M14X R1 *SUPER* Clean Windows and Drivers Re-installation (For Dummies)

[alienhead0306]

Today I decided to be helpful.

If you're like me and you hate bloatware with a burning passion and you absolutely must ave a 100% clean hard drive, then you're reading the right post! This is a Windows 7 and drivers installation guide for the Alienware M14X R1 (not the R2). I downloaded the latest drivers (as of 8/26/2012)for you guys from the offiicial dell drivers website (Drivers and Downloads | Dell [united States]) and arranged them in order of installation. I also included the latest NVIDIA driver 304.79 (BETA) and other important installers you need after doing a Windows 7 installation. The files are inside the 4hared folder I linked, If you don't want to download from my link, you can track down and download the files yourself at these links:

MY 4Shared folder (contains drivers and programs numbered in order of installation/ up to date as of 8/26/2012)

: 4shared folder - My 4shared

*Dell drivers: Drivers and Downloads | Dell [united States]

*NVIDIA Drivers: NVIDIA Driver Downloads - Advanced Search

*Alienware WMP Skins (They're at the bottom of the page): AlienGUIse Theme Manager - Alienware Arena

*AlienAutopsy: What is the Alienware AlienAutopsy Software and Where can I download? | Dell

*CCleaner (I recommend the portable version for less footprints): CCleaner - Builds

*Wireless-N 1103 Driver (the one in dell' driver download section is full of bugs): Killer Gaming :: Support :: Driver Downloads

*DirectX: Download: DirectX End-User Runtime - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details

*.NET Framework 4: Download: Microsoft .NET Framework 4 (Web Installer) - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details

*Adobe Reader: Adobe - Adobe Reader download - All versions

*Adobe Flash Player: Flash Player | Adobe Flash Player 11 | Overview

(You can download the Live! Central application from My Dell Downloads:https://smartsource.dell.com/Web/Welcome.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fweb%2fmain.aspx )

*You have to have your login information to download the Live! cetral (and the bloatware)that came with your laptop (the Live! Central Is also in my 4shared link)*

THIS IS A "FOR DUMMIES GUIDE" THIS GUIDE ASSUMES LOW EXPERIENCE IN THE SUBJECT FROM ITS READERS

Windows 7 Installation

*TIPS*

* Before doing step 2, I suggest loading optimal defaults in BIOS settings. This can be done by pressing f2 instead of f12, after doing that you can press f12 after saving the changes you made.

* If you plan on gaming on your laptop (which I'm pretty sure you are), after the steps above, press the right shift key five times and turn off sticky keys

STEPS:

1. Insert the Windows 7 installation Disc that came with you laptop

2. Restart, then press F12 repeatedly

3. Choose Boot from CD/DVD

4. Choose your language

5. Click "Install Windows"

6. Click "Custom Installation"

7. Click "advanced" and format all partitions

8. Delete all partitions then click next

9. Wait for the installation process to finish

10. Click "Install Important Updates Only"

11. Create your new log-in information

12. Eject Windows 7 Installation Disc

Drivers and Programs Installation

*TIPS*

* Ignore the BIOS (A08) and HDD Firmware (D2D5DEM1) file if you've already run that before

* Don't be impatient and skip restarts, doing restarts prevents errors

* Run the installer files from a USB flash drive r external hard drive so you don't have to waste about 1.5 gb of your hard drive with installer files that you'll only need once

* Customize settings of applications and windows only after you finish all the steps below

* Avoid windows updates until you are finished with the steps below (Step 2 being an exception)

* If you trust me, you will use the drivers I uploaded as I have already extracted the installer files from the original dell drivers so that it doesn't clutter up on your hard drive and not make the C:/Dell folder where they extract the installer files.

