HOW TO: Clean Windows 7 Install (Driver Install Order) Guide for Alienware Systems

Thanks Mr. Fox.

Should I be ignoring the Intel Managment Engine altogther then?

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So I just got my m17x today, went ahead and installed my aftermarket SSD. Everything seems to be fine so far (seems to be at least) except my fn + f7 command for switching graphics is not working. I followed this guide to a T. Any ideas?

 

Are there any extra steps or something I should know about when installing on a mSATA drive? I'm also confused about mSATA drives being called cache drives. That's just the same as saying that you're using a regular SSD as you're boot drive, right? Or do I have to use something like fancyCache for it to be called a "cache drive"?

Did a google search and found this in order to answer my own question. Wow, google is nice! Does anyone else use it?

How to Set Up Intel Smart Response SSD Caching Technology | PCWorld

 

when i try to fresh install win 7,my bluetooth doesnt work anymore,the bluetooth driver i used is R289410-Dell Wireless 375 Bluetooth,any advise for me???

 

I've been thinking of Reinstalling Windows 7 x64 lately on my M15X and i had a couple of questions after reading this thread.
1) What is the "Intel RST Driver / Intel Management Engine"? I'm not seeing it in my list of drivers on my resource CD or Online.
2) What is the "Alienware On-Screen Display Driver"? I'm also not seeing that one.

Edit) Just realized that "RST" stands for "Rapid Storage Technology" which i found on the Dell Support page.
But i still have no idea what "Alienware On-Screen Display Driver" is. Is it only for certain types of Alienware systems? Should i just ignore that step with my Laptop being an M15X?

 

I am having serious issues with my Alienware M17x R3

Can you help?

I did a clean install, actually I did that over a dozen times already but the problem keep happen.

I am having a hard to get my laptop to start. When pressing Power button, all the lights are on but the screen black out no matter how long I left it there, sometime I would have to press Power Button to open/shut down for over 5 times to get my laptop to started.

Any idea what could be the cause of the problems?

 

awesome guide, thank you very much! +repped!

 

So, I just did a fresh install of Win7 and when I try to start the computer, it just goes blank with a blinking line on the top left corner of the laptop. Am I out of luck on this?

 

Must have made a mistake. One of the most common is forgetting to delete all existing partitions setting up your Windows to unallocated disc space. There is probably something with the original recovery partition that is keeping your installation from booting.

Start over and try again, this time using the information in the opening post of the following thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...llation-questions-troubleshooting-thread.html

 

Okay, I have installed all the drivers, except for the Infrared Controller, I couldn't find it on the Dell website. Also my cpu temps are pretty high at around 75-80 C on idle. I also have one unknown device "Intel(R) PM55 Express Chipset LPC Interface Controller - 3B03", is that the infrared controller?

Thanks in advance!

 

Sorry, I missed your post when I visited this thread yesterday. No, I would go ahead and install that. No reason to avoid it.

What system to you have?

 

i have the m15x. also, my cpu fan doesn't seem to be working.

 

Just a quick tip for installing the drivers on Windows 8 currently (since you will need to install the Windows 7 drivers for now).

1. You need to install .NET Framework 3.5 first. A couple of the apps use them - especially the Intel RST Engine*. To install this, open a Command Prompt as Administrator and issue the command:
Dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFx3 /All /Source:x:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess
where x: is the drive letter for the Windows 8 ISO image or DVD.

From Installing the .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 8

2. You don't need to install the OSD App. Windows 8 has a great built-in OSD anyway. Unless you do like the popup messages.

3. The current Intel USB 3.0 driver will not work. Shows a compatibility error screen and quits. You can force it, but I don't recommend it.

* The .NET Framework should be installed first. The Intel RST application will stop at a window stating "waiting for service", even if you install the .NET Framework later. You'll need to uninstall RST and then install .NET and then finally reinstall RST to get it to work.

 

Hey guys, I'm getting my m17x r4 with the 7970m and I was just wondering what I need to update(drivers etc) when I get it? Thanks

 

Hi all,

I just bought an Alienware m14x r2 and i am planning to upgrade to an SSD? What is the best way to move/install windows 7 to the SSD? I heard using cloning software to transfer from HDD to SDD is not recommended?

Do I have to do clean install on the SDD?

Thanks for the help, appreciate it.

