17 R4, cannot install AWCC 5.2.91.0

Question

So, I just got this Alienware 17 R4 and setup my system(clean install from recovery image), did all of the windows updates and ran Alienware Update / Dell Support Assist updates until nothing was left. I noticed that when I plugged in my AW2720HF monitor that I could not adjust any of the lighting effects like I could on my previous laptop(Dell Inspiron 7577) through Alienware Command Center. So, I went to the Dell Support site and looked for drivers for the monitor and found that there was a newer version of Command Center available. I tried downloading it and the monitor drivers and the Command center update fails everytime with an error 1603.  I have tried everything that I could find online and still get the same error. I uninstalled everything related to command center, followed the dell support post on uninstalling AWCC, then I also tried to install AWCC from the Microsoft Store and get a similar error. It looks like the install fails when trying to remove older components to do the upgrade.  The only version of AWCC that I can get to install is the one that is listed for my laptop on the Dell Support site, AWCC for Notebooks 4.8.23.0, A00.  It seems that this version lacks support for my monitor, as the version listed for the monitor is Alienware-Command-Center-Application_32DGD_WIN_5.2.91.0_A00.EXE Can I get some help with this issue? It would be really cool if I could get my brand new $450 monitor to actually have all the features I paid for.

crimsom · Accepted Answer

Hi @DeafMidget the AWCC Application v5.2.91.0<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>has Compatible Systems list that does not include the 17 R4. Not sure why its installation is being attempted. Has your 17 R4 hardware specification been upgraded to match that of the 17 R5?

Blitzed_Penguin · Answer

I am getting the same Fatal Error 1603 when trying to install Alienware Command Center to my Dell G5 15 SE. Everything was working fine until Alienware Command Center tried to update and failed. I tried to uninstall and reinstall it and I got the Fatal Error 1603.

I tried this; https://www.dell.com/support/article/en-us/sln317988/alienware-command-center-awcc-crashes-to-installation-error-1603-and-fails-to-install?lang=en

and this; https://www.dell.com/support/article/en-us/sln303405/how-to-remove-and-reinstall-the-alienware-command-center?lang=en

Neither worked so I called Dell tech support and after an hour and a half of them remoting in to my pc they could not install it either.

Can you find it on the Microsoft Store? The second support link says it is possible but it does not show up when I search for it. I can find other Alienware apps but not the Command Center. If you can find it do you mind posting a link. You might be able to get the link if you search the Microsoft Store website from a web browser.

I am about to reformat and clean install Win 10 to see if that helps.

I suggest you call or message Dell tech support, you might have better luck than me (get the case number before they hang up for future reference) and if they can't help maybe they will elevate the problem to a person who can fix it.

Blitzed_Penguin · Answer

Well the reformat with a clean install of Win 10 v2004 worked for me.

Blitzed_Penguin · Answer

No, I only tried it installing it with a clean boot mentioned in the first link I posted. The link to the direction is https://www.dell.com/support/article/HOW16542/en

A51-06 · Answer

Well when I installed mine in safe mode the command center didn’t fail and said successfully installed Alienware command center.

A51-06 · Answer

Gotcha Chief.

A51-06 · Answer

Have you ever tried reinstalling the command center in safe mode @Blitzed_Penguin?

Blitzed_Penguin · Answer

Thanks for the tip. I wish I or Dell Support thought of that. If it happens again I will be sure to try that.

DeafMidget · Answer

@crimsom

Also, I just noticed that the Alienware 15 R4 is supported but not the Alienware 17 R4.... which is a higher end model... you would think that people who spent more money on a higher end machine would get priority in these updates....

Not very happy with my "upgrade" so far imo...

DeafMidget · Answer

And just for fun I attempted to install AWCC 5.2.9.1 in Safe mode and got an Error 1719, because Windows installer Service is not running. So yeah... fun.

DeafMidget · Answer

@crimsom

Hi, well I didn't notice that it was not listed. Its just a bit confusing to me because my older Dell Inspiron Gaming Laptop had no issues with installing it and being able to control the lighting features of my Alienware Monitor, but my actual Alienware laptop does not seem to be able to control the lighting of my monitor.

Which makes absolutely no sense to me.

So is there a work around or some way for my R4 to control the lighting of my monitor that I am not seeing? I have AWCC updated to what is listed as current but I still seem to lack the functionality I am looking for.

crimsom · Answer

Hi @DeafMidget click Here and open Command Center Features Matrix > Alienware Computers.

Alienware 17 R4 AWCC installs AlienFX (v1.0) applications.

We have Alienware 17 R5 and incorrect AWCC code fails to install AlienFX v2.0 applications.

If your laptop AlienFX LED Lights are working, be thankful.

Did you connect the monitor and then install the AWCC, which should then get all the drivers for your system, hopefully?

A51-06 · Answer

id manually restart the service using services but also the alienware 17 R4 came out before the 15 R4 because the smaller laptops released after the bigger ones did. They all got released the same year but only the last revisions of the laptops got the AlienFX 2.0 update.

A51-06 · Answer

Did you install the new one along side your old command center for your 17 R4? What if it doesn’t detect the monitor because it doesn’t have the AlienFX 2.0 laptop all newer laptops have.

crimsom · Answer

Please if problem persists, try installing Visual C++ Runtime solution. Solved: m15 R3, AWCC, stuck on loading - Dell Community

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