AGA (Alienware Graphics Amplifier) driver confusion

I guess this should be added to 2b.

"All of this with the AGA disconnected.

1.    Please uninstall all the Nvidia software from the add/remove programs in Windows.
2.    Then, erase the Nvidia INF files inside the %systemdrive%\NVIDIA\ folder. Use this link for reference: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/746245-installing-nvidia-drivers-modding-inf-files.html
3.    Once there are no traces of any Nvidia content (audio, lan, video... nothing at all in Control Panel). 
Install the mobile version 347.09: forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/746245-installing-nvidia-drivers-modding-inf-files.html

Turn off and connect the AGA."

Update 1/16

1. Installing the Nvidia notebook retail driver in Mode 3 (notebook only mode) works correctly for all drivers. All functionality is working.
2. When AGA (Alienware Graphics Amplifier) is attached and the system reboot to Mode 5 (LCD using desktop card to render), the desktop card in AGA is detected as “Microsoft standard graphics adapter”, and no driver is automatically installed. This is different from other Nvidia cards (GTX780 automatically installs). You can manually install any of the notebook retail drivers and they will detect and install correctly. The notebook driver has to be installed TWICE, with and without AGA attached. This is NOT the expected behavior and we have escalated to Nvidia for assistance.
3. When running any 3D content, it only works correctly (runs on desktop card) if an external monitor is connected to the AGA. If there is no monitor connected, Intel renders to the LCD and the desktop card is not rendering and seems to be in a low power state. Basically, the Optimus profile is only working when a monitor is attached to the AGA.

Our recommendation is that customers should install the notebook driver twice, both with and without AGA and then use an external monitor. Again, we have escalated to Nvidia for assistance.

Chris-M, I hope you get a pay raise! :)  Thank you for this additional information that Dell has acknowledge the issue and is working with Nvidia! People like yourself is what makes me want to continue support this company! Please keep us informed as news develops for this bug! Fingers crossed its a quick fix for Nvidia.

Do you when is this bug fix, because i am having the same problem with Nvidia GTX 980 and AGA. I hope this is fixed soon thanks for your information.

Tech support finally called me back. I pointed them to the posts on the alienware and dell forums stating they are working with Nvidia to correct the problems found.  He put me on hold and said he called "Level 3". I'm assuming that still a support group and not actual engineering.  But he came back and stated they are not currently working with Nvidia, and are not aware of any issues at this time. 

To be honest this was the final straw.  He asked if we could do one more factory reset tonight over the phone with the reinstall USB.  I'm going to entertain this tonight for the 2-3 hours I know it will take, but once it doesn't work again this thing is going back in the boxes and I'm returning.... I'll just go buy a Macbook. Atleast then I can drive to a store within 15 miles and point to a problem person to person and say "See it doesn't work".

Sigh.

Hey Chris M.,

This is the kind of operational issues that Dell must resolve. Customers can't a) get a product that doesn't work and then b) get different stories from different parts of the company.

Dell can do better.  Do what you can to start changing the culture at Dell, please.

Hey Chris!

Got my 15" today. Internal 970m is working fine.  I put my new 980GTX in the GA and connected it, booted the laptop. I am in the same boat as everyone, just getting a Windows Adaptor.

I downloaded the drivers you linked and they cannot find hardware to install for. I read somewhere (here?) that we have to hack the .inf file. I will give that a try, but the FAQ should likely be updated with this info.

Also, if we have NOT installed any desktop drivers, do we have to uninstall anything before installing these new Notebook drivers?

Update: I installed the drivers while the GA was attached.  GeForce sees the 980GTX and the device manager sees it, but I am still on the laptop video screen, not the external display. It is dark and not seen by Windows. It is connected via Display Port

Thanks!

This was posted today by Alienware-Lizano. I am not sure if you have to be a member of the AlienwareArena Forum to see it or not?

No you do not.

The workaround is also posted on notebookreview's forum, as well.

Thanks!

"Unplug AGA and leave the notebook alone"

I left it alone, but it's calling out to me. I feel bad.

2/9/15 Update:

I'm still having issues with the posted 347.25 drivers, but I found a workaround after messing around that I wrote up. This is HOPEFULLY a temporary solution, but definitely one I can live with for the time being.