 

It's not that cloning is a bad thing, it's just better to have a clean install for correct alignment of the drive. You could clone using software provided with your SSD (if it shipped with a data transfer kit) or you could use something like Acronis to clone. If it works out OK then that's great. If not, you might want to try what is suggested at the start of this thread.

 

Hi,
You don't need any softwares for the same... All you need is to go to start->All programs->Alien Respawn-> Alien respawn
Now you need pendrive atleast 16GB or 2 blank DVD's
insert DVD or pendrive then in software on left panel select backup
Follow the steps and then after completion removing original HDD and replace with SSD drive restart the computer with first boot device as pendrive or DVD in which you have backup and go for selecting Factory install it will promt all partition will erase and all but since yours new Drive so no worries... next next etc and done your windows lis ready with all drivers intalled like new PC came to you... Keep the backup pendrive or DVD for future reformatting with factory settings install.. Hope this helps... If you have any further queries message me in PM...

Regards!

 

The above is an option.....sometimes "respawning" to a different size drive doesn't work. For example, if you have a 500gb HDD and try respawning to a 256gb SSD, it can be hit or miss wether or not it will throw a fit as the factory image on the pen drive is based on one with a much larger HDD/partitions than the SSD.

Still, very worthwhile trying as if it works, its probably the simplest way of getting your factory image onto your new SSD.

 

i never had any issues using it... In insipron systems you have something similar as dell datasafe backup it works in it too... My Alienware came with 750Gbx2 RAID 0 i made backup pendrive and installed it on Corsair SATA3 SSD drive which is 240GB only No raid(intailly you have to keep raid 0 On in bios then you can switch to AHCI after your windows starts running) with microsoft windwos raid to AHCI fix.Also in insiron it came with 500Gb HDD i replaced with 128GB SSD SATAII.

Hope this helps...

Regards!

 

As far as I read on the Dell forum, yes... That's the CIR.
And the driver doesn't work in Windows 8.

The other driver doesn't work in Windows 8 are the property touch pad and the fall sensor.

 

this will help you to install windows without the need of any software or any cd/dvd Tech Tantrik: How to install Windows XP vista, 7 or 8 without a CD/DVD

 

Nice find as it's simple and direct to the point. I'm sure this will also help others :hi2:

 

I just tossed in a SSD to my M17x R2 this morning and going thru installing the drivers, it wont let me install the CIR Reciever (infra red) driver. (I'm guessing that's what my last two unknown devices are. I have two unknowns called Base System Devices.

I accidentally did install a bit out of order. I did install Command center before this one. I thought I was all done, should have checked here first I know I know.

I tried running the setup as an admin and no go there either.

I just get a pop up at the installing driver splash screen that says there was a mistake with the error code 0x80070103. It tells me to reboot and try again. Which I have, which hasnt worked.

Help me satisfy my OCD and get those unknown devices out of my device manager?

 

Has anyone found an alternative resource for all the downloads that we would typically get from My Dell Downloads for those of us whom it doesn't work for? I'm looking to get the webcam app, in particular.

 

I don't think there is an alternative download site, have you exhausted all your downloads or something? - the webcam software should be on a disc if you got it new.

 

Which m17x revision do you own?

I believe you can download an application called Dell Digital Delivery Application for our latest models that run on Windows 8 to help you recover factory software.

 

Hi, i have M17 R4, i bought it, few days ago but i have small problem, i wanna make clean install by your guide, but im not sure about drivers. For example: The first step will be chipset driver, but which one? or with network driver?

Drivers : Driver Dell Alienware M17x R4 for Windows 7 64-bit

Also I found something in this thread, but its more than 3 years old.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/426562-official-alienware-m17-drivers-page.html

I hope it will be understandable for you, coz my english is not good, thanks for respond

 

I only got 2 CDs in the box with my M15x - 1 for Windows 7 Home Premium and 1 for McAfee anti-virus. I still get the stupid error that my service tag is not recognized, and the store I bought my M15x has since closed down. Gah. Alienware, help me out?

 

You can grab the M15x drivers here:
Drivers & Downloads | Dell US

The webcam driver should automatically be installed by Windows.

A big warning though: Don't install the Command center on the DVD if you ever find it. Instead, always download and install the latest version from the link above.

As for your service tag issue, try to call Dell and they should help you with it.

