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May 19th, 2012 07:00

Cannot update command center

I have an Aurora ALX (I think that's the R1) -

After having brought my machine in for a new HD installation, the repair shop updated the BIOS to A11. However, the command center wasn't updated and now will not update. I keep getting the error that the new installation is not compatible with the current platform. What should I do?

19 Posts

May 19th, 2012 11:00

I should also mention Command Center is not currently functioning properly. It shows all numbers (fan and temp) at 0. The new HD was done with a mirror image backup that was a few months old, and CC may have been updated on the old HD between the time of that backup and this new HD being installed.

10 Wizard

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May 19th, 2012 13:00

The CPU cooler and sensors are controlled by the MIO-Board, so trouble-shooting should start there.

Shut-down machine properly so it will turn off. Unplug from wall or UPS. Hold down power button for 20 seconds to dissipate any electricity in machine and MIO-Board. Wait another 20 secs before powering up. See if that very simple procedure resets MIO-Board.

Run Dell Diagnostic on the MIO-Board. If Dell Diagnostics doesn't detect a MIO-Board at startup, the MIO-Board tests will not be available or listed. All the other tests that ARE listed, will likely test good. If this is happening, it must be corrected first. You really have to observe these MIO-Board tests, because the results are very important to the progression of steps to the final diagnosis or repair. If the MIO-Board tests fail in Dell Diagnostics, there is really no chance it will operate in Windows with Command Center software.

If the Dell Diagnostics MIO-Board tests pass, this tells us quite a bit:
1. The MIO-Board is getting power
2. The MIO-Board is connected to the motherboard's USB-1 port header (and communication is working).
3. The MIO-Board is operational and not locked up or in a loop.
4. The various devices (lights, fans, etc.) that the tests successfully exercised are connected properly.

Dell Diagnostic (specifically the MIO-Board tests). This will check it and also has been known to reset it in some fashion. If it is detected and tests good, but still won't work, try re-installing the software ...

Completely Uninstall Command Center and reboot.

Power down, unplug the power cord from the back of you PC, then press and hold the power button down for 10 seconds to drain residual power from MIO board to further reset it and to insure a trouble-free CC install. Then, power back up and go into Windows.

Disable your Anti-Virus software.
Install the latest Command Center (for desktops) and reboot. v2.6.17.0
Note: The first time this version is installed, it will upgrade the MIO-Board's firmware to v2.x
Microsoft Net 4.0 Client Framework is required for install. You can get it from Windows Update.
Test operation.

Test operation.

10 Wizard

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May 19th, 2012 13:00

I keep getting the error that the new installation is not compatible with the current platform. What should I do?

 
What version are you trying to install?
 
Uninstall old, then ...
 
 
... v2.6.17.0 should work.
 
 
 

19 Posts

May 19th, 2012 14:00

Thanks for your reply. I tried the diagnostics and got the error that the USB-1 HUB (or something to that effect) was not connected or needed to be reset. How would I go about doing that? A picture would be super helpful, if possible, as I'm not terribly familiar with inside hardware.

19 Posts

May 19th, 2012 15:00

So, there's no jumper or something that might have not been reconnected or is loose?

10 Wizard

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May 19th, 2012 15:00

Thanks for your reply. I tried the diagnostics and got the error that the USB-1 HUB (or something to that effect) was not connected or needed to be reset. How would I go about doing that?

 
Keep trying the "Power Dissipation Fix" and then running Dell Diags.
 
If the MIO-board can't be detected and tested in Dell Diags (outside of Windows) ... there is really no chance it will work inside Windows.

10 Wizard

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May 19th, 2012 18:00

So, there's no jumper or something that might have not been reconnected or is loose?

 
No, not really. Obviously, the cable from MB-USB1 to MIO-Board must be connected.
 
There is a jumper on the MIO-Board but Dell has never shared with us exactly what it does or how it works. People have tried to use it to reset the board, but with little-to-no success. The micro-controller resets itself on power-up ... that's why the Power-Fix works.
 
If you have an ALX, try removing the AA batteries from the interior lighting power-pack, THEN ... redo the Power Dissipation fix a few times. Don't be in a hurry.

19 Posts

May 19th, 2012 23:00

It's possible the cable from the MB to MIO got dislodged when the repair shop was installing my new HD and cleaning out the inside of the machine. However, I'm not very knowledgeable about hardware and wouldn't know where to look for the cable. Is there a diagram and/or photo you could point me toward?

10 Wizard

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May 20th, 2012 00:00

Download the PDF Owners & Service Manuals ... there are diagrams. All cables and components inside the PC must be connected properly. If you don't know hardware, you should get someone to help you onsite.

I think you will have more success following my previous posts. Did you remove the batteries? Are you doing the Power Dissipation Fix properly?

Study my Favorite Posts/Threads about MIO-Board troubles.

19 Posts

May 20th, 2012 07:00

I've tried your suggestions - the power fix (done at least 5 times) - still no joy. It is not an ALX, just an R1 - so no batteries that I know of. I continue to get the following error: 5D00:0009 - UUTUSBTM- DEVICE_INITIALIZATION_FAILURE user must reattach unit on ROOT HUB port 1 and restart. As far as I can tell (I'm far from savvy with hardware) all cables are seated properly.

Is it probable, then, that the BIOS update bricked the MIO? If so, is it a 'unique to Alienware' part, or can I have it replaced anywhere?

10 Wizard

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May 20th, 2012 11:00

I've tried your suggestions - the power fix (done at least 5 times) - still no joy. It is not an ALX, just an R1 - so no batteries that I know of. I continue to get the following error: 5D00:0009 - UUTUSBTM- DEVICE_INITIALIZATION_FAILURE user must reattach unit on ROOT HUB port 1 and restart. As far as I can tell (I'm far from savvy with hardware) all cables are seated properly.

 

Is it probable, then, that the BIOS update bricked the MIO? If so, is it a 'unique to Alienware' part, or can I have it replaced anywhere?

 
You originally said it was ALX model.
 
Again, get onsite help if unsure about cables. If you arrange MIO-Board swap with Dell, someone will have to do the work onsite or in shop. You can only get it from Dell and there is a certain way to install the hardware and software so it doesn't "brick" itself again. The MIO-Boards get locked up or even bricked at the "drop-of-a-hat".
 
I doubt the BIOS upgrade did it ... but likely something done during the HDD repair/swap. Maybe the repair shop did a test clean install of Win7 (before re-image ... has been reported to lockup MIOs) or the MIO-Board was upgraded to Firmware 2.0 with CC 2.6.x (after you made the HDD Image) and the re-image took it back to CC 2.5.x. (they hate to go backwards).
 
If you read Favorite Posts (under my Username) about MIOs you will know what comes next.

19 Posts

May 20th, 2012 13:00

Yes, I get confused with the models. It's definitely an R-1 - no vents.

After going through all your posts, I think I'll have to have a tech come out and will contact Chris.

Thanks again for all your help and patience.

10 Wizard

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May 20th, 2012 13:00

Sure, no problem... Good luck.

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