* I suggest keeping your driver files in a USB so that they don't get corrupted (corrupted driver= lots of BSOD's and errors) and don't clutter up space in your hard drive

* If you don't want to follow TIP number 6, then download drivers only from the dell website I provided above

* After step 23, you've still yet to restore your laptop to it's optimal state, I suggest doing the recommended steps to make your installation SUPER clean

* Install all other programs (Skype, Steam, games, etc) after all step 23 and windows update (exception of microsoft office that would be optional step 27)

STEPS:

1. Install Atheros driver

2. Plug in your ethernet cable then wait a few minutes for the first windows update to finish

3. Restart when asked by Windows Update

4. Install Wireless Card Driver then restart(the one I uploaded is for the Killer-N 1103 driver for others you're gonna have to download your driver from dell)

5. Install Intel Management Engine Interface

6. Install Intel HM67 Cougar Point Chipset Driver then restart

7. Install Realtek Card Reader

8. Install DirectX

9. Install .NET Framework 4

10. Install Adobe Reader

11. Install Adobe Flash Player (for Internet Explorer)

12. Install Intel HD Graphics 3000 Driver then restart

13. Install NVIDIA GT 555M driver then restart

14. Install Alienware Command Center then restart

15. Install Alienware OSD Application then restart

16. Install Realtek Audio Driver then restart

17. Install Intel Rapid Storage technology then restart after install and again after boot up

18. Install Synaptics Touchpad Driver then restart

19. Install NEC USB 3.0 Driver

20. Install Dell 375 Bluetooth Module

21. Flash Alienware M14x Camera Firmware

22. Install ST Microelectronics Free Fall Sensor

23. Install Live! Central Application

Recommended Steps:

24. Download the "Customization" folder I provided, it contains original (not user made) alienware wallpapers, screensavers and avatars for windows 7

25. Put the files accordingly to where they should be. A Path.txt file is provided so you know where they should be

26. Customize the settings of Windows 7 (battery settings, wallpaper, screensaver, etc) also I provided all 4 alienware WMP skins

OpS 27. Install MS office (and run every single program of it once and configure settings, click updates to the recommended setting) if you have it. If you dont have it, ignore this step.

27. Install Antivirus program NOW if you don't want to use the Microsoft Security Essentials that come with windows updates. (I highly recommend using MSE, it's an awesome, not annoying, super quiet anti-virus program, and it doesn't take much space)

28. Type Windows Updates, configure the schedule on it, check every check box on the settings and check for updates

29. Tick every single checkbox for important updates

30. Tick every single checkbox for optional updates EXCEPT for "bing desktop" hide this abomination and never make contact with it again (lol jus kiddin)

31. Install all the updates. (This will TAKE A LONG TIME make sure your laptop doesn't shutdown/sleep/hibernate on the process and keep an eye on it, some updates need user input especially MSE)

32. After the first batch of windows updates are done, check it again, there will be more left. then install all of them.

33. When you are sure there are no more updates, then you can proceed to install your games and other programs

34. I recommend installing the AlienAutopsy program, it's PC Doctor alienware version, it comes with your alienware laptop out of the box. I don't consider it bloatware as it is useful when I want to check for hardware problems.

35. After you have installed all your games and programs, run a full scan with your antivirus, run a default scan on AlienAutopsy, fix all options on windows and your programs, do everything you have to do. Check for updates on all your programs.

36. Now to make your laptop *SUPER* Clean, Defragment your Hard Drive (for HDD I'm not sure this is recommended for SSD users)

37. Check C:/, C:/Program Files and C:/Program Files (x86)for any unwanted files.

38. Type cleanup on start menu and clean up everything

39. Run CCleaner (Provided in download section) clean reistry, and check every box except wipe free space (I've tested this and it doesn't harm your computer)

40. Create a restore point

41. Run disk cleanup twice (once with no admin mode and one with admin mode) (this deletes other restore points wich takes up a lot of GB's)

ENJOY your *SUPER* clean M14X R1!

-alienhead0306

PS: This is my first post EVER so constructive criticism would be appreciated

[Guest Alienware-Natalia_J]

Quote

Today I decided to be helpful. :D

If you're like me and you hate bloatware with a burning passion and you absolutely must ave a 100% clean hard drive, then you're reading the right post! :D This is a Windows 7 and drivers installation guide for the Alienware M14X R1 (not the R2). I downloaded the latest drivers (as of 8/26/2012)for you guys from the offiicial dell drivers website (Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United States]) and arranged them in order of installation. I also included the latest NVIDIA driver 304.79 (BETA) and other important installers you need after doing a Windows 7 installation. The files are inside the 4hared folder I linked, If you don't want to download from my link, you can track down and download the files yourself at these links:

MY 4Shared folder (contains drivers and programs numbered in order of installation/ up to date as of 8/26/2012) : 4shared folder - My 4shared

