17 R5, extract AlienFX 2.0 drivers from Dell AWCC update package

Question

The Dell AWCC.exe update package installs a suite of applications that includes the AlienFX 2.0 drivers. Well, it would if install worked properly, but it did not for this 17 R5, which is now dark. Dell expects customers to fix their problems, but does not provide a stand-alone Dell AlienFX 2.0 update package. This customer wonders if the AlienFX 2.0 drivers can be extracted from the AWCC.exe update package and then manually installed.

7-Zip is one of many utilities that is capable of looking inside the AWCC.exe update package. Right click AWCC.exe and select Open archive, right click Setup.exe and select Open Inside, to get:-

AWCC.exe Setup.exe files.jpg

Then double click on a folder to open and see the files within. However, did not see the AlienFX 2.0 driver.

Does anybody know how to extract the AlienFX 2.0 driver?

crimsom · Answer

Thanks to Frozen-Photon who says:

AlienFX 2.0 no longer allows for the creation of more complex RGB effects, such as a section shifting between green red and yellow, blinking blue twice, and doing it all over again. Not sure who would want that, but the point is it used to be possible in the original AlienFX. I have no idea why Dell removed this, as it is a standard feature in pretty much every mainstream RGB control software. My hope is that they are working on a new modern UI for an even more in-depth editor, but it is a serious design flaw to force an update to a new software with far less features than the older build.

Either way, in the mean time, what are our options? There used to be a notable community who would make complex custom lighting schemes and share or even sell them to those who just wanted something cool without all the work. What do we do now? I mean heck, even the duel colour shift jumps abruptly back to the first colour after its smooth fade to the second, making it appear rather tacky.

Has anyone manage to crack the original AlienFX to work on newer hardware? Are there 3rd Party mods out there for better control of Alienware RGB? Is there at least any official word that an update to AlienFX 2.0 will soon bring back advanced lighting control again? Or do we would-be Alienware x RGB enthusiasts just have to sadly sit in our corners and look over at Asus computers longingly?

crimsom · Answer

Not sure if AlienFX 1.0 will install on 17 R5 whose AWCC updater wants to install AlienFX 2.0. The Dell AWCC update package currently fails to install any AlienFX 2.0 applications. Found download for AlienFX 1.0.5, which is supposed to work with the Alienware Command Center, but it failed to install and work with the current AWCC.

Pestowk · Answer

Bump..............

Just purchased new R4 (not cheap), to find out that I am not able to use my previous lighting transitions or even make new ones comparable to boot. To add to that I am able now to change each key color. This isn't a fair trade and was not worth paying extra after the fact as, like others in here, I am not able to use the same (more advanced) features of my previous Alienware FX build. Please fix this with an update or let me use the old (not 2.0 FX) with my current unit. Awaiting your response.

crimsom · Answer

Hi @Pestowk welcome to this user to user discussion forum. This is not Dell Support.

Very occasionally users that work for Dell visit this public forum in their spare time. Many cannot interact in the real world and never return. There are a few that will return and try to help.

If you have a Dell warranty or extended warranty, send Private Message (click on envelope icon in top RH corner) to @DELL-Cares and request assistance.

Pestowk · Answer

We need to move this thing along. Such a cheap way out by Dell. As a long time user of this product I only expect to get as much or more than my previous purchases. Technology moves forward...

Alienware

17 R5, extract AlienFX 2.0 drivers from Dell AWCC update package

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