Alienware m18x r2 gpu card upgrade not working

Hi Kieran,

What is the OS installed on the system?

The "Alienware M18x R2 - Avenger" - has not been tested by Dell with GTX 880 for compatibility.

However, the GTX880 is compatible to work with "Alienware 18 - Viking" model.

Update the BIOS - http://dell.to/26loSV5

Download the video driver from nvidia site - http://bit.ly/1SJRgWy and try installing the same. If the normal installation does not go through, then force the driver installation - see this link - http://bit.ly/1r0CRYO

Or manually install the driver through device manager - see this example - http://bit.ly/1c64Cu8

Keep us updated.

Hi

Thanks for the reply. I have checked my bios and I am running the latest, I also tried to download the drivers directly from nVidia by inputting my card model, I also tried the link you sent me but I had no luck. I am just after trying your method of the force installation and I can't seem to update through the device manager either. The version of Windows I am using is Windows 10.

Thanks,

Kieran

Hi Kieran,

Thank you for the update.

Firstly, this model is not compatible to work with Win 10 - see this link - http://dell.to/1YMuphI

Now, since you been using Win 10, did you face any other issues on the machines as such?

Secondly, the driver I had posted a link to, in my post is for Win 8.1.

Use this link instead - http://bit.ly/1SnsnX0- link for Win 10 driver.

Try the methods to force the driver installation or manually install the driver, as per my previous post. If you are unable to install the same, then send me the installation logs and event logs for review.

Keep us updated.

Hi

I have not had any other issues with Windows 10 running on this laptop and I never had an issue with my GTX 675m and drivers running on it either. I have read on other forums that a lot of people were able to use the GTX 880m on the Alienware m18x r2 without problems so I thought I could have used it on mine too. I have tried the link you provided and I have tried to force install the driver with it too but I regret to inform you that I still can't get it to install. Thanks again for the reply, I really appreciate your help.

Thank you,

Kieran

Hi Kieran,

Thank you for the update.

We need to know the issue with the installation. What is the error you get while installing the driver? Could you send us screenshots of the same or could you upload a video on youtube and share the link for us to review?

Could you send me the event logs and installation logs for review? Based on that, we might know what might be causing the issue and probably isolate the source of the issue and find a possible solution!

Create a new local admin and try installing the driver - see this link on how to - http://bit.ly/1JoFhcw 

Keep us updated.

I can't seem to upload multiple screenshots to the one post so I'll add them to these posts

Hi

I apologize for the late reply. I have tried using the elevated administrator account to install the drivers but I'm still getting the same problem. Is it possible that this laptop just won't support gtx 800m series. I have seen that other users have had the drivers install on the same laptop model without these issues.

Hi Kieran,

Thank you for the info.

We have reviewed the images you have posted and have 2 queries.

1. Could you send us a screenshot of what happens when you force the driver through device manager? Or shoot a video and upload it on youtube and post the link for the same?
2. Where have you purchased the card from?

Based on this info. we can probably isolate the source of the issue.

You could also try another step to confirm the source to be the hardware itself - Check the card on another similar machine if possible.

If not, then downgrade the OS to W8.1 - http://bit.ly/1RMaCdK - see this link on how to. And then try installing the W8.1 driver normally or force the driver installation as advised in my previous post.

Keep us updated.