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October 6th, 2024 21:26
Area-51 R2, command center with Windows 11, help
Recently embarked on an area 51 r2 build. I’m using a Gigabyte b450 wifi pro for this build. Working on a way to get the Command Center software to recognize the case lighting. I used the r2 bios registry in Registry Editor to mask my current BIOS while installing Command Center. Followed the video very closely and did everything exactly according to the video. The BIOS registry I made in a notes file and saved it as a .reg file. However at the very end when switching inside the FX software to "AlienFX", I get the "Object reference not set to an instance of an object" error message. I'm running windows 11, this video is from 6 years ago. Assuming Windows 7 or 8 at that time. Does anyone know about area 51/ older system compatibilities? I'd love to get the command center running and paired with the case lighting in Windows. Thank you to anyone who can help. Hoping there’s a way forward without reverting to windows 10 which is impractical.
redxps630
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October 6th, 2024 21:39
no need to watch video, simply follow the community instruction steps to install AWCC.
I do not recall any step at the very end switching inside the FX software to "AlienFX"
if you had a failed install, it may be better to do a clean OS install first then try clean install of AWCC
(edited)
redxps630
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October 6th, 2024 21:39
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE\DESCRIPTION\System\BIOS]
"BiosMajorRelease"=dword:00000005
"BiosMinorRelease"=dword:00000006
"ECFirmwareMajorRelease"=dword:0000000e
"ECFirmwareMinorRelease"=dword:00000007
"BaseBoardManufacturer"="Alienware"
"BaseBoardProduct"="0XJKKD"
"BaseBoardVersion"="A00"
"BIOSReleaseDate"="07/13/2015"
"BIOSVendor"="Alienware"
"BIOSVersion"="A03"
"SystemFamily"=""
"SystemManufacturer"="Alienware"
"SystemProductName"="Alienware Area-51 R2"
"SystemSKU"="064C"
"SystemVersion"=""
2) rename the above text file as R2BIOS.reg
3) save it on a portable flash drive
LET FUN BEGIN….
6) Run Regedit.exe on Desktop (non-Dell board in R2 case)
a. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE\DESCRIPTION\System\BIOS
b. Select BIOS key and right mouse click and select “Export” and save on selected drive call it “BIOS.reg” (backup copy of BIOS key)
7) Import “R2BIOS.reg” from your portable drive. The New Desktop BIOS key should have the same BIOS key as the AW desktop from step1 (compare as required by looking at the .reg file)
Keep Regedit running, don’t exit
9) Install AWCC
a. When complete (and if it has worked) select Reboot Later button on Install Page
10) Go to Regedit (important: Follow this Step if the install has failed)
a. Select “File” menu to replace back the original BIOS key. Select Import and select the “BIOS.reg” that you saved in previous step.
b. Check the Import go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE\DESCRIPTION\System\BIOS
c. Exit Regedit.
NOTE: You can select the reboot option as your system will place back the BIOS key based on the Motherboard you have in the system.
11) REBOOT
redxps630
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October 6th, 2024 21:43
AWCC for non-Dell board in A51 R2 case has been tested for Windows 10 and Windows 7.
I have not tested Windows 11. I think it is reasonable to use the oldest (not newest) compatible AWCC for Windows 10 in Win 11 environment and hope it works. contrary to common sense, the newer AWCC has more bugs and has more bloatware. You really only need the AlienFX editor exe inside the huge program folder to change color.
redxps630
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October 6th, 2024 21:52
Cass opinion:
"My guess is the best version for W11 is the latest/last 4.8.23 that was built w/ W10 in mind. "
"I said 4.8.23, I meant 4.8.25"
https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/alienware-desktops/area-51-r2-retail-motherboard-install-awcc-2/64f7457440359957a93d58cc?commentId=64f55a530571bd0cd63fc544?keyword=AWCC
(edited)
scripted_bev51
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October 6th, 2024 23:43
I will try this useful information tonight. Thank you It’s to my understanding that windows 11 is untested waters?
scripted_bev51
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October 6th, 2024 23:43
@redxps630 I’ll try both with a clean wipe of AWCC in between.
redxps630
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October 7th, 2024 00:22
correct in the sense that Dell validated AWCC for A51 R2 up to Windows 10 and bear in mind any AWCC on non-Dell motherboard is not validated by Dell.
I have tested two versions of AWCC on non-Alienware motherboard in R2 case:
the older is 4.0.38.0, A00
https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=jcygx
(edited)
scripted_bev51
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October 7th, 2024 06:19
@redxps630 Ran the install using both 4.0.38.0 and 4.0.59.0. Both have the same error message. What are the chances its Windows 11 issue/block? And if that's the case is it a waiting game for Windows 11 compatibility? Or a decision to keep it how it is or try it on a different operating system?
scripted_bev51
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October 7th, 2024 06:24
@redxps630 Still working on 4.8.23. I just can't seem to find that file. I'm not super software handy. I can get the job done but locating stuff sometimes takes a few!
scripted_bev51
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October 7th, 2024 06:28
@redxps630 4.8.23 "This installation package is not compatible with this platform"
redxps630
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October 7th, 2024 13:14
Which same error msg? If it is Object reference not set to an instance of an object, is that the same error when you run AlienFxeditor.exe?
if yes that is not issue of AWCC but the MIO and new mobo are not talking.
in that case run AlienFxtester.exe to confirm firmware is not detected
scripted_bev51
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October 7th, 2024 15:37
@redxps630 Will confirm after work today
scripted_bev51
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October 8th, 2024 02:39
@redxps630 Would you have any input on using side panels from r4/r5 on an r2? I have a beat up r4/5 that I was curious if the panels could be saved as a backup on. I tested and the led doesn’t power up. The r2 has led but it’s not adjustable due to my current issue. (Probably gonna downgrade to W10 and try again for that).
redxps630
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October 8th, 2024 04:18
r4/r5 side panels are identical to r2 afaik. nothing magical of the side panel. three small leds in center board which spread their light along three light ducts. they touch the chassis to receive power and signal. this is the same across all Dell A51. only difference in R5 is new chassis design and new MIO/FIO as well as hdd/U.2 ssd design.
Re: I tested and the led doesn’t power up. The r2 has led but it’s not adjustable due to my current issue.
I only have R2. some of my R2 side panel needs to popped open then closed again to turn on led after power on. it is like it needs a handshake with mobo to establish. I do not know how to explain better. this is certainly not the design of Dell for stock AW board.
scripted_bev51
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October 8th, 2024 15:46
@redxps630 I downgraded to windows 10. All is well. Case lighting works and is glorious. Am I just waiting for 11 compatibility? Or is 10 the end of the line? If so is it just a waiting game until 10 is cycled out and it becomes either case lighting or modern OS?