XPS15 L521X Windows 8 Install Procedure

Guys,

I'm using my mSATA for as the boot drive. Installed Win8 - all good. Next step, windows updates - they all installed. They wanted to reboot - instead of a 2 second UEFI straight in, it shows the windows and spinning dots page and then Blue Screen with the :-( face.

What's this about?

Anyone else experience it? or know a way round it? I've re-installed like 10 times now trying to identify the one that breaks it. I think it might be Camera Codec but I can't swear by it.

Any help mucho appreciated chaps.

Thank you.

 

Avast Antivirus was the problem for me. Did you make sure to install all the (appropriate) Windows 8 Drivers on the Dell site?

 

Hey thanks for your reply.

Just did another clean install now.
Installed win 8, installed Intel Panther Chipset drivers from dell.
Rebooted an installed Intel Rapid Storage something from dell.
Reboot and loops crashing, then tries attempting repairs

Repeating cycle...time for yet another clean install :-(

 

what is your BIOS version, those sound like symptoms from A09

 

I had to double check myself when I thought the same as you. It's a11 uefi mode with msata drive as ahci boot disk

 

I'm having a similar issue with the dell xps 14 ultra book. Same symptoms, I'm on the latest bios and I think I have narrowed it down to the Nvidia driver. Something with it is causing the crash

 

I have the exact same issues UEFI mode, bios A11, my OS drive is the SSD drive.
I have found out that if you stop the computer it reboots under windows 8, if you make a restart (reboot) it start the cycle of 2 failed boots and restore...
If someone find out what's the cause it'll be great.

 

Yep this is my problem!

Thing is I've re-installed probably 10 times and did a driver at a time a found a different one crashing my system each time and I can't seem to narrow this down. I've had the nVidia driver crash the system, the intel realtek LAN driver, on another install it was something else.

Possibly a BIOS related issue? It's worth nothing, I changed the 32GB SSD you get with the machine to a Crucial 256GB mSATA one - which ran in Intel Rapid mode with Windows 7 installed fine. Problems only started when I tried to wipe and do a clean install of Windows 8. Also worth noting is Windows installs fine...it's when I either update using DEll drivers or use Windows Update and patch it fully up to date. Either installs causing Blue screens of unhappy deaths :-(

I'm gonna try call Dell when I get a chance...this is crazy!

 

I haven't tried but there now a new A12 BIOS that fixes nVidia issues. This may be worth a go.

 

ARGH! This is frustrating!

My L521X has a 1TB HDD and a 128GB mSATA. When I first got the computer a few months back I disabled Intel RST and installed Windows 7 on the mSATA (so C: is the mSATA and D: is the 1TB disk)

One of the last things I did before this all started was I enabled desktop mode (the option to run down the battery a bit rather than constantly charge to 100%).

I upgraded my system from Windows 7 to Windows 8, installed all the drivers (I believe) and everything was running fine for five days through multiple reboots. On around the third or fourth day I upgrade the bios to A11, it installed and rebooted fine. Then yesterday (the sixth day of having a stable system) Windows force-rebooted after installing some OS patches. I noticed there was a blue screen that briefly appeared, and the system rebooted. It did an automated repair and then came up fine, and I wrote it off as a random occurrence. Then just before I was going to bed I noticed it had installed some patches again, and I figured since the automated repair fixed it the first time if there was another problem with the patches I would just roll back and install one at a time until I figured out which patch was causing the problem... but the system never came back up, it just endlessly blue-screened/display the Repair Console.

The error on the blue screen is "inaccessible_boot_device" The only way to get the system running again is to do a Refresh which works fine until after the first reboot it immediately begins the endless blue screen process again. I've refreshed the system 4 times. The latest time I explicitly disabled the nVidia device before rebooting. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with the Windows 8 patches since I haven't patched the system after refreshing. I don't think it's related to the bios since I rebooted at least once after updating it a couple days ago.

In my research I've read some mention to UEFI (Legacy mode was working fine for me for days), so before the most recent refresh I changed from Legacy boot to UEFI boot.

After my most recent refresh I decided after a few reboots (without installing anything) that I should try to patch it (hoping some patch would be key to working around this problem). Here are the available patches (I tried to install those marked with an asterisk, and skipped the ones marked with an X):

* Intel - Other hardware - Intel(R) Management Engine Interface
X Intel Corporation - Graphics Adapter WDDM1.1, Graphics Adapter WDDM1.2 - Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
X Intel Corporation - Storage Controller - Intel(R) 7 Series Chipset Family SATA AHCI Controller
X nVidia - Graphics Adapter WDDM1.1, GRaphics Adapter WDDM1.2, Other Hardware - NVIDIA Geforce GT 640M
X Realtek Semiconduct Corp. driver update for Realtek PCIE CardReader
* Update for IE Flash Player for Windows 8 (KB2758994)
* Update for Windows 8 for x64-based Systems (KB2756872)
* Update for Windows 8 for x64-based Systems (KB2768703)
* Definition Update for Widnows Defender - KB2267602​

The Intel Management Engine Interface patch failed to install.

