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scottdog129

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scottdog129

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April 5th, 2012 16:00

AlienFX Controller Problem

I know that this has been posted before, but most of the posts are a little outdated and havent been resolved.

I have an Alienware M17x that had an issue with the HD.  I installed a new 500GB drive and put Win7 Pro x64 on it.  Since then, the AlienFX controller has been non-responsive.  No lights and the Command Center has had an error about the .NET install.  Ive re-installed EVERYTHING I can think of and it will not work.  

The computer is FAR out of warranty, so tech support isnt a choice for me.  Im really stumped here.  Any help would be great.

Scott 

  • 5025

    0

    Posted April 5th, 2012 17:00

    Hello, they are some troubleshooting steps you can follow for this: http://dell.to/HicXd2; but most likely the motherboard part for the lights is dead. Have also a look to this thread http://dell.to/I8tiAH it might help out clear out some questions.

  • morblore

    2 Intern

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    Posted April 6th, 2012 10:00

    Thanks for the post.  I'll give it a shot and see if it works.  I really dont think its a hardware issue since it happened after I reinstalled Windows.  It has to be software, but Im just guessing....

     

     

    Agree. Just keep at it because the ACC can be a little touchy. Try to uninstall the ACC and then update the .NET again. My last ACC install I had to do that twice to get it to work..why IDK.

  • scottdog129

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    Posted April 6th, 2012 10:00

    Thanks for the post.  I'll give it a shot and see if it works.  I really dont think its a hardware issue since it happened after I reinstalled Windows.  It has to be software, but Im just guessing....

  • scottdog129

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    Posted April 6th, 2012 15:00

    Did the steps outlined in the link.  Reflashed A07, dumped all the power, reinstalled CC and set up a new theme.  No dice.  Whats new, though, is that I can actually LOAD the CC, whereas before I couldnt.  Also, something odd:  When I right-click on the AlienFX sys tray icon, the "Enable Alienware AlienFX Events" and "Go Dark" options are active and then "greying out" every 5 seconds....Almost as if the controller is TRYING to start up, but cant.

    So frustrating...

  • Tesla1856

    10 Wizard

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    18057 Posts

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    Posted April 6th, 2012 17:00

    Test with PSA/Dell Diags from outside of Windows. If it sees the MIO-board circuit and allows you to test it (change light colors, etc.) ... you likely just have a software problem.

    Dell Rockstar

    Microsoft Windows and Apple iOS Developer (Retired)
    - Like many of you, I can appreciate a good game-engine.
    - I answer questions here, but I'm not a Dell employee.
    - Consider giving posts you like a "thumbs-up"
    - Posting models-numbers and software versions speeds trouble-shooting.
    - Click "Mark as Accepted Answer" on any post that answers your question best.

  • scottdog129

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    Posted April 9th, 2012 16:00

    It doesnt see it.  Here is a small video of the odd blinking that Im seeing in the menu from the sys tray icon:

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    Posted April 11th, 2012 21:00

    Well after looking at the video, the best advice that I can give would be to have a look at the running service for AlienFX. Make sure you make it “Take No Action” when it crashes. To do it:

    Start -> “Services” -> (look for AlienFX service, right click to properties) -> Recovery -> Make it all to take no action.

    That way we will know if it is software or not. But yet again most likely is the motherboard failing.

    There is a user here (search a bit) that says he can fix locked-up/corrupt-firmware MIO-Board Circuit issues with AW laptops. Not sure what he charges.
    Agree 100%

  • Tesla1856

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    Posted April 11th, 2012 21:00

    Nobody?!  Cmon, Dell!!   I see posts of this EVERYWHERE!!!  How is it that hundreds of people have this issue, but there isnt a solution?!  Unbelievable...

     
    Both Dell and I have made suggestions. Now, you have to do follow-through and report your findings back here.
     
    True, Dell's docs amount to mostly just installing, un-installing, re-installing Command Center until it works (or not) ... but try it to the letter (see above).
     
    My trouble-shooting is more in-depth. Try what I said above or see my Favorite threads. True, most of my experience is with the stand-alone boards in desktops (but the basic idea is the same). I usually don't answer AW laptop questions, but it looked like you needed some help, so I made an exception.
     
    There is a user here (search a bit) that says he can fix locked-up/corrupt-firmware MIO-Board Circuit issues with AW laptops. Not sure what he charges.

    Dell Rockstar

    Microsoft Windows and Apple iOS Developer (Retired)
    - Like many of you, I can appreciate a good game-engine.
    - I answer questions here, but I'm not a Dell employee.
    - Consider giving posts you like a "thumbs-up"
    - Posting models-numbers and software versions speeds trouble-shooting.
    - Click "Mark as Accepted Answer" on any post that answers your question best.

  • scottdog129

    22 Posts

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    Posted April 11th, 2012 21:00

    Nobody?!  Cmon, Dell!!   I see posts of this EVERYWHERE!!!  How is it that hundreds of people have this issue, but there isnt a solution?!  Unbelievable...

  • Tesla1856

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    18057 Posts

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    71852 Points

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    Posted April 11th, 2012 21:00

    Test with PSA/Dell Diags from outside of Windows. If it sees the MIO-board circuit and allows you to test it (change light colors, etc.) ... you likely just have a software problem.

     
    Your results ?

    Dell Rockstar

    Microsoft Windows and Apple iOS Developer (Retired)
    - Like many of you, I can appreciate a good game-engine.
    - I answer questions here, but I'm not a Dell employee.
    - Consider giving posts you like a "thumbs-up"
    - Posting models-numbers and software versions speeds trouble-shooting.
    - Click "Mark as Accepted Answer" on any post that answers your question best.