HOW TO: Clean Windows 7 Install (Driver Install Order) Guide for Alienware Systems

[fenix2k]

Hi

Just a couple of quick questions from those in the know.

I am getting an SSD for my m15x soon and am a little puzzled at the reinstall options. Is the easiest way to pop the SSD in and install the retail DVD copy (that i have from my desktop) and then activate using the stickered code on my chassis?

Or could I:

a) copy all data i can off my disk until the footprint is small enough copy the HDD image onto the SSD
b) restore from the hidden partition onto the SSD

I have done loads of windows installs before, but never to a prebuild machine with its own OS (always just used a fresh OS with its own key).

Regards

chris

[Fersknen]

Retail DVD + License Code on the bottom will work fine.

The devices that aren't found by default are, as far as I remember: Free Fall Sensor and the 5-in-1 card reader drivers.

Edit: if you experience that the Windows 7 installer can't find your hard disk controller (doesn't list any hard drives), then just use a Service Pack 1 version of the retail dvd

[fenix2k]

Thanks for the hint, will give this a try.

[seelezerkleiner]

when doing a clean install on a m14x with the standard hd are you required to use the intel rst drivers? if so, do you install them before or after the engine management drivers?

[ht_addict]

I've done fresh installs on laptops before with no issues, but with my M17x R3 it is a pain in the . The install of Win 7 goes fine, but once I install the drivers for the various components, I'll get Irq blue screen, freezing, etc. Is there a particular sequence for installing drivers so as to have no issues?

[irongoats]

That happened with my R2 specifically the video drivers. I still can't get it to shutdown without holding start button but standard drivers work fine, go figure.

[katalin_2003]

Hello, ht_addict, review the op of this thread, it will help

Good luck

[Wildride]

Excellent Guide BatBoy, it should prove useful when my M17x finally arrives. I am installing and SSD drive as the primary HD so I will have to reinstall everything.

[Santoku87]

In what order does one install the 460m driver, the 3D driver, and the 460m vBios? It doesn't specify in the sequence. Thanks.

[katalin_2003]

Hello, Santoku, you should flash the vBIOS first and then install the drivers.
3D drivers will install at the same time with display, PhysX etc.

Regards