Next I rebooted them system and was met again with the infinite blue screen problem (well, two blue screens, then failed Automatic Repair).

I guess the next thing to try would be to completely wipe my hard drive and do a clean install, but why would a refresh work for a while then stop? Could there be a problem with my mSATA configuration? Could it be related to desktop mode (does that setting carry over OS reinstalls, I haven't had a chance to check it yet)? Did I forget to perform an animal sacrifice? Has anybody got Windows 8 to run reliably on their L521X?

 

I've made a fresh install, it seems that when the pc is installed you can do restart without crashing, but if I install one thing from windows updates it mess the reboot.
I tried alone : Nvidia driver, reboot crash, windows defender reboot crash.
I tried fresh install and i made a shift restart, stop, reboot crash.
Anything i do leads to reboot crash and restore
It completely impossible to make it works, I cant download the bios A12 because the dell website is ed up.
I'm tired of this...

 

(ignore post...you already mentioned you're trying A12 BIOS).

 

I have finally managed to download the A12 Bios (changed the url end of dell website USDownload=false by USDownload=true)
And nothing changes, this BIOS update do something on the NVIDIA BIOS and don't solve anything with Windows 8

 

I installed A12 which also didn't fix it for me. This time I tried a Windows "reset"/full reinstall (format c:\). In Windows Update I tried one update at a time and was able to install the latest Nvidia driver and two Windows 8 updates with successful reboots. Then I installed a couple Dell applications and turned off the Dell Desktop Mode battery saver, rebooted and things seemed to be working fine. Next I went back into Windows Update and installed the Intel AHCI driver update , and immediately the blue screen returned. But, this time, the Restore option in the Recovery Console worked (it did wipe out all the drivers and updates I installed though).

So at least so far it appears the Intel AHCI driver update is something to avoid... maybe. Weird though that the Nvidia driver seemed to install fine for me, at least the first time and this time.

 

I did a clean install of Windows 8 on an SSD using UEFI (bios A12). I then downloaded and installed all of the windows 8 dell drivers. Everything is working well.

Did you install the drivers in the recommended order?

 

I just did the Crucial M4 mSATA firmware update in case it has something to do with this - no difference.
What's the recommended order to install the drivers?

 

Here is a link:

How to Download and Install Drivers in the Correct Order | Dell

 

Thanks guys.

I figured out the problem with mine in the end. I really hate to say (and admit) it but my installation media was corrupt! I've just re-burnt the download image to a DVD and installed again and it's all good. I can't believe it installed fine and the problem followed after but it did!

Runs beautifully now...also only needed to run all the Windows Updates, install freefall sensor. Everything else was ok.

 

Can you post what exact steps you took? I have a 750gb HD + 32gb mSATA.

I want to install Windows 8 just on the mSATA (C:/) and use the other harddrive to install programs, etc (D:/).

Is 32gb mSATA enough for Windows installation + updates or is it too small?

 

32Gb is too small for win7 for sure, there'll just not be enough space for required swap file, optional hibernation file, and apps.

my opinion.

my C: drive currently (win7, on hdd) has about 238 Gb in use, 180-ish is stuff other than WINDOWS and Program Files (32- and 64-bit), ProgramData, and swap/hiber files.

This means that to move mine I'd need at least 64 Gb just to have the system up and running, but nil extra space.

I'm actually going to give it a shot with a 120Gb mSATA that I am putting in this weekend, and then moving my Users to the C: drive.

 

yes i agree...this is a better setup. I put a 256GB msata drive in and whilst I was opening the machine - stuck 16gb ram in there (which might have been a bit overkill in hindsight).

 

Please help me friend. I'm having the same problems as you passed. I downloaded another copy of Microsoft and burned again, but still bsod.
Install the drivers from Dell and everything ok. But when Windows 8 performs automatic update occurs on next boot bsod. I did the clean facilities and a 6 is always the same.
Please guys, i need help....

 

Everything works again after a fresh clean install ... but after performing the Windows update follows:

Atualização de segurança do Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 no Windows 8 e Windows Server 2012 para sistemas baseados em x64 (KB2729462)

Atualização de segurança do Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 no Windows 8 e Windows Server 2012 para sistemas baseados em x64 (KB2737084)

Atualização de segurança do Windows 8 para sistemas com base em x64 (KB2727528)

Atualização de segurança do Windows 8 para sistemas com base em x64 (KB2761226)

Atualização do Internet Explorer Flash Player para Windows 8 em sistemas com base em x64 (KB2770041)

Atualização do Windows 8 para sistemas baseados em x64 (KB2756872)

Atualização do Windows 8 para sistemas baseados em x64 (KB2768703)

Atualização do Windows 8 para sistemas baseados em x64 (KB2769034)

Atualização do Windows 8 para sistemas baseados em x64 (KB2769165)

Atualização do Windows 8 para sistemas baseados em x64 (KB2770917)

Atualização do Windows 8 para sistemas baseados em x64 (KB2772501)

Atualização para o Microsoft Camera Codec Pack para Windows 8 em sistemas om base em x64 (KB2712101)



windows shows me the BSoD ... and then there is a restoration.
Which of these is he giving conflict?