*Dell drivers: Drivers and Downloads | Dell [United States] *NVIDIA Drivers: NVIDIA Driver Downloads - Advanced Search *Alienware WMP Skins (They're at the bottom of the page): AlienGUIse Theme Manager - Alienware Arena *AlienAutopsy: What is the Alienware AlienAutopsy Software and Where can I download? | Dell *CCleaner (I recommend the portable version for less footprints): CCleaner - Builds *Wireless-N 1103 Driver (the one in dell' driver download section is full of bugs): Killer Gaming :: Support :: Driver Downloads *DirectX: Download: DirectX End-User Runtime - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details *.NET Framework 4: Download: Microsoft .NET Framework 4 (Web Installer) - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details *Adobe Reader: Adobe - Adobe Reader download - All versions *Adobe Flash Player: Flash Player | Adobe Flash Player 11 | Overview

(You can download the Live! Central application from My Dell Downloads:[URL]https://smartsource.dell.com/Web/Welcome.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fweb%2fmain.aspx[/URL] ) *You have to have your login information to download the Live! cetral (and the bloatware)that came with your laptop (the Live! Central Is also in my 4shared link)*

THIS IS A "FOR DUMMIES GUIDE" THIS GUIDE ASSUMES LOW EXPERIENCE IN THE SUBJECT FROM ITS READERS :D



Windows 7 Installation

*TIPS*

* Before doing step 2, I suggest loading optimal defaults in BIOS settings. This can be done by pressing f2 instead of f12, after doing that you can press f12 after saving the changes you made. * If you plan on gaming on your laptop (which I'm pretty sure you are), after the steps above, press the right shift key five times and turn off sticky keys

STEPS:

1. Insert the Windows 7 installation Disc that came with you laptop 2. Restart, then press F12 repeatedly 3. Choose Boot from CD/DVD 4. Choose your language 5. Click "Install Windows" 6. Click "Custom Installation" 7. Click "advanced" and format all partitions 8. Delete all partitions then click next 9. Wait for the installation process to finish 10. Click "Install Important Updates Only" 11. Create your new log-in information 12. Eject Windows 7 Installation Disc

Drivers and Programs Installation

*TIPS*

* Ignore the BIOS (A08) and HDD Firmware (D2D5DEM1) file if you've already run that before * Don't be impatient and skip restarts, doing restarts prevents errors * Run the installer files from a USB flash drive r external hard drive so you don't have to waste about 1.5 gb of your hard drive with installer files that you'll only need once * Customize settings of applications and windows only after you finish all the steps below * Avoid windows updates until you are finished with the steps below (Step 2 being an exception) * If you trust me, you will use the drivers I uploaded as I have already extracted the installer files from the original dell drivers so that it doesn't clutter up on your hard drive and not make the C:/Dell folder where they extract the installer files. * I suggest keeping your driver files in a USB so that they don't get corrupted (corrupted driver= lots of BSOD's and errors) and don't clutter up space in your hard drive * If you don't want to follow TIP number 6, then download drivers only from the dell website I provided above * After step 23, you've still yet to restore your laptop to it's optimal state, I suggest doing the recommended steps to make your installation SUPER clean * Install all other programs (Skype, Steam, games, etc) after all step 23 and windows update (exception of microsoft office that would be optional step 27)

STEPS:

1. Install Atheros driver 2. Plug in your ethernet cable then wait a few minutes for the first windows update to finish 3. Restart when asked by Windows Update 4. Install Wireless Card Driver then restart(the one I uploaded is for the Killer-N 1103 driver for others you're gonna have to download your driver from dell) 5. Install Intel Management Engine Interface 6. Install Intel HM67 Cougar Point Chipset Driver then restart 7. Install Realtek Card Reader 8. Install DirectX 9. Install .NET Framework 4 10. Install Adobe Reader 11. Install Adobe Flash Player (for Internet Explorer) 12. Install Intel HD Graphics 3000 Driver then restart 13. Install NVIDIA GT 555M driver then restart 14. Install Alienware Command Center then restart 15. Install Alienware OSD Application then restart 16. Install Realtek Audio Driver then restart 17. Install Intel Rapid Storage technology then restart after install and again after boot up 18. Install Synaptics Touchpad Driver then restart 19. Install NEC USB 3.0 Driver 20. Install Dell 375 Bluetooth Module 21. Flash Alienware M14x Camera Firmware 22. Install ST Microelectronics Free Fall Sensor 23. Install Live! Central Application

