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February 20th, 2025 23:50
XPS 730x, install Dell AlienFx and Thermal Application on non-Dell motherboard
so when motherboard is changed to non-Dell, the app would not install. I tried tricks to edit the DMI to make the mobo look like XPS 730x. It is too smart to be fooled. It says this application can only be installed on a Dell PC.
there are two known ways to control LED when the mobo is changed: use Nvidia ESA (written for Win 7, must have a Nvidia video card installed), open RGB.
although both methods had user positive report, I find those buggy. for open RGB I downloaded latest version. install error: missing multiple .dll. this was on a fresh clean Win 10.
ESA, equally bad. the Nvidia system monitor says "out of memory" or would not even open.
I found out there is a better and natural way. See update.
redxps630
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March 25th, 2025 19:54
Update: Installed ASUS X99 motherboard in XPS 730 case
save SMBCFG.exe on a bootable usb flash drive running MS-DOS (created using Rufus)
boot PC from usb to enter DOS mode
run SMBCFG in DOS
press F2
go to system tab, change
SM (manufacturer name) to DELL Inc.
SP (product name) to XPS 730X
go to baseboard tab, change
BM (manufacturer name) to DELL Inc.
press F10 to update
Alt-X to quit
now use a Dell desktop such as Inspiron 3847 to do a clean install of Win 11 24H2 on 2.5 ssd, then download / install NET3.0, then Dell AlienFx and Thermal monitor
move SSD to X99 board in 730 case, new motherboard connected to MCB by USB 2.0 cable
both AlienFx and Thermal monitor work perfectly as if the motherboard was Dell stock
(edited)
redxps630
9 Legend
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14.4K Posts
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February 20th, 2025 23:55
conclusion: Dell AlienFx would not allow install on non-Dell motherboard during installation, but it is perfectly all right to run and function after it is already installed. In run time It no longer checks whether PC is Dell or not.
PS AlienFx install needs NET 3.0 install as prerequisite.
(edited)
redxps630
9 Legend
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February 21st, 2025 00:06
Genuine Dell XPS 730X registry BIOS key:
---------------------------------------------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE\DESCRIPTION\System\BIOS]
"BiosMajorRelease"=dword:00000008
"BiosMinorRelease"=dword:0000000f
"ECFirmwareMajorRelease"=dword:000000ff
"ECFirmwareMinorRelease"=dword:000000ff
"BaseBoardManufacturer"="DELL Inc."
"BaseBoardProduct"="0P270J"
"BaseBoardVersion"="A00"
"BIOSReleaseDate"="07/16/2009"
"BIOSVendor"="DELL INC."
"BIOSVersion"="1.0.5"
"SystemFamily"="0"
"SystemManufacturer"="DELL Inc."
"SystemProductName"="XPS 730X"
"SystemSKU"="0"
"SystemVersion"="00"
---------------------------------------------
(edited)
redxps630
9 Legend
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February 22nd, 2025 23:56
you do not need to use Dell X58 motherboard to install AlienFx and Dell thermal monitor.
you just need is a Dell desktop pc.
I proved this by installing the two Dell apps in Optiplex 7010 MT running legacy BIOS. no error. after install I move the hdd back to 730X case with a non-Dell board running legacy BIOS with DMI modified to simulate XPS 730X.
result: both apps fully functional.
I also proved this using a Dell Inspiron 3847 running UEFI bios.
(edited)
redxps630
9 Legend
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February 23rd, 2025 00:05
I use SMBCFG to change two ASUS motherboard system and baseboard to look like XPS 730X.
after the DMI change, Windows 11 shows both as XPS 730X in settings>system
They were ASUS P6T Deluxe (X58 LGA1136) and ASUS P8Z77 (Z77 LGA1155)
both Dell AlienFx and Thermal monitor apps run without error
in summary, new motherboard must have DMI edited (SM SP BM) to run AlienFx and Dell thermal app.
Note: AlienFx installer refuses installation on non-Dell motherboard after SM SP BM tab change. this shows the AlienFx installer still checks for other motherboard info before proceed to installation. However as long as you install AlienFx on a Dell motherboard (can be any Dell desktop pc), it would proceed.
My suspicion is that AlienFx checks the BIOS tab of DMI. this tab can not be edited using SMBCFG. F10 would give DMI write error.
to bypass this, use a Dell desktop to install, then transplant the ssd.
PS
you could also use BIOS key registry edit trick to fool AlienFx and allow it to be installed on non-Dell motherboard. For this to work you would need a genuine copy of XPS 730X motherboard BIOS key.
(edited)
redxps630
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March 7th, 2025 18:52
one 730X user succeeded in using BIOS registry key trick to install
AlienFx and Dell thermal app.
Before the reg mod, I was unable to even install the applications.
After the reg mod I am able to install the applications.
I followed the registry mod instructions and I am unable to run Dell Thermal Monitor or AlienFX
(reason: this user did not edit new motherboard SM SP BM DMI)
As for the Dell Thermal application, I double click it and nothing happens.
As for the Alien FX, I see this error -
https://imgur.com/09FEA7b
Lastly, for the Alien Editor, it will load (with an error), although it is blank -
https://imgur.com/Hztmt5l
https://imgur.com/sIiVT9K
(edited)
redxps630
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March 29th, 2025 13:53
how to use BIOS key trick in registry edit
2) rename the above text file as 730XBIOS.reg (make sure the default .txt extension is replaced)
3) save it on a USB flash drive
3) Run Regedit.exe on Desktop (non-Dell board in 730X case)
4) Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE\DESCRIPTION\System\BIOS
5) Select BIOS key and right mouse click and select “Export” and save on selected drive call it “BIOS.reg” (backup copy of BIOS key)
6) Import “730XBIOS.reg” from your USB drive. The New Desktop BIOS key should have the same BIOS key as the genuine 730X desktop from step1
Keep Regedit running, don’t exit
7) Install AlienFx and Dell Thermal app
When complete select Reboot Later button on Install Page
8) 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.
9) REBOOT
(edited)
oniojio
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July 15th, 2025 19:26
@redxps630 can i install from happymod app on emulator & use applications smoothly on this dell pc with this specifications?
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