A few noob questions

[FennecTheFox]

I have the Alienware m11x R3

I'm wondering a few things.

1.) How do I switch from the Intel graphics to the nVidia graphics?
2.) I can't recall if this is the way the screen looked when I first got it, but when I try to maximize a folder or web browser there is a gap between the the top of the viewing screen and the top of the browser/folder.

See the screen shot for a better understanding. I'm sure It's got to be some silly setting I missed some where.



Help appreciated.

[ashveratu]

1) It happens automatically. If you want to make sure it is switching, there is a little monitor thingie you can enable that will indicate if the Nvidia gpu is active.
2) That is weird, I have no idea.

[FennecTheFox]

2.) It's so strange... When I restart windows - as windows is loading and I open a folder or browser quickly - It will maximize to the top of the desktop, but within 10 seconds or so the screen will adjust/gap to what you see in the photo posted.

Ok, I fixed my problem. Dell is the culprit...

Apparently this is a problem on Dell computers thanks to a piece of software called Dell "Datasafe" - Some people are uninstalling it, I just disabled mine at startup because I couldn't locate the exact files to uninstall.

-Open the 'Services' list (Start > type 'services')
-Find the ‘SoftThinks Agent Service’, change the startup type to ‘Disabled’
-Restart your computer

I can Maximize windows now... FOR NOW.

Dell SUCKS. Never buying another computer from them ever again.

[GNandGS]

lol. This your first computer?

I didnt have this issue so maybe its something specific to R3?

[ashveratu]

I have an R3 (bought the day it was released) and I never had that problem. But I also installed a new SSD and Win 7 from scratch when it arrived. I never started it up with the factory installed HDD. I guess that would explain why I never had that problem. At least you figured it out Fennec, KUDOS!

[FennecTheFox]

Originally Posted by GNandGS

lol. This your first computer?

I didnt have this issue so maybe its something specific to R3?

Nope - It's about my 5th or 6th, but to be honest I never really spent much time tinkering with computers trying to figure out how they work. I just used them for video games.

This issue seems to be specific to Dell computers in general.
Maybe for some or many, Dell Datasafe won't cause issues, but there are definitely a decent amount of people out there with issues due to this program.

[GNandGS]

Sorry for the snark... its just that all brands have quirky things and if this issue is enough to send you packing then you might run out of options. It is because they all have issues that a forum can thrive as many posts are problem solving.

[hiarieshi]

I recommend doing a fresh reformat, gets rid of everything. Then you install everything you need manually. No bloatware garuanteed o.o b

[FennecTheFox]

Originally Posted by ashveratu

1) It happens automatically. If you want to make sure it is switching, there is a little monitor thingie you can enable that will indicate if the Nvidia gpu is active.
2) That is weird, I have no idea.

Where's this "monitor thingie" that I enable to see if the NVIDIA GPU is active?

[Rishwin]

Nvidia CP > Desktop > Display GPU Activity...