Updating Alienware AW3423DWF firmware on Linux using a Windows 10 VM inside VirtualBox
Alienware AW3423DWF support page only comes with a Windows executable for updating the monitor firmware. It does not seem to work with Wine currently, but it can be run using a Windows 10 VM inside VirtualBox.
VirtualBox
This is not a tutorial for installing VirtualBox. See a relevant wiki for your distribution, e.g. https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/VirtualBox for Arch.
That being said, here are some pitfalls to avoid during the process:
- Make sure to add yourself to the
vboxusers
group. Otherise VirtualBox won't be able to access USB devices. - Install the Guest Additions disc for easy file sharing from host.
- Install the Oracle Extension Pack for better USB support.
- Make sure to use a USB 3.0 (or above) port. 2.0 did not work for me.
Passing the monitor USB to the VM
You should have a working Windows 10 VM that you can copy files to at this point.
Connect the upstream USB-B from the monitor to your computer. Unplug any other USB passthrough devices plugged into the monitor.
Find the monitor identifier with lsusb
.
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In VirtualBox, go to the VM USB settings and enable and the USB 3.0 controller.
Add the monitor USB device to the filter list. Mine shows up as a Realtek HID device, just make sure the ID is the same as in lsusb
.
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Run the firmware updater inside the VM.
If your monitor isn't detected, something is probably wrong with your VirtualBox USB setup.
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Updating will take a few minutes and the monitor will reboot at the end.
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Profit.
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