Recommended Steps:

24. Download the "Customization" folder I provided, it contains original (not user made) alienware wallpapers, screensavers and avatars for windows 7 25. Put the files accordingly to where they should be. A Path.txt file is provided so you know where they should be 26. Customize the settings of Windows 7 (battery settings, wallpaper, screensaver, etc) also I provided all 4 alienware WMP skins OpS 27. Install MS office (and run every single program of it once and configure settings, click updates to the recommended setting) if you have it. If you dont have it, ignore this step. 27. Install Antivirus program NOW if you don't want to use the Microsoft Security Essentials that come with windows updates. (I highly recommend using MSE, it's an awesome, not annoying, super quiet anti-virus program, and it doesn't take much space) 28. Type Windows Updates, configure the schedule on it, check every check box on the settings and check for updates 29. Tick every single checkbox for important updates 30. Tick every single checkbox for optional updates EXCEPT for "bing desktop" hide this abomination and never make contact with it again :D (lol jus kiddin) 31. Install all the updates. (This will TAKE A LONG TIME make sure your laptop doesn't shutdown/sleep/hibernate on the process and keep an eye on it, some updates need user input especially MSE) 32. After the first batch of windows updates are done, check it again, there will be more left. then install all of them. 33. When you are sure there are no more updates, then you can proceed to install your games and other programs 34. I recommend installing the AlienAutopsy program, it's PC Doctor alienware version, it comes with your alienware laptop out of the box. I don't consider it bloatware as it is useful when I want to check for hardware problems. 35. After you have installed all your games and programs, run a full scan with your antivirus, run a default scan on AlienAutopsy, fix all options on windows and your programs, do everything you have to do. Check for updates on all your programs. 36. Now to make your laptop *SUPER* Clean, Defragment your Hard Drive (for HDD I'm not sure this is recommended for SSD users) 37. Check C:/, C:/Program Files and C:/Program Files (x86)for any unwanted files. 38. Type cleanup on start menu and clean up everything 39. Run CCleaner (Provided in download section) clean reistry, and check every box except wipe free space (I've tested this and it doesn't harm your computer) 40. Create a restore point 41. Run disk cleanup twice (once with no admin mode and one with admin mode) (this deletes other restore points wich takes up a lot of GB's)



ENJOY your *SUPER* clean M14X R1! :D

-alienhead0306

PS: This is my first post EVER so constructive criticism would be appreciated

Hi :)

Great post...Just one small tip, if you want to get rid of all the partitions, you have to delete them first and then create a new one, and after that format it (I'm talking about steps 7 and 8 where you recommend to format and then delete, it should be the other way around). Here's another guide that might be helpful:

[h]How to install Windows 7 in an Alienware Computer?[/h]

[Ninjahunter]

This is a really nice guide! Thanks for the Post this will surely save me a good two or three hours of hunting next time i have to do an install.

[avanzado]

Yesterday I bought an M14x R1 and had tons of problems by installing windows 7 on it after removing previous installed version. I think i will download your files and follow your usefull guide in order to have a full optimized instalation. I replace original HDD by a Kingston SSD V200 256GB, I hope this issue do not affect this stepts.

Thanks for sharing it.

Regards

[mw86]

@alienhead0306 great guide and resource. Wonderful first post. Welcome to Tech Inferno. Thanks for all the great suggestions. Minus the specific drivers most of us Windows 7 users can benefit from your guide too. Substitute your own drivers if from another Alienware model and the directions work just as good. Nice contribution.

- - - Updated - - -

Quote

Hi :)

Great post...Just one small tip, if you want to get rid of all the partitions, you have to delete them first and then create a new one, and after that format it (I'm talking about steps 7 and 8 where you recommend to format and then delete, it should be the other way around). Here's another guide that might be helpful:

[h]How to install Windows 7 in an Alienware Computer?[/h]

You posted a very good resource too. Thanks for the link. Your revision to the above is certainly correct. I prefer to install with no extra recovery partition so yes its important to delete all partitions first so you can create a new single one out of the entire drives raw data. Windows will create a 100mb boot partition for wi dows bootloader i think automatically.

