This is how I rebuild the OS and system software on an AW desktop system. This is not the same as re-imaging the system back to initial Dell factory software install (like with Alien ReSpawn or Dell DataSafe Local) with the Recovery Partition.In fact, this procedure will permanetly delete and disable that functionality. So, if you are a new user, and wish to do a Recovery instead (and/or wish to keep the Recovery functionality for use later), just watch this video and follow the steps on your system: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LNIPkqsQy8 For many users (with a working Recovery partition) this might be a better option. It will easily reset machine to it's original factory install software and OS config. Just remember that the original Win7 was RTM version, and drivers, etc. will be old versions (from many years ago). Rockstar Natakuc4 has created this Factory Restore guide for Windows-8.1, which includes creating a Restore USB Flash drive (whether you use it now or not). I recommend everyone create the Recovery Discs, especially if you received no physical media. With that out of the way, let's get to THIS procedure ... This procedure is derived from the Official Dell recommended procedure (like for Inspiron and XPS) , but specifically tailored toward Alienware Desktops by me.It has been successfully used and verified many times by various users. I wrote this long before the Alienware Team started writing their versions.Read through once completely before starting. Backup all important data files to a separate USB HDD or flash drive and remove from system for safe-keeping.Be sure you have all your legit software install CD/DVDs and keys/serial numbers. Unplug everything except keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Connect all to the ports on the back of machine.Connect to good UPS (Battery Backup) to deliver good clean un-interrupted power (and enough of it). Turn off machine. Unplug the MIO-Board communication cable that is connected to the USB-1 header port on the motherboard. On the Aurora, it is along the bottom edge.Note which wire colors are where so you can put is back on exactly right later.Do not remove or install side cover with the power on. You can leave it off for now if you wish. Set BIOS OptionsGenerally, you can use BIOS Defaults or set hardware options as per your requirements.Most people want a normal (non-RAID) Hard-Disk-Drive config, so set: Integrated Devices / Config SATA 1-6 as: AHCI Save and Exit. I like to start with a completely blank/raw HDD/SSD (uninitialized and no partitions). At this stage, having only the main bootable OS C: drive connected to controller is usually better. Begin Windows Install Insert Dell-AW OEM Windows-7 (64 bit) with original (black) DVD-ROM first. Reboot as required until finished.In you need a disc, call Dell by phone or order one from here:https://www.dell.com/support/diagnostics/us/en/04/nondiagnostichome?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&DoNotRedirect=y&redirect=1 After the Windows-7 First-Time-Setup is complete, install the latest Dell drivers (from File Area at support.dell.com ... for your Service Tag) NOTE 1: I also like to find the required files this way http://ftp.dell.com This order is important: Intel Chipset Drivers (must be installed first) . - For Aurora-R1, I use file INTEL_CHIPSET-SOFTWARE-A03-R239508.exeVideo DriversAudio Drivers (Realtek on-board or Other)Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet (optional if using Microsoft bundled drivers instead)SIL-Silicon Image (eSATA External HDD Driver) . - For Aurora-R1, I use file Silicon-Integrated-Systems_S_A02_R235001.exeJMicron Sata Controller (For optical drives - Area51 Only) Ignore driver updates from Windows Update. Drivers should some from Dell.- Or they can come OEM manufacturer (ie. Creative for X-Fi audio card). Install any missing Microsoft .Net Frameworks versions 3.5, and 4.0 (just Frameworks ... NOT SDKs). Dot Net v3.5 includes support for apps using v2.0 and v3.0.- This is so Command Center and any other .Net apps will install and work properly.- Use Microsoft Update. If you need them, they will be offered. Also get the .Net Service Packs.- Or, see http://www.asoft.be/prod_netver.html At this point. the Device Manager should be free of errors (all devices should have proper drivers loaded).Now would be a good time to backup the main drive (C: partition, etc.) with a good Image Backup (like Acronis) to a separate HDD. Shut-down Windows (Turn off machine). Re-connect the MIO-Board cable to the USB-1 header port on the motherboard.Re-install side cover. Turn on machine and boot back into Windows.Windows will detect the MIO-Board, but it's not a conventional Plug-and-Pray device, so you won't get the usual 'New Hardware Detected' prompt.One way it appears is as 'Gaming Desktop' in the Unspecified section of 'Devices and Printers'. Other parts are scattered throughout Device Manager. Install latest AlienWare Command Center (v2.8.9.0 is the last version that supports Win-7). Don't install a version older than v2.6.17.0 (or it will try to back-flash the firmware on your MIO-Board). The Intel Storage software (Intel-RST) is optional in a non-RAID environment.If running a RAID HDD setup some say it's recommended. Install Intel RST 9.6.0.1014 (or latest newer version).Once installed, it replaces the Microsoft HDD driver and CANNOT be un-installed or removed. Even when you think you are un-installing it ... it's the front-end interface that's removed and the core-driver stays behind.The Intel ICH-10r SATA hardware RAID solution works from the BIOS. The Intel RST software is just a way to monitor and change RAID parameters from inside Windows (but not required for RAID operation).If trying to use external eSata drives with port-multiplexing, (due to incompatibilities) youshould probably skip it. Other RAID controllers might also have a problem with it installed.I'm running a Samsung 830 SSD these days. System works great in AHCI-Mode and with NO Intel-RST installed (now or ever). System just uses the bundled Microsoft Windows SATA drivers. I've always had this opinion of Intel-RST. However, I just found this on a knowledgeable IT pro's (in HDD/NAS/RAID field) forum post: Advantages of the Intel-RST Software installation:1. AHCI and RAID: monitoring of some details regarding the drives, which are connected to the Intel SATA AHCI resp.RAID Controller2. only RAID: creation, repairing and modification of a RAID array from within the OS3. only RAID: enabling of the 'Write-Back-Caching' feature (boost of the write performance in RAID mode) Disadvantages of the Intel-RST Software installation:1. extension of the boot time2. additional demand of resources (the IRST Service usually runs permanently in the background)3. possible increase of system instability (some IRST