I am tired of so many resets .. And afraid to test one by one.

Someone with a light?

PS I saw that I can not install a SATA controller INTEL .. when I do see another BSoD.

My Windows 8 is on the mSATA 128Gb.
BIOS properly configured.
?

 

New ... There is Windows Update. Windows rebooted and got a bsod, even without downloading Updates (manually configured to download only). Mystery .... I wonder what happened? Next step: Download the drivers again. Maybe one of them has been corrupted the first time. And if not trigger a technical assistance.
My drivers install order: chipset, card reader, áudio, vídeo intel, gforce, Ethernet, quickset, wifi, bt, synaptics, freefall sensor, software widi. Is correct?

 

Bravo, for what it is worth, I have not installed all the Dell drivers.

I have only installed chipset, card reader, freefall sensor, wifi, intel video, geforce video.

 

Thank you, c0derbear.
It did not affect the lack of audio Wavves? And the touchpad multigesture? Which updates the windows update marked to ignore? Or installed all? Thankful.

 

Audio plays fine, there's possibly something intangible missing from specific equalization or whatnot that Waves provides but I don't notice or care.

With the Dell touchpad driver (which I did install, sorry I forgot) the multi-gesture is great.

I've let Windows take any suggested updates and have had no problems so far. It is 100% current according to Windows Update.

 

OK. I'll try these terms.
Your OS is also the mSATA?

 

yes, os on the 120Gb mSATA, I have relocated my Pictures, Documents, Music, etc., folders to the large drive.

 

Another bsod .... Crap ... I feel like returning this garbage. A hp dm1 could quickly install Windows 8. This damn l521x for now just gives me a headache. Anyone have more idea?!

 

Bravo, i'm sad for you that you're in for a rough ride on this.

I'd start by doing the base Win8 install, installing NO Dell drivers at all, and letting Win8 apply one Windows Update file at a time, rebooting between each. It'd be helpful for you to record which update is installed before rebooting.

Once Windows Update is drained then start going through the minimum needed Dell drivers one at a time, doing a Windows Update check after each.

- STMicro freefall sensor
- chipset
- card reader driver
- intel video driver
- geforce video driver
- wifi driver
- touchpad driver
- dell quickset

You can get more advice from dell blog

Dell Community

 

WIn8 is fine on my l521x - it's notable that I have not (and will not) install any of the Intel storage related drivers ... not IMEI not rapid storage not rapid start, nothing.

I have the Dell Intel video, WiFi, and Bluetooth drivers.

I only installed the WiFi because the base driver in Win8 while functional it would not establish an 802.11n connection so my data rates were topping out at 54 Mbps.

I only installed the Bluetooth driver because I installed the wifi driver and feel they should "generationally match" since they are co-managing the same physical device.

You could also check whether there is a firmware update for your SSD.

 

I may be wrong, but will Windows 8 (not only the bios) must also be set to ahci?
The Windows Update ever try install intel control Sata and iMAI.

You have hidden these Updates? Thanks for the help.
I will follow your new councils. I will post news. Good I hope.

 

Yes - windows must be installed with the drive control set in one-of ahci OR Intel ... You can not switch (easily) once windows is installed.

Since I was installing onto the msata sad I set mine to ahci and went from there.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

 

Coderbear...strangely, even after updating all windows updates required, my touchpad is still not multitouch (and I can't seem to find the panel to change the touchpad settings), and my screen brightness cannot be adjusted...it's permanently stuck at quite a bright level.

Think I will have to install all the dell drivers one by one...sigh...

 

For multi-touch and display brightness you'll need TWO of the dell drivers

- dell touchpad

- dell quickset

I'm pretty sure that's ALL you'll need (I'm 80% sure the brightness is controlled by Quickset, i'm 100% sure about the touchpad driver)

The important question is, w/o the other dell drivers is your machine stable?

 

No solution for now. How i did a clean installation of Windows 8 (formatting all), now I'm installing Windows 7 again and then do the upgrade. Wish me luck. And place your bets.

 

Almost .... I made an installation of 7 and then upgrade the Windows 8. I updated and everything worked. But now the HD does not appear on my computer, but appears in the managed devices.

What happened? Recalling that whenever I install my OS in mSATA.

 

Can you post a screen-shot of your Disk Manager?

For clarity, was your Win 7 on the HD or the SSD, and which one is your Win 8 install hosted on?