Driver Updates Posted

I've updated three links on the driver pages.

Logitech released v3.03.133 of the GamePanel software. You can grab it here.

Dell posted an update to the Bluetooth driver on 09/23/2009. v6.2.0.9600 can be grabbed here.

The RICOH Memory Card reader has also been updated to v3.62.02. You can grab it here.

Thats all for now. As previously mentioned, please report any issues via PM. I can no longer test these directly on the M1730.

Status Update

Greetings M1730 owners! Well, its been some time since I updated the blog and thought it was time for a brief post/hello.

When Dell replaced my system, I fully intended to stay current on 1730 related driver updates. Sadly, its next to impossible to test newly released drivers without 'The Beast' on hand. If any of you come across an updated driver please feel free to reach out to me with a PM over @ NBR and I'll update the driver page links.

That's about it for now... I'll be going over the driver lists in the next few days and checking versions against current versions offered by Dell and updating ones which I find out of date.

186.91 now available

Another Windows Update release... 186.91 is now available.

Win7/Vista 64-bit

Win7/Vista 32-bit

More to follow...

NVIDIA SLI Profile Update #2

NVIDIA has posted their second SLI Profile update.

Version: SLI PROFILE UPDATE 2
Release Date: 2009.09.03
Operating System: Windows Vista, Windows Vista 64-bit, Windows XP 64-bit, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows 7 64-bit
Language: English (U.S.)
File Size: 0.237 MB

This update adds support for:
Biohazard 5 (Resident Evil 5)
Call of Juarez: Blood in Bound Demo
Majesty 2: The Fantasy Kingdom Sim
Need for Speed: Shift

This update also provides increased performance for:
Batman: Arkham Asylum

Please note, the release specifically states:

This version of the NVIDIA profile update should be used with v190.62 WHQL display driver.

If you download this SLI Profile update and find reduced performance with your current driver, the best way to remove the update will be to uninstall your display driver completely and then reinstall your display driver.

DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK

Essential Apps (all freeware)

I've compiled a list of the main apps/utilities I use and recommend. I see multiple posts in the forums from new owners asking what monitoring app to use, etc. This list should cover all of the basics.

1. HWMonitor - a small app used to monitor CPU/GPU temps.

2. Auslogic's Disk Defrag - a very fast alternative to Vista's own Disk Defrag

3. GPU-Z - a lightweight utility which can be used to check clock speeds of your GPUs.

4. CPU-Z - another handy utility from the makers of HWMonitor, this little app will display info on your current CPU clocks/multiplier along with info on installed RAM, etc.

5. CCleaner - of all the registry cleaning tools I have tested, CCleaner is the safest and most effective of the bunch. This one I use almost daily to ensure the registry is free of old/non-essential entries. It can also be used to quickly access and enable/disable startup items.

6. Recuva - another top app from the makers of CCleaner, this utility can be used to restore files that have been accidentally deleted from your computer, memory cards, mp3 players, etc. If you've ever accidentally deleted an image from a camera memory card and needed to recover it, this is the app to have installed.

7. ExtractNow - is a great compliment to Vista's built-in .zip archive support. I use this one for all the .rar files I encounter. It supports the following formats: ZIP, RAR, ISO, BIN, IMG, IMA, IMZ, 7Z, ACE, JAR, GZ, LZH, LHA, TAR and SIT. I leave .zip archives to Vista, but the others are handled by ExtractNow.

8. Notepad++ - This is one of the best freeware source code editors I have ever used. This little app is essential when it comes to modding INF files and other formats. It also features a very handy built-in 'Compare' feature.

9. Stardock's LogonStudio Vista - this cool app is a lot of fun. You can take any .jpeg file and turn it into a Vista Logon screen. Take a look, this app is great. Did I mention the app does not have to be running in the background? Launch it, set your Logon Screen and hit apply. That's it.

There you have it - my recommended freeware app list. If I think of any others I'll update the list.

Dell QuickSet, v.9.6.6, A00 - Initial Win 7 Support

Consumer QuickSet release for Windows x86/x64 on Inspiron/Studio/StudioXPS.

Initial Release for Win7 support.

DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK

Note: This driver has not been tested on the M1730. I am unable to test, up to you to do so. Enjoy!

NVIDIA PhysX 9.09.0814 release

Release Date: 2009.08.14
Operating System: Windows XP 64-bit, Windows 7, Windows 7 64-bit, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Vista 64-bit
Language: English (U.S.)
File Size: 39.3 MB

Details of the release are HERE.
DOWNLOAD LINK

Remember, download and install - no need to clean uninstall.

NVIDIA Stereo 3D Vision service bug causes handle leak

A memory leak has been identified with the NVIDIA 3D Vision driver. Affected: GeForce 8800 GT and higher, 9600 GT and higher, or any GeForce 200 series and higher, using driver version 186.xx and up. Suggest disabling or uninstalling the driver until a fix can be implemented by NVIDIA.

Full article can be found over @ withinwindows.com.

190.40 NVIDIA Driver

Ok, I know I've been a bit lax with the updates - sorry all.

I was looking over the 190.xx section @ lv2go and checked out the 190.40 driver info. I was going to install the lv2go driver but instead tried the driver from the site they referenced in their post. Almost every mobile card is supported. I installed it and it seemed to install smoother than some of the drivers lv2go releases.