Software versions have severe bugs) And finally, there was a major driver architecture change at Intel-RST v11.5.0.1149 and later. So, if you must use it (please don't) and the latest version doesn't work, try an older version like v10.1.0.1008. Install Microsoft Security Essentials (or your favorite Anti-Virus/ Anti-Spyware)Windows Firewall is handling the software firewall duties- If not already done, put machine behind a good (ie SPI) hardware router/firewall ASAP. My machine originally came from Dell with McAfee, CyberLink PowerDVD Player, and Nero. If you still want them, you might be able to get them from 'My Dell Downloads' or 'My Locker' in area protected with your main Dell Account. However, my preference for these kinds of apps is instead Microsoft Security Essentials, VLC Player, and ImgBurn (all free, BTW). I installed them instead. Go ahead and install all the missing Important and Recommended Windows Updates (but remember, no drivers).Use Acronis again (or similar) to make a complete Image Backup of your main drive or partition. Now, it should be safe to visit websites other than dell.com and microsoft.com .- To prevent problems stick to legitimate websites. Notes about Partitions: My Aurora (R1 - X58) came with the following partitions: Dell Diagnostics (hidden) - 40mbDell Recovery (hidden)OS (main C: drive where Windows runs from) First ... There is apparently no way to manually or clean install Windows and keep the functionality of the Dell Recovery procedure.In my opinion, this is not important because of several reasons:1. Dell DataSafeLocal has proven to be unreliable in day-to-day operation.2. It has the potential to become corrupt (partial HDD failure, etc.). Even Dell's tech. support has acknowledged this.3. It becomes outdated quickly (driver versions, missing Windows patches, etc.)4. Again, even if you leave Recovery Partition in place and get Windows 7 running (with clean install), there is no established way to use it again.5. I find Acronis (and it's ability to do 'bare metal' partition backups and restores) better suited to my needs. In the rare cases when you need to run the Linux based Dell Diagnostics, you might as well run the latest version ... that you downloaded and burnt to a bootable CD-R. And yes you should run it ... it's the best way to check all your hardware (including the MIO-Board) from outside Windows. When you go to fresh or clean install Windows 7, (using Pro or Ultimate) if the drive is completely blank (no existing normal, hidden, or OEM partitions), it will install it's own hidden 'System Reserved' partition (as the first partition ... it must be first). This uses WinRE for BitLocker and other emergencies. The System Reserved partition is not required for proper operation (notice you don't get it from the factory, and Windows works fine). I guess the bottom line is that you can only have one or the other in that first hidden partition. Since lower Home versions don't use Windows 'System Reserved' partition ... to make everything the same, Dell decided to put Dell Diags there. Plus, a lot of people lose their CDs, so it's handy to have Diags load from BIOS boot menu. So, which-ever one you put there, it will be OTHER one that you need the bootable CD/DVD for. MIO-Board Notes: I have installed and re-installed Windows on my Aurora many times and never had a problem. However, some users have had problems with their MIO-Boards (they get locked up) after clean installing Windows (they weren't using this guide, and might have done other things incorrectly, but still ... it warrants caution I suppose). Therefore, I have added the additional steps to dis-connect the MIO-Board from the motherboard while Windows is installed and setup for the first time. While this step is likely un-neccessary, it's one way to side-step any potential issues. (Added 3-2-2012) - See my post here for additional MIO-Board & Command-Center info and trouble-shooting General Notes: When you boot the Windows 7 (64bit) DVD to start re-installation (press F12 if you need to) ...1. Select the Full install option (not upgrade or repair)2. Use the Advanced option on the drive selection menu to delete all existing partitions (on your install drive only) first. Contrary to what all the online Dell docs say, DO NOT update your BIOS at this time. First of all, you should only update your BIOS if there is a reason to do so (don't fix what's not broken). Second, updating your BIOS from inside Windows is just asking for a bricked or permanently killed motherboard. Only update your BIOS if talking to Dell on the phone, so that when it bricks itself, they can send you a free new motherboard (because they made you do it). If you are out-of-warranty and absolutely must update your BIOS to fix a definite problem addressed in a BIOS update, you should do it the more complicated way; create a bootable (DOS or Linux) flash drive and flash the BIOS - OUTSIDE OF WINDOWS. If the BIOS update utility program will only run under Windows, I suggest Safe Mode. If it won't run in Safe Mode, (and you are prepared to buy a new motherboard if it bricks itself) your only option is inside Windows proper. At least, shut-down as many programs, TaskTray utils, and Processes as possible (especially things like Anti-Virus monitors, etc.). You can also try a Windows Clean Startup but you are really on your own at this point. You have been warned. Due to availability of hardware drivers (and custom AW apps), Alienware machines are only 100% compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows 7. If you choose to install a different version of Windows-7 (other than the version that came with the machine) it must be 64bit. The best way to get from Home Premium to Pro or Ultimate is to use the built-in Microsoft Windows AnytimeUpgrade procedure. This basic procedure should work on any AW desktop. However, if newer desktops have UEFI , additional drivers might need to be loaded from USB flash drive before the Windows Install can detect all required hardware and actually get started (especially if using RAID Mode).I don't have an Aurora R4, but according to user forum feedback, setting the BIOS boot options like this should allow a Win7 DVD or USB to boot: SATA Mode = AHCI Mode , Boot Mode = UEFI, SecureBoot = Disabled. Or, see this article. The Dell-Alienware Team finally published their own instructions in 5-2012.They are here: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kcs/document?c=us&cs=19&docid=549172&doclang=en&l=en&s=dhs And here: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kcs/document?c=us&cs=19&docid=536193 If I missed anything, let me know and I will add it.Updates: 05-22-2015 - Added info 03-01-2016 - Dropped use of Acronis-2010. I use Macrium Reflect for everything now.05-01-2016 - My Aurora-R1 has been upgraded to Windows-10 Pro (64bit) for free

