SLI Profile Updater - Updated!

With the release of the NV 197.15 driver, I figured it was time for another update. I grabbed the SLI Profiles and have updated the 'modded' batch updater. Again, this is to be used if you are having issues with enabling SLI on newer game releases with your current driver.

Dell posts NV beta driver to resolve DPC audio interrupt

Today Dell posted the 196.86 NV Beta driver. This driver implements the change which ManuelG of NVIDIA Forums spoke of here:

The fix does not disable Powermizer. The driver was in a DPC state for too long and this was corrected. It should not have an adverse affect on performance. Tomorrow (Tuesday) we will be releasing a new driver which unfortunately does not include this fix as it did not make it in time (the fix was added shortly after this driver was built). The fix will be in drivers following this. Once I get the exact driver versions, I will update this thread. Quote Source

Command Center updated to v2.5.44.0

Today Dell released an update for the Alienware Command Center. This update is the first which combines all three models (M15x, M17x and M17xR2).

Current Win7 64 Drivers (R2)

Coming Soon

Synaptics TouchPad updated to v.14.0.19

Yesterday, Dell posted an update to the Synaptics TouchPad driver. This updated driver was posted under the M11x drivers however since both the M11x and M17x (R1 & R2) share the same touchpad it is compatible.

Driver Updates - IDT Audio, Bluetooth and ATI

Dell released a few more driver updates. The following were released for the M17x r2 however they also will work with the r1. I have confirmed both the bluetooth and audio updates. The ATI driver I am listing since its a Dell release for the 4870's. Owner's with the 4870 have other options of course.

IDT 92HD73C1 Audio Driver v.6.10.0.6259 Released

Today, Dell posted a handful of drivers for the M17x R2 refresh. Among these drivers we have an update for the IDT Audio Driver. The rest of the drivers released so far for the M17x r2 are the same version we have for the r1. I will be checking versions and testing compatibility as they are released :)

NVIDIA 195.81 BETA Driver Released - Still needs work NV...

NVIDIA posted up the 195.81 BETA driver today. Their notes indicate the following:

This driver is identical to the 195.62 WHQL drivers except for the following:

Several bug fixes to support the new Adobe Flash 10.1 Beta 2 release. Learn more here.
Adds new SLI and multi-GPU profiles for Avatar Demo, Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising Demo, and Wings of Prey.

NVIDIA releases 195.62 WHQL mobile driver - EPIC FAIL #2

NVIDIA posted the 195.62 WHQL driver today. Highlights include:

- Adds GPU-acceleration for smoother online HD videos with the new Adobe Flash 10.1 beta. See this link for PROPER SUPPORT of 10.1.
- Adds support for DirectCompute with Windows 7.
- Adds support for OpenGL 3.2.
- Adds support for OpenCL 1.0.
- Adds support for CUDA Toolkit 3.0 features and performance enhancements.
- Adds SLI and multi-GPU support for many top new gaming titles including Borderlands, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, FIFA Soccer 10, and more.
- Includes numerous bug fixes including improved performance for Need for Speed: Shift.

Dell releases Synaptics Touchpad v14.0.12.0

Today Dell posted an updated Synaptics Touchpad driver. Details as follows:

Disable scrolling feature as default setting

Corrects Alientouch compatiablity in Windows 7

Driver Lists have been updated. Direct link is HERE.

NOTE: The disable bug is again present in this release. If you use an external mouse it will throw an error when trying to access the Touchpad properties. They really neeed to resolve this. The default Microsoft driver can be used as an alternative.

NVIDIA posts beta driver 195.55 - EPIC FAIL

Today NVIDIA posted the 195.55 Beta. For the M17x it will not install - no small surprise. C'mon NVIDIA - time to get your game on and NOT leave out the Alienware M17x.

Adds GPU-acceleration for smoother online HD videos with the new Adobe Flash 10.1 beta.

Adds support for DirectCompute with Windows 7.

Adds support for OpenGL 3.2.

Adds support for OpenCL 1.0 (Open Computing Language).

Adds support for CUDA Toolkit 3.0 features and performance enhancements.