Might want to give this one a try... I've had really good performance with it and thermals are nice and low.

XP 32-bit:
http://pic.xfastest.com/z/NVIDIA%20%C5X%B0%CA/190.40/190.40%20WinXP32.rar

XP 64-bit:
http://pic.xfastest.com/z/NVIDIA%20%C5X%B0%CA/190.40/190.40%20WinXP64.rar

Vista 32-bit:
http://pic.xfastest.com/z/NVIDIA%20%C5X%B0%CA/190.40/190.40%20Vista32.rar

Vista 64-bit:
http://pic.xfastest.com/z/NVIDIA%20%C5X%B0%CA/190.40/190.40%20Vista64.rar

Drivers Updated

Updated the 32/64-bit Vista Drivers with a few changes.

The M17x Synaptics Touchpad driver is compatible with the 1730 touchpad. v13.0.6.0, posted 7/28.

Also updated the Dell NVIDA 186.24, Intel 4965 Wireless, Intel Matrix Storage Manager, Sigmatel Audio Driver links - these were posted here, on the main page of the blog on 7/18 but I am just now getting around to updating the actual driver page links.

Driver Sweeper 2.0 has been released

Driver Sweeper has been updated to 2.0 finally. Changes include:

- Resizable window.
- Lowered requirements to .NET 3.0.
- Windows 7 support, Only the final version is supported.
- Added Polish translation.
- Added Italian translation.
- Added Simplified Chinese translation.
- Added Hungarian translation.
- Improved startup time.
- Improved ATi - Display cleaning.
- Improved NVIDIA - Display Cleaning.
- Improved NVIDIA - PhysX Cleaning.
- Improved Creative - Sound Cleaning.
- Reduced the number of files installed by 6.
- Changed some temp files to be more friendly for some HIPS.

You can grab it HERE.

Driver Updates!

Following Driver Updates have been posted:

Intel Matrix Storage Manager - v8.9.0.1012

Vista 32/64-bit Installer

As with previous updates to the Intel Matrix Storage Manager, uninstalling the previous version is not required. Simply download the executable and install. Once install has completed, reboot your system.


Intel Pro 4965AGN Wireless - v12.4.3.9

Vista 64-bit Installer
Vista 32-bit Installer

As with previous updates to the Intel 4965AGN Driver/Sofrware, uninstalling the previous version is not required. Simply download the executable and install. Once install has completed, reboot your system.

SIGMATEL STAC 92XX C-Major HD Audio - v6.10.0.5866

Vista 32/64-bit Installer

DELL NVIDIA 186.12 DRIVER - VISTA 64

Dell has posted the 186.12 NVIDIA driver. Posted under the new M17x, this driver is also compatible with the M1730. I have installed it and so far it is very stable. The INF file includes support for the following M1730 GPUs:

8700M GT
8800M GTX
9800M GT
9800M GTX

If you are interested, give it a test drive. Dell has only posted the Vista 64-bit driver, not sure if 32-bit will posted. If it is, I will update this post.

DOWNLOAD HERE

CL Dell Webcam Manager vPRC2.0 A04

Thanks to GadgetBoi over @ NBR. I must've missed this updated release. From the notes, it doesn't look like much has changed.

Enhancement:
========================
1. Improved the compability for Live! Cam Avatar.
2. Enhanced the wording for Dell Webcam Center''s German support.

Here is the link:
R168730

I have updated both 32-bit and 64-bit driver pages.

FORCEWARE 185.85 / 186.03 Right Click Context Menu Delay Fix

Not really specific to the M1730 but I wanted to post this in case some of you are having problems with the desktop right click context menu after installing 185.85 or the new 186.03 Forceware Driver.

Symptom:Right Clicking on the desktop produces a delayed context menu (delay can range from 1-5 seconds).

Manual Fix:
1. Open REGEDIT via the Run Command and look for this key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\NvCplDesktopContext

2. Once located, right click on it and DELETE it.

3. Open up Notepad and paste in the following:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\Nvidia Control Panel]
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\Nvidia Control Panel\Command]
@="c:\\windows\\system32\\nvcplui.exe"

4. Save the file to the Desktop as: NV_FIX.reg

5. Run CCleaner's registry sweep just to be sure everything is tidy.

6. Open up the .reg file you created and then OK the prompt to merge the entries to your Registry.

7. Reboot and enjoy a nice speedy context menu.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
When you decide to install a new driver, you will need to manually delete this from your registry. Just open up Regedit and find the key you created and delete it:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\Nvidia Control Panel

Updated Quickset v9.4.6

Dell posted an updated Quickset for the Inspiron 1440. I tested this with the M1730 and all is working fine. This latest version sports a different look to the Volume and Brightness pop-ups.

I have updated the links on the Driver Download pages.

If you are presently running the 9.4.2 version, just download the 9.4.6 and run the installer. You will be prompted to update Quickset, select OK. Enjoy!

