Alienware X51 Restore

I had an issue installing the drivers to..I found that installing one driver, then rebooting, then installing the next etc etc worked better then trying to install all at once.

I was able to install windows and everything but the odd monitor driver is giving me an issue. Sometimes it works and ejects and sometimes it doesn't. Also everytime I install it my event viewer screams with issues with the driver.

Also reboot after each driver, even if not requered

On the majority of systems, I recommend installing in this order: (I disable auto update during installation until I have installed all of the drivers then turn it on)

Chipset

Intel Rapid Storage Technology

Intel Management Engine

Graphic drivers (intel 1st)

Audio

Ethernet

Wireless

USB 3.0

Disk eject

I would then run windows update and install all software and driver updates (run a couple of times till there is nothing to update)

Micosoft Security Essentials or preferred antivirus

Windows update again

Alienware command center

I then make a backup via home server 2011 or the built in windows 1.

Then feel free to start installing software or games

Also make sure that you have installed any firmware updates before you remove your original hd or reinstall

yup Dell <attacking> support <profanity> up my box wanted to go to a previous restore point, now all the software I had installed will not reinstall due to it being partially found. I try to ask them to show me how to do the factory restore they want me to go through windows restore. i'm like NO i want factory default image. They say download alien respawn, i d/l and try to insatll now it says I dont have the Windows recovery environment. I paid 1200 including additional 2 years support for junk hardware and useless support.  What happened to the old day of holding a F7 or whatever to go to Norton Ghost..... This is <profanity> , i'm still on hold waiting for almost 30 minutes to useless support to get transferred to someone i can't understand and who gets frustrated with ME when I ask him to slow down and speak more clearly.... Ya i'm out of words now i'm so frustrated... So close to sending back been on phone for 3 hours trying to get two things resolved.... On something LESS then 3 weeks old...

One strange thing I noticed after booting up the machine was that it didn’t have any drivers installed. Being a review unit I presumed the last person who tested it simply hadn’t restored it back to a factory default installation. After a lot of research, it turns out that the recovery partitions installed on all Dell PCs are unusable on the X51 because it uses the new GPT method of hard drive partitioning.

This makes the recovery partitions a waste of space, and also means it is impossible for the user to restore the machine back to the way it first came out of the factory. You do get a Windows DVD and driver/utility CD in the box, so you can do a basic reinstall however. It’s a real head-scratcher though

quick question - I was just shipped my dell windows 7 OEM disc after my second phone call... what I wanted to clarify if I do the install, is there a way to format the main partition to allow it to work with dell recovery partition? to avoid this   in the future, the second support call I actually was patched through to an alienware tech support person, he said they now resolved the issue - this error was with earlier gen boxes... mine is less then a month old - any ideas?

Hello,

I want to make sure that I am trying to find my alienware factory that I want wipe paration and re install Win 7 for Alienware x51 , Which should I install win 7 on ? but why it said not recommend to install on hard drive because of GPT ? I am confuse which should I install win 7 as fresh as well ? also Alienware factory since I bought first x51 .. I cannot find it .. any idea ? please help and Ty !

Where do i get the x51 windows 7 disc? Because i cant do anything with the recovery drive either

It should of came with the windows 7 disc.

You'll need to call dell. They have a alienware support line - but no clue how to call that line directly. Mine was/ is under warranty so they sent via mail (post); the disk. As the recovery software is on the partition that they messed up making it useless. Once you get it done properly I'd suggest creating a image / restore disk.

My first support rep wanted me to go to a premium support rep and pay for them to walk me through/ resolve their issue, I laughed pretty hard, before explaining that I exaustively read articles/ related to this issue with the partion config that rendered the recovery partion useless.

I installed from scratch using the windows disk they sent - missing all alienware customized elements. I have 2 x51- my nephew, has the second identical machine. I ended up creating an image of his machine to install on mine so I could get all of the customized loading screens, wallpapers...  

works like a champ. Although video card issues from time to time which I'm none to happy with.

GL - have fun!

My alienware x51 doesn't have this screen. It goes straight to the "welcome" screen. I use an HDMI connected to my tv for the monitor. Is that a problem?

If I'm not mistaken, You cannot see anything before the welcome screen when connected through HDMI. I could be wrong, but I remember watching a youtube video where someone showed the machine using the HDMI port and an DVI

Hello everyone,

I'm in the same situation as you.

My Alienware X51 no longer boot and the small LED on / off button turns white.

Did you find a solution to this problem or do I have to harass dell for a replacement of my machine?

I also have an Aurora who has never asked me any problems, I'm disappointed with my X51 ...

Thank you for your answers

Hello everyone, I'm in the same situation as you. My Alienware X51 no longer boot and the small LED on / off button turns white. Did you find a solution to this problem or do I have to harass dell for a replacement of my machine? I also have an Aurora who has never asked me any problems, I'm disappointed with my X51 ... Thank you for your answers

Hi crashsonic,

Did you make any software (updates, new programs, etc.) or hardware changes before this started happening?

Check out this video:

Troubleshooting No Boot issues - Alienware Live from the Lab