Adds SLI and multi-GPU support for many top new gaming titles including Borderlands, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, FIFA Soccer 10, and more.

Includes numerous bug fixes including improved performance for Need for Speed: Shift.

Installs NVIDIA PhysX System Software v9.09.0814.

TESTING NOTES:

HybridSLI is functional and pulling the AC Power Cord will automatically kick you into 9400M G mode only (if you have Hybrid and Integrated Graphics enabled in the BIOS of course).

L4D2, TF2, MW2 and others are running fine in SLI with this driver.

ISSUE #1: BluRay playback is again not functional. Same issue was present with 187.xx. You can work around this issue by unchecking the option in PowerDVD to disable Aero for BluRay Playback.

ISSUE #2: If you are running SLI your second GPU will not downclock properly after ending a 3D Gaming session. Clocks for GPU #2 will remain @ default (583/950/1450) whereas GPU #1 will return to 200/100.

ISSUE #3: Uninstaller is broken. When accessing the Programs & Features Control Panel to uninstall, the display driver option is missing. You will need to uninstall each display adapter via the Device Manager.

The only + side to this release so far has been the updated SLI Profiles. Given the issues found, I cannot recommend this driver for use with the M17x. I will not be adding it to the lists. Back to 186.82 for me.

If you are as tired as I of these sub-par drivers NVIDIA has been churning out or tired of the fact that 186.81, 195.39 and now 195.55 (which are all part of the NVIDIA Verde Driver Project) have NOT installed properly on the M17x, I ask all of you to provide feedback on these issues. In fact, since the M17x has been released, not one driver NVIDIA has published has worked correctly. Please take a moment and report the issues - HERE.

Clarification on Driver Lists

Just wanted to clarify so there is no confusion on this. All of the drivers with the exception of the Display Drivers are from Dell. For the most part, all of them are released specifically for the M17x. There are a few which are released by Dell for other models, however they are compatible with the hardware in the M17x. The Display Drivers will either be from NVIDIA, Dell, Windows Update or LV2Go.

The driver lists will always remain up to date. I check various sources daily and will list new drivers as they are released.

The driver lists for the M17x which Dell maintains on the support page do not always include drivers released for other laptops with the same hardware/devices. Meaning, if a driver is updated on say the Precision M6400 for the Bluetooth card, Dell may fail to categorize the driver for use with the M17x even though the driver supports the M17x since its the same Bluetooth card.

Hope this helps. Just want to make sure people are not under the impression I am modding every driver for use with the M17x. ;)

187.66 and the M17x

As some of you know, LV2Go posted up the Fujitsu-Siemens 187.66 driver a several days back. The stock INF does not support the GPUs in the M17x and the modded INF had issues with the M17x Hybrid SLI, BluRay playback, etc.

You can use this driver with the M17x however a few changes have to be made. I have chosen to use the 186.82 Windows Update driver with the 187.66 release but you can most likely use the 182.91 INF if you want to.

Here is the process if you want to try this driver:

Open up the 186.82 INF (nv_whql.inf)

Open up the 187.66 INF (nvfm.inf)

Look at the DriverVer entry in the 187.66 - this entry is at the very top of the file, a few lines down. Once you have found it, copy the entire line.

Now, find the same line in the 186.82 INF. Overwrite the line with the line you copied to your clipboard.

Once the change has been made, save the changes and place the file in the 187.66 directory.

Next, copy the nv_whql.cat file from the 186.82 directoy.

Finally, remove the original INF and .cat (nvfm.inf and nvfm.cat) from the 187.66 directory - you do not need them.

That should do it. Do a clean install of 187.66 after performing an uninstall of your current driver.

Be sure to install in Hybrid Mode (enable the 9400). You can disable it after install if that is how you run your system.

EDIT:
An issue did come up during my testing:

Deal Breaker: The NVIDIA Control Panel will not retain settings for individual game profiles. I prefer to set all of my game profiles to 'Single Display Performance Mode' rather than the default of 'Multiple Display Performance Mode'. You can make the change and then click APPLY, however once the NV Control Panel is closed and re-opened the changes will revert. This should not be an issue for users of nHancer. Not sure since I do not use nHancer.