Welcome Natalia J to Tech Inferno. I have been away for a few months. I hadn't had a chance to welcome you too the team from when you joined Tech Inferno. Your manager was very nice about setting up an Alienware presence here.

[Guest]

Having huge problems on Windows 8 x64 (have Microsoft developer account) using NVIDIA 306.23, even when starting the NVidia control panel I receive the popup: NVidia driver has stopped working - continuos until BSOD, reinstall drivers, reinstall windows, still the same (switch back and testing Windows 7 x64 SP1)

I tested every driver on every OS and found a workaround for the 0x116 BSOD, the nvidia 7 error: the nvidia chipset is failing or is something wrong with it (lowering the freqs solves the problem but this sucks) - going to get this machine replaced, maybe even upgraded

[xavvy]

Man, there is no way to download all the files on you 4shared account.

Anyways, got this thread bookmarked as I am going to clean install soon.

[gopcboy]

This is what I need! THANK YOU! Just one question, why the sequence of your recommendation is a little different from dell's support site, which do not mention the .net framework 4.0? Thanks again!!

[mw86]

.net framework is recommended on all windows 7 installs. Most comes built into windows now but get as many updates in windows updates that show available for best program compatibility.

[nicovlogg]

Thanks for the great guide! Very useful.

Got one problem, it seems that my OSD doesn't work properly - when I press the wi-fi button on my keyboard, the wifi goes on or off, but the on screen display is just greyed out and I can't select whether I want bluetooth or wi-fi on or off? Any ideas?

[mw86]

My M18x laptop in bios has wireless switch set to wifi, bluetooth and WiHD on and off on same switch so off or on tirns them all on or off at once. I can set each one to disabled in bios individually and stays in effect if set to off in bios even if switch is set to on or off same as you can disable each device in the device manager. On top of that you can turn wifi radio off via software sometimes or via windows and disabling the wifi net card. Same as bluetooth i used can be set via bluetooth software to radio disabled without the button. As far as your model i am uncertain of its behavior

You could try reinstalling Alien Command Center and OSD software again but fully remove it first and restart in between. Possibly clean with registry cleaner in between and also fully enable all wifi and bluetooth from before uninstall so all the proper software hooks are detected upon install. Hope you get it resolved.

Sent from my Paranoid Samsung Galaxy S3 on Sprint using Tapatalk 2 Jelly Bean flavor included

[Duna Unha]

Nice Guide Bro, Good tip on the network card driver. I will give it a try, mine sucks!!

[kmbid]

i just wanted to let you know i've been having so many BSOD problems and followed your exact example step by step and this laptop feels better than ever. very easy to use and thank you so much for taking time to help newbies like me.

[babajista]

What is the difference between windows 7 home premium(I have that) and windows 7 pro?

Do you prefer one of them?

I'm reinstalling sson,

Would you suggest me to go with pro or just leave the original home premium?

[AmazingClipsHQ]

Hey Ir recently reinstalled my windows 8 on my m14xr2 and downloaded everything I think, but my alienfx doesn't work with the lighting could you help me please?

[lftft]

Very nice! I am about to upgrade to SSD and will be doing a fresh windows install. I will be using this guide as well as some others that deal with the SSD tweaks. I will post my experience once complete!

[MarkTan1987]

Hi alienhead0306!

thank you for this useful post.

i have one question?

is using alienRespawn to restore your entire setting to factory state is good enough to make my laptop M14x R1 2630 work faster?

im not that good in terms of tech stuff...

i just want your opinion..

thank you

appreciate and hoping for your response.

[wandastew]

Interesting suggestion. I know many people who often clean their hard drives because they have a lot of unnecessary programs. Maybe your file folder will help a lot of people. But to be honest, I don't understand it. For example, it never bothered me, and I always controlled what I downloaded to my computer. But even if I download something, I don't need it, and I quickly delete it with the help of certain utilities. At https://digitalmasta.com/difference-between-intel-z690-h670-b660-and-h610-chipsets/, I was looking for an overview of processors, but beyond that, I found a couple of interesting applications that made my computer run better.

Edited February 22, 2022 by wandastew