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in the next few days and checking versions against current versions offered by Dell and updating ones which I find out of date.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