Version: 1.0.92.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.92.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/AlienFX.DeviceDiscovery/1.0.92.0__bebb3c8816410241/AlienFX.DeviceDiscovery.dll
----------------------------------------
AlienLabs.MasterIOBoard.Communication.Core
Assembly Version: 1.0.92.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.92.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/AlienLabs.MasterIOBoard.Communication.Core/1.0.92.0__bebb3c8816410241/AlienLabs.MasterIOBoard.Communication.Core.dll
----------------------------------------
AlienFX.Communication
Assembly Version: 1.0.92.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.92.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/AlienFX.Communication/1.0.92.0__bebb3c8816410241/AlienFX.Communication.dll
----------------------------------------
AlienLabs.MasterIOBoard.Communication
Assembly Version: 1.0.92.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.92.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/AlienLabs.MasterIOBoard.Communication/1.0.92.0__bebb3c8816410241/AlienLabs.MasterIOBoard.Communication.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Core
Assembly Version: 3.5.0.0
Win32 Version: 3.5.30729.4926 built by: NetFXw7
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Core/3.5.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Core.dll
----------------------------------------
LightFX
Assembly Version: 1.0.92.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.92.0
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC_MSIL/LightFX/1.0.92.0__bebb3c8816410241/LightFX.dll
----------------------------------------

************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this
application or computer (machine.config) must have the
jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
enabled.

For example:

configuration>
system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" />
/configuration>

When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer
rather than be handled by this dialog box.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

and here is what happens when I launch Command Center




Should I continue with the guide and then launch Windows update and see what happens or just stop?

Anyway, hope what I wrote helps.
oh and quick question, is it possible to reinstall AlienRespawn and use it to restore my system back to factory state?

 

Did you read over this?? it may help .. I reinstalled AlienRespawn and it worked for me was just like new.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/496156-alienfx-problems-questions-thread.html

 

@Harbi -

Lets confirm one thing here - is this a Dell/Alienware M15x or is this the Alienware Legacy m15x?

EDIT: Nevermind. Looks like your first post was back in October about your new 15x so its an Dell/AW and not a legacy. The first link you listed is for the legacy system. Stay away from that. In fact, I'm removing the link so nobody else gets into trouble.

All of your drivers should be grabbed from support.dell.com. Use the install order/clean install thread linked earlier in this thread. Try this:

NOTE: Before doing this, be sure to install all windows updates - including, Microsoft .NET. (.NET is required for Command Center to function properly)

1. Uninstall Alienware Command Center
2. Reboot into Safe Mode (F8 at BIOS screen)
3. Run Piriform's CCleaner and use the registry scan function. Remove any errors found and once complete, reboot the system.
4. Install Alienware Command Center using the installer available from the M15x support page @ support.dell.com.

If you still have an issue, you are most likely stuck. You can try calling Dell and explaining that you had to reinstall your OS and used the Restore CD which came with your system. They might assist you given the AWCC on the restore cd was what caused the problem.

For the AlienRespawn question - yes, you can use it to restore your system and doing so will not cause the corrupt flash of the AlienFX firmware. The reason for this is AlienRespawn is simply restoring the partition to how it was when it shipped from the factory. The act of restoring will not prompt an AlienFX firmware flash - respawn is not installing anything. Given that you have already flashed the current AlienFX firmware, I do not believe the restore will help you. You can still respawn but you'll need to try the steps I outlined above. If that doesn't work, try calling Support and push for a motherboard replacement out of warranty since the restore CD was what caused this issue.

 

Understands who the mods are and I have even asked for their direct help, which was quick and accurate. Thank you.
I was the eighth member to come into this forum (mid 2010), as INap(appropriateName) used to keep track, because of this CommandCenter (CC) on the Dell supplied CD. That 'line' (You are installing an Older Version..) is exactly what happen to me. I am sadly disappointed that DELL has done nothing to remediate the issue and even worse makes a post on 'OUR' forum to not use the disk. No one knows that this forum exists until they destroy their machine and come looking for assistance.
I would not be surprised if a class action suit was in the making. DELL admitted they knew the disk is destructive to a small forum, NOT to the new owners or potential buyers, who are the ones AT RISK.
In the mean time, Harbi, try the 4 steps BatBoy recommends then call Dell. It was their CD that did the damage.

 

Thanks guys for taking the time to help me out, I really appreciate it.

Unfortunately, it did not solve the problem. On the bright side, I called dell support & they agreed for a replacement
but since they don't have alienware parts here in Saudi Arabia I'll have to wait a month or more *sigh* I can't stand looking at my M15x without Alien Fx

T man, hub1100 & Batboy, thanks again guys

 

Great to hear they are taking care of you... stay on top of the board replacement. Be sure to have direct contact (email/phone extension) for the rep who is working on it.

 

Good to hear hope all go`s will...