Logitech updates GamePanel software to v3.02.173

Logitech released an updated to the GamePanel software which M1730 owners use to power their built-in Gaming LCD. The update includes the following:

Included Dual Mode LCD Applets:
LCD Clock
LCD Countdown Timer
LCD Media Player
LCD Performance Monitor
LCD POP3 Monitor
LCD RSS Reader

LUA Scripting changes:
Scripting now works properly on the G13.
Added an additional LUA function; "SetMKeyState".
G-Key and M-key events can now distinguish between G-series keyboards and the G13.
The "OutputLCDMessage" function now correctly interprets the delay in seconds.

G-series Key Profiler Changes:
Added an additional function macro to assign G-keys to M1, M2 or M3.

SDK Changes:
Fixed critical section leak in the "CLCDConnection" class

SideShow Changes:
The G-series LCD (color and monochrome) is now supported as a Microsoft SideShow device on Windows Vista.
Support for Microsoft Sideshow has been re-enabled for 64-bit Windows Vista.

Applets:
The volume display should now show on the LCD when changing volume.
Should work with the 3.1 patch of World of Warcraft.

New Features:
Introducing the LCD Applet Finder for easier applet navigation.

Software Version: 3.02.173
Post Date: 5/11/2009

Links have been updated on the Current Driver pages.

Left 4 Dead - Intermittent freezes with audio loop and a way to fix it (for now at least)

This is not really related specifically to the XPS M1730 since so many others with other systems have encountered this lately. I'm posting this for my fellow XPS M1730 owners who are experiencing this though in hopes this will correct the issue until such time as a patch or update is made available (don't hold your breath).

Symptom:Left 4 Dead will randomly freeze up and the audio goes into a very annoying loop @ time of freeze.

Drivers:Some people have reported success with Forceware 182.50 however I have tried 182.50 and all drivers after 185.66. You might ask why I did not roll back and try an earlier stock driver (such as the 179.xx Dell driver). The reason is simple... I prefer to take full advantage of 'The Beast' and run my 8800M GTXs in SLI mode. With SLI mode enabled, any driver prior to 185.66 will NOT support PowerMizer correctly and downclock the GPUs dynamically based on system load while on AC Power.

Background
Valve has an article (last modified on 4/17/2008) on their support forums with info on freezes w/sound loops however this does not discuss multi-core support and the option of turning it off to correct it.

After reading this article I was shocked at all of the reasons they listed. Uninstall your Anti-Virus software? PCI latency timings? Disable audio? C'mon now Valve - let's be realistic.

After spending several days researching this issue I have finally pinned it down to Valve's shoddy implementation of Multi-Core CPU support. This has been a long standing issue with Valve's Source based games and was (I believe) first seen in Team Fortress 2/ Half-life 2. Regardless, this issue was well documented by users and testers of the L4D Demo and has been seen since the launch of the Left 4 Dead product. You would think Valve would've put it to bed by now and resolved it to make all of us multi-core owners happy.

Temporary Fix:
In the end I found a post via Google on a forum (which I can't remember now) suggesting disabling multi-core cpu support. I did this via the in-game options menu and have not experienced a single crash. This has a downside to it though... I noticed a drop in FPS as a result. Everything else is ok but just seeing the dip in FPS kind of bothered me. Why can't this be fixed? Why can't I use the full power/capabilities of my CPU? Not cool Valve.

What's a bit odd about this whole situation is this... This is the FIRST time I have experienced freezes with audio looping. I had purchased Left 4 Dead at the time of the launch and have never had this happen before. Nothing has changed with my system configuration. The only thing which did change with L4D was the release of the L4D DLC update (4/21/2009). Something was altered in my opinion. To back this up, I have NEVER had issues with Team Fortress 2 with this laptop nor my previous Intel CoreDuo machine - and no, I did not disable multi-core support in the TF2 config file.

So, in the end, if you are starting to see freezes and audio loops with 'The Beast', you might want to disable multi-core cpu support in-game. Hopefully this will correct the issue for you... It did for me (at least I hope) :(

Windows 7 RC Released (7100.0.090421-1700)

By now, most will have jumped on the bandwagon and downloaded Windows 7 RC. I've secured my 64-bit and 32-bit ISOs for install later this week. I look forward to test driving this new OS. From what I've read, native driver support is receiving high marks as well as stability (Vista has been nothing but stable for me so I'd expect nothing less).

If you are interested and haven't grabbed the download yet, here is the linky:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx

A quick side note:

The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you’ll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010.

Once I have 64-bit installed, I'll post my findings. Enjoy the RC!

Intel Turbo Memory and Vista 64 - Revisited

Well, Intel released an updated Turbo Memory driver/installer last week. I have updated the Driver pages to reflect the new version.

I was a bit hesitant to give this new update a try. Back when I was running Vista 32-bit, the 1GB Intel Turbo Memory card did in fact make a difference. I saw reduced boot time and my startup items snapped open. When I made the move to Vista 64-bit I noticed a lag in boot and shutdown time. It was quite annoying to say the least. At first, I suspected it was my OS Install and ended up wiping the system and reinstalling Vista from scratch. Of course the issue was still present and after a few tries I decided to look elsewhere for the cause. I was finally able to pin it down to the Turbo Memory card.

After uninstalling Intel Turbo Memory and removing the card, I installed Intel Matrix Storage Manager. Boot time was faster than 32-bit!