 

After 4 days o failures and blue screens I found your post... Thank God for this man. I was ready to throw my M17x R3 out he window. I didn't read through all the comments but in case anyone is wondering the chipset driver is the Intel Cougar Point. I thought it was some pointing device driver and didn't install it the first time I followed your directions. However I looked around and found that was the chipset driver and now I have a successful fresh installation! It might help someone else if the name of the chipset driver was part of step one in your post. Any way thanks so much for detailed and complete explanation on the process.

 

I have installed all of those drivers as per the Clean Windows 7 Install. However, my webcam refuses to focus and function properly. Also, I liked the Cyberlink Webcam software that was included. I know I can get this from the download page that authenticates your service tag, but my service tag refuses to be recognized despite the fact that Dell's other downloads page recognizes the service tag as belonging to an M15x.

 

Grab the Webcam software from Dell SmartSource - you may need to create an account if you haven't used it before. If your S/T continues to provide issues, contact Dell and get them to sort it out.

 

I'm on the phone with dell right now, the guy is telling me 3 things:
1) The server might be down, which is why the service tag is not being recognized. I just told him this has been the case for the past 3 months
2) The Cyberlink software cannot be downloaded from the smartsource.dell.com website, which is not what everyone has been saying
3) It is a one-time one-install deal, which is not what another Dell guy told me.

...Banging my head on the table...

And now I am being told that he doesn't know why my service tag is not supported, and that it's beyond his ability to fix. He also does not know who I can contact or if anyone can help me. .

 

What do you mean by "it refuses to focus"? Is the image blurred?

Have a look here and see if you can obtain the software following the steps:
http://www.dell.com/support/trouble...w?docid=266612&doclang=EN#Issue_Remove_7Vista

 

can someone please help me out,i did the frehs install of windows 7 and alienware m18x r1 drivers downloaded from dell's website and everything is good but not so good, because i'm having problems with left 4 dead 1 & 2, i lowered the settings to default and is fine but when i max it out the video settings all this happens again fps drops, my system is intel core i7 2860qm 2.50ghz, 12gb 1600 ram, amd radeon hd 6990m crossfire. something important when i running the left 4 dead on crossfire i have more fps like 60 and then getting lowered 40 and almost 30 but horrible lags like when exploding gas cans or zombie horde right on the screen, but when i just disable the crossfire so single gpu, just from the start left 4 dead game gaves me fps just 30 fps from the beggining, oh my god i don't know why this is happening, i tried call of duty black ops 2 max out and not a drop everything good catalyst version 13.1 .

one more thing there is a windows optional update, advance micro devices, inc,-display-AMD Radeon HD 6990m series. i installed this and it says failed to installed just right now while i'm writting this post this happens with this optional update it says failed but did flickerings like when you install a video driver succesfuly, this is wierd to me my godness, ok i wanna make clear that i didn't install the advanced micro devices for amd radeon 6990m optional update while i was having a lags with left 4 dead but this is not good, can someone tell me what driver installed i would like to install a driver that could work for everything i guess? many thanks in advance.

 

Sorry to hear of your problems. I have replied to your PM. I think you are experiencing some video driver issues. May I suggest that you uninstall, clean and re-install video drivers and see how that goes. You would also probably find more help over on the AMD thread located here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...s-performance-problems-discussion-thread.html as there are plenty of people who have AMD hardware and are much more likely to be able to recommend the best AMD driver as of now for your machine.

Hope this helps, please continue to post on the linked thread for assistance with AMD related issues - I'm sure there are plenty of people there who can offer assistance more so than on this thread.

Regards
Steve.

 

thanks so much for answer my cuestion, but i fixt it, now i don't have that particulary problem with left 4 dead, i just did a clean install again of windows 7 and installed the 6990m drivers from dell and then I did clean install official Dell drivers then Leshcat's Beta 5 over them and Beta 7, i is everything normal, but after that i didn't have the option of overdrive not even the tab of it, so i had it to go on the registry and change some settings up, for the overdrive tab to com up! and i was using this guide to do that! http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/613189-amd-overdrive-bsod.html#post7938879 thanks to the revelator, so now everything is good for me i have to install the other games to test them,what i don't have is those ads of games on the homepage of the catalyst since i installed them from the clean installation of windows 7 hummm weird but i think there no much to care of about that! anyways i have to installed it all again because i found my windows 7 home premium 64 bit from alienware the original disc, to have the like an feel of alienware m18x wallpapers and all that stuff to have in windows 7 information that nice black alienware face instead of that boring blue dell decal, lol

once again thanks so much Steve.

