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).

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 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.

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.

Current Vista 64 Drivers

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

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
v2.03 A01, Last Updated 07/27/2009

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
v186.12, Last Updated: 06/29/2009

v186.24 released by Dell for the M1730 and modded INF for compatibility with the M17x

v186.64(WHQL) A02, Last Updated: 10/26/2009

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

Other Forceware Display Driver
v186.82 Windows Update Driver*
v186.91 Windows Update Driver

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/AW 1510 Broadcom Wireless Card Driver
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 A00, Last Updated: 10/06/2009

Infrared Receiver Driver
ITE IT8512 CIR Receiver
v5.0.4.7 A00, Last Updated: 10/14/2009

Webcam
Creative Labs Laptop Integrated Webcam
v1.1.1.1227 A00, Last Updated: 06/02/2009

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

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Addtional Downloads

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.