So, fast forward to present day... I reinstalled the Turbo memory card and ran the updated Turbo Memory installer. For anyone who is doing this and has previously removed their Turbo Memory card, its ok to just run the installer - there is no need to uninstall your current version of Matrix Storage Manager as Turbo Memory has its own version of Matrix Storage Manager which it automatically installs.

After running the installer and rebooting the system - what did I find? Yes - the boot delay was back. Horrible. I decided to keep it installed and let it do its thing and build its little cache file. After a day of using it I finally decided to dump it all and go back to straight Intel Matrix Storage Manager v8.8.0.1009. Things are back to the norm.

Conclusion: Intel has quite a way to go with Intel Turbo Memory. I don't believe development will continue much longer as most systems today are quite capable of running 64-bit and typically ship with 4GB (or more) of memory. There just really isn't a need for it. Then again, I could be wrong. Who knows what Intel and Microsoft are working on ;)

Either way, Intel Turbo Memory is best left to those who are running 32-bit version of Vista. Anyone need a 1GB Intel Turbo Memory card? lol

NVIDIA FORCEWARE 185.81

Today NVIDIA posted their Beta version 185.81 driver. This driver supports GeForce 8M, 9M, 100M, and 200M-series notebook GPUs.

View the release notes HERE.

Driver Links:
Vista 64
Vista 32

I have updated the 32/64 bit Vista Driver Pages as well.

Notes:
With SLI enabled, PowerMizer does in fact downclock the GPUs based on load. I expected this since as of 185.66 NVIDIA seems to have worked this bug out.

Of note, while running the installer, Windows states the driver is not digitally signed. This was unexpected as NVIDIA and most only released signed drivers - no big deal though, just accept the warning and continue with driver install.

PhysX is a bit hosed with this installer (known issue) - IF you have an AGEIA card installed you will need to download and run the installer for 9.09.0408 (http://www.nvidia.com/object/physx_9.09.0408_whql.html). By default the 185.81 installer installs 9.09.0203. Once you download 9.09.0408 run the installer - it will uninstall the 9.09.0203 version. Rerun the 9.09.0408 installer to update PhysX. DO NOT UNINSTALL PHYSX via the Control Panel. If you do you will need to start all over and run the 8.09.04 installer (http://www.nvidia.com/object/physx_8.09.04_whql.html) then the 9.09.0408 installer.

3DMark06 scores are on par with the 185.66/185.68 drivers (actually with 185.81 I initially scored 200 points higher on the first run with PhysX and the AGEIA disabled - 11468 3DMarks). I haven't OC'd the GPUs yet - may do that later to run 3DMark06. As most will agree, in the end 3DMark06 is nothing more than a number - real world performance is what counts.

Left 4 Dead still exhibits the occasional freeze up with sound loop issue - however with 185.81 it is much less frequent. This bug presented itself right after the DLC/Survival Mode update. I don't count this as a hardware/nvidia issue - Valve needs to get on it and figure out what they did.

This driver is a keeper... If you haven't yet, give it a try!

Dell Diagnostics update - vA1354A01 released

Just a quick update to the 32/64 bit Driver Download lists. Dell has released vA1354A01 of their 32-bit diagnostics app.

Dell Diagnostics are designed to verify proper operation of the hardware in your system outside of a high level operating system environment. The packages in this release are designed to create bootable media from which to run these diagnostics. Both packages are capable of creating bootable USB flash drives, or CDs as well as a hard drive image file capable of being used for PXE booting or as a virtual media image with additional hardware and/or software. These packages are also capable of being used to update an existing diagnostic (utility) partition on a system supported by the package. Use CW1354A0.exe to create bootable media in Windows.

Bane-O's Dell Logo and Wing Color Mod for 'The Beast'

Ever wished you picked a different color for your M1730 when you ordered it? Have you wanted to mod the colors but hesitated when you realized you had to take it apart? Well, Bane-O over @ NBR posted a MOD Tutorial back in March and I just now came across it... *tisk*tisk*

Take a look and if you are game, give it a go...

The Beast and SLI with LV2Go's 185.66 driver

One thing has always bothered me about 'The Beast' since I first received it... When running in SLI mode, the GPU clocks stayed locked at 500Mhz/799Mhz. They would NEVER downclock based on load. I tried so many different drivers. Starting way back with the NVIDIA 175.19 driver, every driver released failed to activate NVIDIA's PowerMizer technology. I eventually gave up and since I am not a heavy gamer, I was resigned to keeping SLI disabled. With SLI disabled, PowerMizer worked. It was nice to see the GPU downclock based on load and the lower temps as a result.

Well, after almost a year and half, I am pleased to say I finally came across a driver where PowerMizer functioned correctly with SLI enabled. This was a surprise to say the least. Amazing to think I could actually keep my laptop in SLI mode and still reap the rewarding lower thermals.

The driver I am talking about is the 185.66 release which laptopvideo2go.com posted on April 3rd. This driver is the cream of the crop. Thanks to Pieter and his v3.291 modded .inf - it installs correctly and is nothing but a dream come true.

So here it is - performance:

Temps are amazing. Even with SLI enabled, HWMonitor is reporting a low of 44c and a current of 45c with a max of 60c for the GPUs. CPU temps are a low of 26c, current of 29c and a max of 45c.