 

Great stuff, mate - glad you got it all fixed up!! - well done!! :thumbsup:

 

Thank you so much for this guide! The drivers had problems right out of the box and because I was stupid enough to forget to create a Respawn Image before tinkering with it, I had to resort to a clean install. Now my machine is running perfectly. Thanks!

 

Hi I have an Alienware Mx17 r4. I have been having issues trying to use the Alienware Windows 7 cd that came with it.
When installing windows 7 it keeps on getting an error when its unpacking it.
Error Code: 0x80070001
I have tried everything. Looked all around the net and nothing has helped.
Sometimes even before I can get to that part I get a partition error.
* Windows cannot be istalled in this disk. The select disk is of the gpt partition style. **
Ok so I have tried several boot loading programs to make sure its ntfs partition.
Have tried in bios with legacy settings and UEFI.
Ran the disk in UEFI too. I have tried several other windows formats. Xp Vista and 32bit to 64bit.
Xp wont even let me start anything since it doesn't have drivers to format the drive or access it.

 

Maybe the information in this thread could be of some use to you: Convert GPT Disk to MBR Disk - Windows 7 Help Forums

 

does any body know what the lan drivers are? i cant seem to find them.

 

You should find device drivers for LAN/Wireless under the 'Network' tab on the drivers and downloads page for your machine. They tend to be named Atheros.

 

so the lan driver is basicly just the wireless driver?

 

Well, the wireless drivers will be specific to whatever wireless card you have in your machine. For example, I have a Killer network card, so I would want that installed for wireless. If you have an Intel XXXX card, you would want that driver. The Atheros driver relates to the LAN/Ethernet. Ideally, you want to install both - the Atheros driver for LAN/Ethernet and the relevant driver for your wireless card.

 

ok thanks man im going to try again

ok thanks also do I install both Intel RST Driver / Intel Management Engine or only one?

 

Install both.

 

I had to install the LAN driver for my m15x but the wireless worked from the start. I extracted the files but didn'tinstall then checked device manager to see if it was latest driver. It was so I assume it was with the LAN driver.

 

Great thread!

Question though, my new m11x R1 has a clean windows 7 install, and the recorvery partition intact. It sounds like trying to re-connect Alien Respawn to the partition is complicated, so I'm up for getting all of the drivers installed and working, then creating restore media for easy rollback in case of disaster. Does anything have to be done to the HDD before I do this? or is the space allocated for the old recovery partition fine? Will the wizard in Alien Respawn walk me through the process of capturing my system state and creating the media? Or is there other stuff I should know? Thanks. -Aaron

 

I want to do a clean install on my AW17 and just want to make sure I don't messed up following batboy's driver installation guide. Please let me know if i'm missing somethng. Thanks in advance.
*is file name on dell's site
1. Chipset Driver
*Intel Lynx Point HM87 Driver

2. USB 3.0 Driver
*USB 3.0 Driver: Intel® USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller Driver for Intel® 8 Series/C220 Chipset Family

3. Intel RST Driver / Intel Management Engine
*Intel Management Engine Interface Driver

4. Freefall Sensor Driver
*ST Microelectronics Free Fall Sensor Driver

5. Alienware On-Screen Display Driver
* Driver Details | Dell US

6. INTEL/AMD/NVIDIA Display Driver
*Alienware Nvidia Graphics 331.65 Driver

7. LAN Driver
*Qualcomm LAN Killer E2201 Driver

8. Wireless Network Driver
*Broadcom BCM4352 Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Driver

9. Audio Driver
*Realtek ALC3661 Audio codec Driver

10. Bluetooth Driver
*installed with wireless Network driver

11. Touchpad Driver
*Synaptics Touchpad Driver

12. Media Card Reader Driver
*Realtek Card Reader Driver

13. Alienware Command Center
*Command Center 3.5 for Notebooks

15. Log in over @ https://smartsource.dell.com to grab any apps which came bundled with your system that were not included on the Resource DVD. Webcam application is one of them.


*do i need to install Intel Dynamic Platform & Thermal Framework Driver and
LITEONIT Solid State Drive Firmware Update (DM8110F, A05) ?


Processor: Intel Core 4th Generation i7-4700MQ
17.3 inch 3D WLED FHD (1920 x 1080) TrueLife
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M with 4GB GDDR5
16GB Dual Channel DDR3L at 1600MHz
256GB mSATA Solid State Drive
750 GB SATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Broadcom 4352 802.11 ac 2x2 and Bluetooth 4.0