Due to the NV Control Panel 3D Game Profiles issue, I am choosing not to add the driver to the Driver Lists. Back to 186.82 for me.

Dell releases 186.64 NVIDIA display driver (Vista/W7)

Thanks to Douglaz over @ NBR for the heads-up on this release.

Today Dell posted the 186.64 WHQL display driver. This driver is a WHQL certified driver and can be used with Vista and Windows 7. This driver also includes the current version of PhysX. As always, when installing a new display driver, be sure to install with Hybrid Graphics and Integrated Graphics enabled in the BIOS. I have added this driver release to the Current Vista / Windows 7 driver pages.

Note: My recommendation for install is as follows:

1. If you have Hybrid Graphics / Integrated Graphics disabled in the BIOS, reboot and enable. If they are already enabled skip to next step.

2. Uninstall the NVIDIA Display Driver ONLY using the Programs & Features Control Panel. Reboot the system.

3. Once you are back at your desktop, reboot into Safe Mode using the F8 Key @ BIOS screen). (The reason why we boot into the desktop and then exit/reboot again is that the OS needs to install the Standard VGA Adapter driver for each GPU - just to keep the install clean).

4. Once in Safe Mode, run DriverSweeper and scan for NVIDIA DISPLAY files ONLY. Remove any found. Next, open CCleaner's Registry Scan Module. Fix any left over registry entries from the Display Driver uninstall. Once complete, reboot normally.

5. Once you are back at the desktop, run the 186.64 installer. Once install is complete, reboot.

Direct Download Link

I am currently testing all compatibility aspects (wake from sleep, AC to Battery Hybrid functionality, etc.) of this driver and will add my findings later. So far, no issues and the driver is very stable with the same low thermals.

Dell posts M17x AMD Mobility Radeon HD 4870 Driver (v8.635)

Today Dell finally posted the AMD Mobility Radeon HD 4870 Driver v8.635 (WHQL) for the M17x. This driver is compatible with Vista 64 / Win 7.

DIRECT DOWNLOAD

I have updated the Current Driver pages with this new addition.

Have fun!

Restoring the AlienRespawn Option after updating to Win7

Dell released an update today which will update the MBR to restore the "Press F10 for AlienRespawn v2.0 System Recovery" message while booting up the system after installing Win7.

This patch is for Windows 7 upgraded from Vista only. Please run this patch while on the Windows 7 OS (after Vista upgrade). Once the confirmation dialog box appears, restart your system.

Download Link

Win7 Drivers Updated!

Just came across a few updates for Win7 and the M17x. Dell posted the following:

- NVIDIA MCP79 Chipset v2.05
- Dell/AW Broadcom 1510 Wireless v5.30.21.0
- Synaptics v13.2.4.12
- ITE IT8512 CIR Receiver v5.1.0.1

*Also posted (for another system but will work with the M17x):
- Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module v6.2.0.9600 A01, Last Updated: 10/15/2009

I have updated the Win7 Driver page with these new versions. Currently, we are still waiting for an official Win7 Display driver and Webcam driver. I'm guessing we should see these posted shortly so check back often.

Side note: The Broadcom Wireless driver includes support for Vista 64 so I have updated the Vista Driver page as well.

Enjoy!

Command Center v2.0.10 released (Win7/Vista)

Thanks to Scook9 over @ NBR for the heads-up on this one. Dell posted v2.0.10 of Command Center today. Fixes include:

AlienFX
- Fix: Power State options work ok when Fn+F11 is Enabled.
- Fix: For M15x new LED mapping for the Keyboard zone
- Fix: Command Center title is now visible after Intro animation.

You can grab it directly HERE.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
This version of Command Center uses a different .xml structure for the AlienFX themes. Themes created with the previous version will not load.

Also, some users (including me - lol) have encountered issues with updating to this new version of Command Center. Here is the process which I used to properly install and resolve the issues:

1. Uninstall Command Center via the Programs & Features Control Panel.
2. Reboot
3. Run CCleaner's registry module and clean out all left over traces.
4. Reboot
5. Run the installer for the new command center. Now here is the important part (and dont ask me why this is, but it is and its how I was able to resolve the error), SHUTDOWN the system after the installer completes - instead of restarting, SHUTDOWN.
6. Power up and everything should be fine.