‎1. How to: Clean install Windows 7 (64 bit) on Alienware Desktop

Responses(44)
Solutions(1)

Tesla1856

8 Wizard

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17.3K Posts

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January 4th, 2015 20:00

I’m not all that tech savvy, and would appreciate some guidance from experts on the subject.

1-4. Good

5. You can install it now and be sure it works. Later switch SATA channels. It should have no partitions on it when you actually install Win7 on it, but you can do that from Windows Installer.

6. It's connected from MB-USB-1 header (#1 usually) and goes to MIO-Board. Can't miss it.

7. Sure, that way they won't be touched. No, SSD will be "C:". After Win7 is installed on SSD, you can do whatever you want with spinning drives.

8. Yes, install Dell-OEM Win7-64 with that DVD. I would get (latest) drivers online and not use old Resource DVD

9. It says in my doc. Now that CC has matured, you should be fine with v3.5 included in Win7, but you might need v4.0 for CommandCenter v2.8.9.0 ... I forget.

10. NO. I recommend NOT installing Intel-RST or Matrix (it's old name). Just use Microsoft SATA drivers ... SSD will fly. Simple and lean.

Intel x58 MotherBoard Chipset Driver (first driver to install)

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER94261M/1/INTEL_CHIPSET-SOFTWARE-A03-R239508.exe

Other drivers look about right. See docs.

If you are already running BIOS A09 or higher, don't mess with BIOS/Firmware updates. There is a good chance you will brick/kill MB.

No, I don't use Dell DataSafeLocal (or AlienRespawn ... it's new name). I use Acronis True Image 2010 Home. There is also Microsoft Imaging and some friends use Macrium.

J

Jay51

42 Posts

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June 12th, 2011 17:00

Great post. =D It's nice of you to take the time and post good instructions to perform a clean install on AW systems. How come I didn't come across this post before?

This should definitely be sticked; there are lots of folks asking for help re-installing Windows.

J

Jay51

42 Posts

0

June 12th, 2011 20:00

I've installed Windows many times on different machines; never really bothered about a specific order when it comes to installing drivers and other firmware. I didn't think it would make a difference. Usually, I install the sound drivers first so I can listen to music while I install the others. =P

J

Jay51

42 Posts

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June 12th, 2011 20:00

Yep, you're right. Chipset drivers are vital.

Tesla1856

8 Wizard

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17.3K Posts

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June 12th, 2011 20:00

Glad you found it helpful.