GPU-Z is reporting current GPU clocks @ 200Mhz on the core and 100Mhz on the memory. Prior to this driver they were always locked at 500Mhz Core / 799Mhz Memory while in SLI.

Image Quality is EXCELLENT. I have done a few test runs in Left 4 Dead and TF2. No problems found.

With that being said, I have to give this driver thumbs up! Pieter over @ laptopvideo2go is a genius. Granted, this might be a fix NVIDIA finally rolled out - or its in the way Pieter set up the .inf file. I don't know - and quite frankly I don't care. All I know is this driver is the one you should be using if you own 'The Beast' and are running 8800M GTX SLI.

You can grab the necessary files from LV2go (Be sure to download the driver AND the modded .inf file)...

Vista 32

Vista 64

To install, use the following process:

1. Extract driver to the desktop
2. Copy the modded .inf file to the extracted driver folder on desktop. You will be prompted to overwrite – select yes.
3. Uninstall current driver via control panel.
4. Reboot into safe mode
5. Run DriverSweeper and CCleaner (Registry Cleaner), reboot
6. Run 185.66 setup file

Enjoy everyone!

Additional Notes:
Ambient Occlusion is enabled with this driver - for more info on Ambient Occlusion, see this LINK

Apparently this driver has major issues with Counterstrike: Source. So those of you who are CSS fans - you will not be happy with this. From what I've read, you get a complete black screen and thats it... ouch. Wait until the WHQL is released.

Remapping the Dell MediaDirect Button

Have you ever wanted to take control of the Dell MediaDirect button and have it launch another application? Perhaps turn off the LCD when pressed? How about launch your default browser and load your favorite website? Well, now you can do just this.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

This modification requires that QUICKSET be installed on the system. Quickset provides the necessary Registry entries and functionality.

Tested and verified compatible with MediaDirect 3.5, MediaDirect 4.0 and Quickset v8.2.20+. This process has been confirmed to work with Vista 32 & 64 bit versions. Also confirmed to work under XP 64 and Windows 7 64.

BE AWARE, WE WILL BE EDITING THE REGISTRY. IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE OR CHANGE SOMETHING BY ACCIDENT, YOU CAN HOSE YOUR SYSTEM. BACK UP YOUR REGISTRY IF YOU FEEL THE NEED. IF YOU DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE, STOP NOW. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU MUCK UP YOUR OS INSTALLATION.

EDITING THE REGISTRY
Let’s get started:

The first step is to modify (or create) the registry entries that handle the MediaDirect button. Open REGEDIT via the RUN command (type REGEDIT). This will launch the REGISTRY EDITOR.

Find the following keys...

HKey_Local_Machine\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\MobilePC\HotStartButtons\0

HKey_Local_Machine\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet001\Control\MobilePC\HotStartButtons\0

HKey_Local_Machine\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet002\Control\MobilePC\HotStartButtons\0

HKey_Local_Machine\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet003\Control\MobilePC\HotStartButtons\0

Note: You may not have an entry for ControlSet003 - if not, don't worry. Just proceed.

For each of these keys, there is an Application Path entry. This is the entry you will need to modify.

When looking at it, it will look like this:

"C:\Program Files\Dell\MediaDirect\MDirect.exe"

In order to remap it to launch another application, just edit the path to whatever application you want. So, for example:

To map it to launch Windows Media Center, you would change the path to: "C:\Windows\ehome\ehshell.exe"

You now have the process to change the mapping to any application you have. Just point the application path to the application you want the button to launch. Remember to leave in the quotes.

NOTE: After modifying the registry, you will need to reboot for your changes to take effect.

OTHER FUNCTIONS
Several people have expressed interest inhaving the MediaDirect button power off the LCD when pressed. In order to do this, use the following process:

Download TurnOffLCDv101.zip. This is a small 85kb Freeware application. Thanks to Taimur Asad for writing this AWESOME little application.

Extract the file you downloaded and move it to the root level of your C: Drive. To keep things neat and tidy, rename the application to 'TurnOffLCD'.

When editing the registry, you would change the Application Path key to: "C:\TurnOffLCD.exe"

Close regedit and reboot your system

That’s it! After your reboot is complete, depressing the MediaDirect button will turn off the LCD. Moving the mouse or pressing a keyboard key will power on the LCD.

LOCK YOUR LAPTOP
So, for Lock Workstation you would:

Right-click an empty space on your desktop, point at New, and then select Shortcut from the context menu

Type rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation in the location field and then press Next

Type the name of the shortcut in the name box ("LockWorkstation")

Click Finish to create the shortcut. To keep the desktop clean and free of clutter, move the newly created shortcut to the root level of your C: drive.

Now, in the Application Path of the registry edit process, change it to point to your LockWorkstation shortcut:

"C:\LockWorkstation"

Close regedit and reboot your system

Pressing the MediaDirect button will now lock your laptop. Granted it’s probably just as fast to use the keyboard shortcut (Windows Key+L), but some people may find it useful.

POWER OFF LCD AND LOCK WORKSTATION:
How about locking and turning off the LCD by just pushing the button?