I have updated both the Vista and Win7 Driver lists. Enjoy.

M17x Win7 Drivers

As we are fast approaching the release of Windows 7, I have added and will maintain a list of Win7 drivers for the M17x. All drivers listed will be tested and verified prior to posting. I have also updated the Important Links section (side bar, top right). More to follow as they are released.

Current Win7 64 Drivers

Current Win7 64 Drivers

Listed here you will find the most current available drivers for use with the Alienware M17x and Windows 7 64-bit. Some drivers were released by Dell for other systems, however they are applicable for the listed device used in the M17x.

Drivers appear in the order in which they should be installed as recommended by Alienware.

CURRENT BIOS
Alienware M17X System BIOS vA03, Last Updated 08/28/2009

Chipset Driver
NVIDIA MCP79 Chipset v2.05 A00, Last Updated: 10/14/2009

On-Screen Display Manager Software
Alienware OSD
v2.21 A03, Last Updated: 09/18/2009

Geforce 9400M G/260M/280M FORCEWARE DRIVERS
Dell Released Display Driver
v186.64(WHQL) A02, Last Updated: 10/26/2009
Note: This Dell installer will also install PhysX if you don't have it installed. To grab the current version of PhysX, see directly below.

*DPC Fix Beta NV Display Driver (VIEW 'Additional Information' section)
v196.86, Last Updated: 03/04/2010

SLI Profile Updater - MODDED
Last Updated: 03/22/2010

NVIDIA PhysX System Software
v9.09.1112, Last Updated: 12/09/2009
Note: DO NOT uninstall previous version. NVIDIA PhysX software should be installed over your existing install.

ATI/AMD Mobility Radeon HD 4870 Driver
v8.68.2-091125a1-092358C-Dell.2 A00, Last Updated: 01/20/2010

Wireless Network Card
Dell Broadcom Multi-Device Wireless Card Driver (Dell/AW 1510)
v5.30.21.0 A02, Last Updated: 10/14/2009

Audio Adapter
IDT 92HD73C1 Audio Chipset
v6.10.0.6261 A01, Last Updated: 01/20/2010

Bluetooth Module
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Module
v6.2.0.9603, A02-1, Last Updated: 01/19/2010
NOTE: It is not necessary to uninstall your current Bluetooth driver prior to update. Just download the installer and run it.

Touchpad Driver
Synaptics TouchPad
v14.0.19 A00, Last Updated: 02/05/2010

Media Card Driver
RICOH R5C833 Card Reader
v3.62.02 A01, Last Updated: 10/14/2009

Infrared Receiver Driver
ITE IT8512 CIR Receiver
v5.1.0.1 A00, Last Updated: 10/14/2009

Alienware Command Center
v2.0.10 A03, Last Updated: 10/09/2009

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Addtional Downloads

Alienware Respawn V 2.0 MBR Patch
Alienware Respawn V 2.0 v1.00 A00, Last Updated: 10/20/2009
Note: This patch must be run after upgrading to Windows 7 from Vista. This will restore the AlienRespawn Master Boot Record and enabled the "Press F10 for AlienRespawn v2.0 System Recovery" message while booting up the system. This patch is for Windows 7 upgraded from Vista only. Please run this patch while on the Windows 7 OS (after Vista upgrade). Once the confirmation dialog box appears, restart your system.

Alienware 32-Bit Diagnostics
vA1354A1, Last Updated: 06/15/2009
Install to a USB Flash Drive for quick booting into the Dell Diagnostic Suite designed for the M17x. Much more detailed than the basic tests offered via the BIOS Diag Boot option.

Dell Branded Video Chat
Dell Video Chat by SightSpeed

NOTE: If you need the AverMedia TV Tuner driver check the M17x support page @ support.dell.com. I am choosing not to list it here since I don't have it and cannot test each updated driver released by Dell.