It's sort of like building a house. If the foundation isn't right, it doesn't matter how nice the house is built ... you will eventually have problems. Most people correctly think of computer hardware in this way ... but OS and driver software is just as important. It's not really something you just want to fumble through

Tesla1856

8 Wizard

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17.3K Posts

0

June 12th, 2011 20:00

I think one of the most important steps is getting the ChipSet drivers on there first. Sometimes you luck out and they are bundled with Windows, but sometimes not ... it really depends on the hardware and the version of Windows you are installing.

It helps to have a definitive way to do it (especially for people that don't know where to start). I guess that's why Dell wrote up their generic re-install docs in the first place.

The rest of this doc is about Dell Recovery, partitioning and other decisions a user needs to make around the time of re-installation.

S

Spamfighter

2 Intern

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280 Posts

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June 13th, 2011 13:00

Totally agre.

Great Job Tesla.

Not sure why Dell would not have such instruction on their general Web-site geared for each of theire systems.

Johnson D

1 Rookie

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18 Posts

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January 18th, 2012 11:00

Thanks for the help Tesla.

I plugged my original OS 500GB HDD in slot #2. Is there any way to use the programs, for example photoshop, from the old HDD while the SSD is the OS? I know they would be faster on the SSD but I'd prefer to leave some programs on the original HDD and just click on a desktop icon to open them.

Tesla1856

8 Wizard

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17.3K Posts

0

January 18th, 2012 12:00

You are welcome.

I think you meant to reply in your original thread. I will answer over there ...

Tesla1856

8 Wizard

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17.3K Posts

0

February 10th, 2012 11:00

Thanks for the help Tesla.

I plugged my original OS 500GB HDD in slot #2. Is there any way to use the programs, for example photoshop, from the old HDD while the SSD is the OS? I know they would be faster on the SSD but I'd prefer to leave some programs on the original HDD and just click on a desktop icon to open them.

Sure.

Un-install it from the SSD and re-install to the spinning drive. If Photoshop has a "scratch or work folder" I think you can re-direct that separately.

Coinoperated

8 Posts

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February 10th, 2012 14:00

Anyone completed this on a Aurora - R4 using UEFI? I can not install the Windows disk provided with the machine unless I use the 'legacy' boot loader. After the installation reboots to the disk the system displays 'starting services' than a error dialog of "Windows could not finish configuring the system. To attempt to resume configuration, restart the computer.". I have tried 'rebooting' multiple times but alway returns to the same dialog...

Coinoperated

8 Posts

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February 11th, 2012 15:00

Well I have found a way to get around my issue. I had to extract the Chip Drivers, and the Raid Drivers, from the Resource Disk and place them on a USB device (run _R319344.exe, _R319345.exe found in ‘ZipFiles’ on the Resource DVD). Then boot the Windows installation disk and eventually you will get a dialog box about missing drivers. I had assumed the Raid Driver was the only driver needed to complete the installation however I found that I had to install all of the chip drivers ‘first’ following up with the raid driver. After doing this the system installed and booted the hard drive installation setup without a problem.. Almost forgot -- plug your USB into the back of the machine -- the device was not recognized when i plugged it into the USB's on the front of the machine. Shame the Alienware Window disk does include the necessary drivers in the first place..

yoleuz

4 Posts

0

February 11th, 2012 16:00

Go to the Dell download section for the Aurora R4 and grab the Dell-Driver from the Serial ATA section. Expand the files and put them on a USB stick. When installing Windows 7 from the Dell supplied media I had to browse to this driver and select it, once this was done the installer could see my drives and the Windows 7 install then proceeded normally.

Incompressible

1 Rookie

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103 Posts

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April 18th, 2012 13:00

Refering to Tesla1856's initial post, how does one transfer the Dell Diagnostics (hidden) parition to the new drive ? Dell Diagnostics from Utility Disks don't work since Alienware systems these days are expected to run diagnostics from BIOS boot menu (ePSA) which I assume uses the Dell Diagnostics partition.

So how does one run Dell Diagnostics from new HD without the Dell Diagnostics parition given that the Diagnostics don't work from Utility Disks either??

Tesla1856

8 Wizard

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17.3K Posts

0

April 18th, 2012 14:00

So how does one run Dell Diagnostics from new HD without the Dell Diagnostics parition given that the Diagnostics don't work from Utility Disks either??

It doesn't really matter where you run it FROM, as long as you can run it.

What exact machine do you have?

If you are saying that you...

1. Create bootable Dell Diags disc by burning to CD-R/DVD-R

2. Boot directly from this burnt disc

... and Dell Diags on the disc doesn't run? If that is the case, Dell will have to release a new version. The version I referred to above works on Area-51, Aurora R1, R-2, and R-3 ... all machines with no uEFI. If your machine uses a uEFI BIOS system, that might be the problem ... preventing the old version from working. Or, you need to temporarily change a setting in uEFI for it to work (then change it back when finished).

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