First we will need to create a batch file. This is very simple to do. Open NotePad and type the following:

@echo off
start C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation
PING 127.0.0.1 -n 3
start C:\TurnOffLCD.exe

Save the file as 'TurnOffLCDandLock.bat' - BE SURE TO CHANGE THE FILE TYPE to: All Files or it wont save properly. Save the file to the root level of the C: drive.

Be sure that The TurnOffLCD application is named 'TURNOFFLCD' its located at the root level of the C: drive.

Edit your Current Control Set registry entries as explained above to point to the TurnOffLCDandLock.bat file you created in Step 1.

"C:\TurnOffLCDandLock.bat"

Reboot and depress the MediaDirect button - your workstation should lock then 3 seconds later the LCD will power off.

SHUTDOWN
As before, create a new shortcut, but instead use the following to create a "SHUTDOWN shortcut" which will force all open applications to close and the system to shutdown when the button is pressed:

Shutdown.exe -s -t 00

or to give the system 30 seconds, use this:

Shutdown.exe -s

SLEEP/SUSPEND
For SLEEP, try:

Rundll32.exe Powrprof.dll,SetSuspendState Sleep

HIBERNATE
For HIBERNATE, try:

Rundll32.exe Powrprof.dll,SetSuspendState Hibernate

WEBSITES AND DOCUMENTS
For Website or Document shortcuts just follow the same procedure. Right Click on the desktop and create your shortcut. You could even link to a .wav or .mp3. Anything is possible. ;)

Remember, once you have identified the shortcut/application/file you want to link the button to, just go into the registry as before and change the Application Path.

Kind of cool, huh? Well, that's about it for remapping the Dell MediaDirect button.

Updating your Video Driver - The Right Way (VISTA)

Properly Removing the NVIDIA Driver

NOTE: This is for Vista ONLY.

So you want to update your NVIDIA driver? In order to facilitate a clean install you will want to remove all traces of your old driver prior to installing the new one. This includes registry keys (Don't worry, you won't be manually editing the registry). So let's go over this simple but effective 2 step procedure.

Prerequisites
We want to completely remove all traces of the old driver install. To do this, we will be using two freeware applications. If you don't already use these, download them and install.

Download CCleaner
Download DriverSweeper

In addition to the two programs, we also need to disable Vista's automatic driver install which is enabled by default. It's rather annoying and I actually prefer having control over the OS ;). By disabling this function, Vista will no longer automatically install a driver for a newly installed device it detects. Instead, it will prompt you to take action. A dialog box will appear asking you if you want Vista to search online for a driver, search its driver store or insert a disk. This is much better and essential to properly installing a device driver.

So, let's get started:

1. Open the 'System' control panel
2. On the left side of the System control panel window, select 'Advanced System Settings'
3. Click on the 'Hardware Tab'
4. Click the 'Windows Update Driver Settings' button
5. Choose the middle option, 'Ask me each time I connect a new device before checking for drivers'. Select OK and close the System Properties window and then close the System control panel. That's it.

Step 1 - Uninstalling the Current Driver

Open the Programs and Features Control Panel (Windows Vista) or Add/Remove Programs Control Panel (Windows XP).

Find the entry titled NVIDIA Drivers **NOTE: DO NOT uninstall your PhysX Driver. If you do, you will have to reinstall PhysX completely. Starting with the 8.09 release. PhysX updates are meant to be applied OVER the existing version installed.

Highlight it (NVIDIA DRIVERS) and select Uninstall.

Windows will ask you to confirm the uninstall, select Yes.

Windows will then prompt you to restart your system.

Reboot Windows into Safe Mode. To boot into Safe Mode: As the system is rebooting and after the BIOS screen is visible, repeatedly press the F8 key. This will bring you to the Windows boot options. Choose the option to boot into Safe Mode.

Step 2 - Removing All Traces

Now that you are in Safe Mode, launch DriverSweeper. Check the NVIDIA Display checkbox ONLY (DO NOT UNINSTALL THE PHYSX DRIVERS). Select Analyze. Select Clean. This will remove most, if not all of the traces of the NVIDIA driver left over from uninstalling via the control panel. You can now exit out of DriverSweeper.

Launch CCleaner and then Select the Registry button on the left side of the CCleaner main window. Select Scan for Issues. If any issues are detected, Select Fix Issues. You will be prompted to backup the changes CCleaner is about to make. If you feel the need, do so. Once the process completes, close CCleaner and REBOOT your system.

After rebooting, proceed with your new Driver Install.

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HAVE DISK Install Method (Can be used to install NVIDIA Desktop drivers, LV2Go drivers that do not have a modded .inf file or other devices you need to manually update)

1. Run the installer for your driver and let it extract the necessary files. If you are prompted for a location, I suggest saving them to a new folder on the desktop so you can locate them easier - you can always move them later. After the installer has extracted the driver files it may attempt to install them automatically. That's ok since it will not be able to install due to a missing entry in the driver .inf file. This is where the 'Have Disk' method comes into play.

2. Next, open up Device Manager (you can open the Run command via the Start Menu and type in 'mmc devmgmt.msc' - this will launch the Device Manager window.

