Bug Report: AWCC lack of multi user support

Question

Can't find anywhere else to post this, so here goes. Issue: AWCC (Alienware Command Center) lacks support for multi user environments. The application will absolutely not function for multiple users. Version: Specifically tested on version 5.2.100.0, A00 but I believe this affects all versions of the 'current' AWCC family. Steps to reproduce: 1. Using AWCC from a freshly restored SupportAssist Image, log in as the first user created on the system and create a few FX, Thermal, etc. profiles 2. Create a new user in Windows. Note: Have tried both standard users (best practice) and admin users (not best practice). 4. Log in as the new user, note complete lack of AWCC in the windows menu 5. Log back in as the first user, create a shortcut from AWCC and place it where the second user can access it. 6. Log back in as second user, launch AWCC. The application will launch, then notify the user there is an update available and repeatedly request the user to sign in to the Windows Store. AWCC was not installed as a Windows Store App so why does it have hooks to the store in the first place? 7. If the second user (while having admin rights) uninstalls and reinstall AWCC it will work for them, however now the first user will no longer be able to access it. 8. If the second user runs the AWCC installer and selects 'repair installation' the application will work, however the profiles seem to be shared with both users sharing each-others settings and causing conflicts. AWCC settings (e.g. FX profiles) seems to be globally stored rather than per Windows profile like previous versions of AWCC. This violates basic tenets of Windows design best practices (user data to include per user configuration settings should be stored in each user profile, not globally) and is honestly poor security hygiene in a multi-user operating system. 9. Before anyone says well this isn't supposed to work in a multi-user environment its a gaming system: a. Windows, which last time I checked is the OS shipped on every Alienware system ever, has been a multi-user operating system since Windows 2000 (really since NT 3 but that wasn't a consumer OS). b. Previous versions of AWCC correctly stored user data in the Windows User profile per the Windows design best practices. c. Consider that purchasers of Alienware systems have multiple family members who share a common PC and would prefer to have their own settings when using the system.

DELL-Cares · Answer

We tried reaching you on a private message asking for the Alienware system Service Tag but did not receive a response. Please feel free to reply to the private message whenever you are available.

crimsom · Answer

Hi @Juggernaut074  our 17 R5 has this AWCC version. This problem persists no matter what AWCC family version is installed. The AWCC application is supposed to be a Dell Flagship Advertising Incentive for new customers. Do not understand why Dell are not busy fixing these problems, which are at least two years old.

Alienware

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