AlienWare

MsWindows-based hardware brand with a focus on Computer Game playing.

Bought by Dell Computer in 2006.

=== Number One Son's Lap Top: M17X-R4 bought Jul'2012 ===

Had some big virus problem early 2013 (Jan07 MyTechGurus $70) where we paid some 3rd party to do a bunch of stuff remotely for an entire day to clean it up.

==== Aug'2013: running "wrong graphics card"? ====

Seems to be running: "Intel HD Graphics 4000"

Also has choice for "AMD Radeon HD 7970M" - tried switching to that, but when launched a game it wouldn't run because of a rendering issue.

But specs say it should have the "2GB GDDR5 NVIDIA Ge Force GTX 680M"

Sounds like he just needs to install the NVIDIA drivers again.

Grr won't install: "could not find compatible graphics hardware".

Un-install the Radeon - still can't install NVIDIA. And now games won't run.

And if he enters the "ServiceTag" from the bottom of his computer, the NVIDIA driver isn't even listed!

Per this will update the Intel drivers first, then try the NVIDIA. (Then try [the](http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/KCS/KcsArticles/Article View?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&docid=266787) "hardware diagnostics"?)

• after Intel, still can't install NVIDIA

Trying the "analyze system for updates" link on Dell/AlienWare site. It gives him 5 things to download including Chipset stuff. So doing that.

• nothing seems to be happening, and time is running short for the day. So kill that, go reinstall the Radeon driver. Now at least games are playable...

Update: he called Dell tech-support, and

• updated sound drivers, so audio worked
• discovered he had somehow shut off his webcam - once he turned it back on it was fine
• graphics-speed issue was that he had something set to save energy, so games were using lower power video