3. Under 'Display Adapters' you will see an entry for 'Standard VGA Adapter'. Double Click on this to open the Properties window.

4. Go to Driver tab and select Update Driver.

5. Select 'Browse my computer for driver software'.

6. Select 'Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer'.

7. Select 'Have Disk'

8. Select 'Browse' and navigate to the extracted driver files. Double click on the .inf file.

9. You should now see the name of your device in the list. Highlight it and Click Next to continue.

10. Windows may ask for your approval to install the driver. Select 'Install this driver software anyway'.

11. Once installed, you will be prompted to reboot. If you have an SLI system, DO NOT REBOOT yet. You will need to repeat steps 1-9 for your second GPU. Look in the main Device Manager window and there should be an entry for 'UNKNOWN DEVICE' in the Other Devices category. Repeat steps 1-9 for the UNKNOWN DEVICE. Once done, Reboot and enjoy!

XPS M1730 Vista Drivers (64-bit)

Listed here you will find the most current available drivers specifically for use with the XPS M1730.

For XP Drivers, you can use the same list of devices, just perform your own Google search for the XP driver.


Intel PM965 Chipset
Intel Chipset INF Installer v9.1.1.1019, Last Updated 09/07/2009

Intel® Turbo Memory w/ Intel Matrix Storage Manager
It is not necessary to install the Intel Matrix Storage Manager separately. It is included with the Turbo Memory installer. If using a Turbo Memory card, this is the driver you should install.
v1.10.0.1012, Last Updated: 08/17/2009

Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager
Only use this installer if you do not have an Intel Turbo Memory card installed.
v8.9.0.1023, Last Updated: 07/18/2009

RICOH R5C833 Card Reader
v3.62.02 A00, Last Updated: 10/06/2009

Ageia PhysX Card
v9.09.0814, Last Updated: 08/14/2009
v8.09.04
Note: DO NOT uninstall previous version. NVIDIA PhysX software should be installed over your existing install (for it to function correctly with the AGEIA card installed in the M1730). **FOR NEW/CLEAN INSTALLS ONLY: First install v8.09.04. AFTER installing v8.09.04, install the current version.

NVIDIA Geforce 8700M/8800M/9800M FORCEWARE DRIVERS
NVIDIA Notebook Drivers Landing Page

Dell NVIDIA Notebook Driver
v186.24, Last Updated: 07/21/2009

Network Interface Card
Broadcom 57XX Gigabit Integrated Controller (Device ID = NetXtreme 5754M)
Download via Broadcom's NetXtreme Desktop Driver Page (just select your OS)

Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 3 - Diagnostics Utility
Ins v11.31.04 BACS v11.2.6 A00, Last Updated: 8/15/2008

Audio Adapter
SIGMATEL STAC 92XX C-Major HD Audio
v6.10.0.5866 A04, Last Updated: 10/22/2008

Wireless Network Card
Dell Multi-Device Driver for Dell 1390, 1395, 1490, 1505 Wireless Cards
v4.170.77.3/4.170.77.18 A22, Last Updated: 11/20/2008

Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG / 4965AGN Wireless Cards
v12.4.3.9, Last Updated: 07/18/2009

Logitech Gaming LCD Display
LOGITECH GamePanel Installer v3.03.133, Last Updated: 10/06/2009

Touchpad, Webcam, Quickset
Synaptics TouchPad
v13.0.6.0 A01, Last Updated: 07/28/2009

Creative Labs Laptop Integrated Webcam
vPRC2.0 A04, Last Updated: 04/28/2009

Dell Quickset
Version 9.2.13 and higher of Quickset runs as a Local Machine Process - no longer a startup item :) You will also have the new style volume/screen brightness on-screen indicators and Dell Extended Battery Life option. To utilize this new version, we have to do a few things before running the installer. In order to still access your lid backlight and touchpad/speaker leds, you need to have the following Quickset versions installed, in the following order (very important - install over the existing version). So, without further delay, here is the correct order...

v8.2.20 A09, Last Updated: 03/27/2008
v9.0.12 A00, Last Updated: 06/26/2008

Once these are installed, run the installer for v9.2.13. When running this version's installer, you may be prompted to customize install, if so be sure to select Custom Install and set it to not install keyboard backlighting. The module for backlighting is written for the Studio line and not the XPS M1730. Don't worry, your backlighting will still work as normal. With this version, you will have the new style volume and screen brightness popups - much better than the old style. and it will run as a Local Machine process.

v9.2.13 A05, Last Updated: 01/09/2009

Next, download and run the installer for 9.4.6. You will be prompted to upgrade Quickset, select OK/Continue.

v9.4.6 A00, Last Updated: 06/11/2009

v9.6.6 A00, Last Updated: 08/16/2009 - INITIAL WIN7 RELEASE

Bluetooth Module
Dell Wireless 350/355/365/370 Bluetooth Modules
v6.2.0.9600 A18-1, Last Updated: 09/23/2009

Wireless Mobile Broadband
Due to the number of different models, check the Dell Communications Driver List for the most recent drivers specific to your Mobile Broadband card.

Dell Dock
Dell Dock

Dell Video Chat
Dell Video Chat by SightSpeed

Dell Diagnostics with MpMemory
vA1355A0, Last Updated: 05/15/2009

Intel Turbo Memory and Vista 64

So I have a 1GB Turbo Memory module which came with my M1730. Even though many have slammed Intel's Turbo Memory technology, I never had any issues with Vista 32 and I did notice a slight speed up with boot time.

Last week I switched over to 64-bit Vista and experienced a couple of snags resulting in two failed attempts at install (no, I wasn't using a slip-streamed install disc). I was finally able to update to SP1 with no glitches and all drivers installed fine. I did however notice a very long delay with boot time and just lag in general.

After a couple of days of trouble shooting I was able to narrow it down and I came to the conclusion that Intel Turbo Memory just does not play nice with Vista 64. After uninstalling and then installing just Intel Matrix Storage Manager the lag was gone and boot time was acceptable.

I'm hesitant to reinstall the chip (yes, I physically removed it from the system). I might consider it when Intel updates the Turbo Memory installer again. We shall see...

XPS M1730 Vista Drivers (32-bit)

Listed here you will find the most current available drivers specifically for use with the XPS M1730.

For XP Drivers, you can use the same list of devices, just perform your own Google search for the XP driver.


Intel PM965 Chipset
Intel Chipset INF Installer v9.1.1.1019, Last Updated 09/07/2009

Intel® Turbo Memory w/ Intel Matrix Storage Manager
It is not necessary to install the Intel Matrix Storage Manager separately. It is included with the Turbo Memory installer. If using a Turbo Memory card, this is the driver you should install.
v1.10.0.1012, Last Updated: 08/17/2009

Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager
Only use this installer if you do not have an Intel Turbo Memory card installed.
v8.9.0.1023, Last Updated: 07/18/2009

RICOH R5C833 Card Reader
v3.62.02 A00, Last Updated: 10/06/2009

Ageia PhysX Card
v9.09.0814, Last Updated: 08/14/2009
v8.09.04
Note: DO NOT uninstall previous version. NVIDIA PhysX software should be installed over your existing install (for it to function correctly with the AGEIA card installed in the M1730). **FOR NEW/CLEAN INSTALLS ONLY: First install v8.09.04. AFTER installing v8.09.04, install the current version.

NVIDIA Geforce 8700M/8800M/9800M FORCEWARE DRIVERS
NVIDIA Notebook Drivers Landing Page

Dell NVIDIA Notebook Driver
v186.24, Last Updated: 07/21/2009

Network Interface Card
Broadcom 57XX Gigabit Integrated Controller (Device ID = NetXtreme 5754M)
Download via Broadcom's NetXtreme Desktop Driver Page (just select your OS)

Broadcom Advanced Control Suite 3 - Diagnostics Utility
Ins v11.31.04 BACS v11.2.6 A00, Last Updated: 8/15/2008

Audio Adapter
SIGMATEL STAC 92XX C-Major HD Audio
v6.10.0.5866 A04, Last Updated: 10/22/2008

Wireless Network Card
Dell Multi-Device Driver for Dell 1390, 1395, 1490, 1505 Wireless Cards
v4.170.77.3/4.170.77.18 A22, Last Updated: 11/20/2008

Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG / 4965AGN Wireless Cards
v12.4.3.9, Last Updated: 07/18/2009

Logitech Gaming LCD Display
LOGITECH GamePanel Installer v3.03.133, Last Updated: 10/06/2009

Touchpad, Webcam, Quickset
Synaptics TouchPad
v13.0.6.0 A01, Last Updated: 07/28/2009

Creative Labs Laptop Integrated Webcam
vPRC2.0 A04, Last Updated: 04/28/2009

Dell Quickset
Version 9.2.13 and higher of Quickset runs as a Local Machine Process - no longer a startup item :) You will also have the new style volume/screen brightness on-screen indicators and Dell Extended Battery Life option. To utilize this new version, we have to do a few things before running the installer. In order to still access your lid backlight and touchpad/speaker leds, you need to have the following Quickset versions installed, in the following order (very important - install over the existing version). So, without further delay, here is the correct order...

v8.2.20 A09, Last Updated: 03/27/2008
v9.0.10 A02, Last Updated: 06/26/2008

Once these are installed, run the installer for v9.2.13. When running this version's installer, you may be prompted to customize install, if so be sure to select Custom Install and set it to not install keyboard backlighting. The module for backlighting is written for the Studio line and not the XPS M1730. Don't worry, your backlighting will still work as normal. With this version, you will have the new style volume and screen brightness popups - much better than the old style. and it will run as a Local Machine process.

v9.2.13 A05, Last Updated: 01/13/2009

Next, download and run the installer for 9.4.6. You will be prompted to upgrade Quickset, select OK/Continue.

v9.4.6 A00, Last Updated: 06/11/2009

Bluetooth Module
Dell Wireless 350/355/365/370 Bluetooth Modules
v6.2.0.9600 A18-1, Last Updated: 09/23/2009

Wireless Mobile Broadband
Due to the number of different models, check the Dell Communications Driver List for the most recent drivers specific to your Mobile Broadband card.

Dell Dock
Dell Dock

Dell Video Chat
Dell Video Chat by SightSpeed

Dell Diagnostics with MpMemory
vA1355A0, Last Updated: 05/15/2009