[Guide] Dell Inspiron 15 7559 (skylake)

[RehabMan]

Installed everything to /L/E, and I've let my laptop sit for a while. Here's my debug files and where my clover gets stuck. Same problem, won't startup on cold boot.

EDIT: I figured that I have a similar problem with this thread (https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/dell-7559-high-sierra-stuck-booting-bios-1-2-7.252457/), but it didn't get resolved. However my BIOS version is 1.2.9, and "Load Legacy Option ROM" is already enabled.

This setup looks ok. Probably a BIOS setting/BIOS issue.

 

[frenze31]

This setup looks ok. Probably a BIOS setting/BIOS issue.

I really guess this is a BIOS issue. This hasn't happened before (BIOS version 1.2.1). I still don't get why it refuses to cold boot on Mac but works fine with Windows.

 

[jcarcinogen]

I really guess this is a BIOS issue. This hasn't happened before (BIOS version 1.2.1). I still don't get why it refuses to cold boot on Mac but works fine with Windows.

- Press F12 on boot screen and under other options disable Pheriperial Device Setting (OPROM Setting)

 

[alessioandreetto]

Same problem and if enable/disable OPROM pheriperal Device setting do same problem ....


Sorry forse my english

 

[frenze31]

- Press F12 on boot screen and under other options disable Pheriperial Device Setting (OPROM Setting)

Problem worsened, MacOS didn't boot at all. I re enabled the OPROM setting. Still no boot when cold boot.

EDIT:

Upon trying multiple BIOS versions (thank you Dell for allowing users to downgrade BIOS), v1.2.4 works best for cold/warm boot. I think everything broke starting from v1.2.5 (it stopped booting normally when I've flashed to 1.2.5). Here's the change log for 1.2.5:

Fixes & Enhancements
[Fixes]
- Fixed an issue with UEFI variable default value handing.
- Fixed a potential issue with early OROM loading.
- Fixed an issue with SPI flash command configuration.
[Enhancements]
- Updated chipset SPI flash configuration.


I also found this thread, which mentions the same problem: https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/dell-7559-bios-1-2-7-update.242143

I believe that one or more of this 'fixes' broke UEFI and made booting a hard time. Maybe it can be solved by another EFI implementation? I don't know.

 

[liberace.desire]

how to fix this problem, before i wrote, that i get just a black screen after i press to load MacOS, i delete some broken kext's that i put in EFI and now its loading till here only, whats else wrong

 

[RehabMan]

how to fix this problem, before i wrote, that i get just a black screen after i press to load MacOS, i delete some broken kext's that i put in EFI and now its loading till here only, whats else wrong

No "Problem Reporting" files attached.
Read FAQ, "Problem Reporting" again. Carefully. Attach all requested files/output.
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/faq-read-first-laptop-frequent-questions.164990/
Use the gen_debug.sh tool mentioned in the FAQ, that way it is less likely you'll omit something.

Use an invalid ig-platform-id if necessary to collect all PR files with gen_debug.sh.

 

[liberace.desire]

No "Problem Reporting" files attached.
Read FAQ, "Problem Reporting" again. Carefully. Attach all requested files/output.
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/faq-read-first-laptop-frequent-questions.164990/
Use the gen_debug.sh tool mentioned in the FAQ, that way it is less likely you'll omit something.

Use an invalid ig-platform-id if necessary to collect all PR files with gen_debug.sh.

i fix it by fresh install, i think i destroy smth with my stupid idea to combine voodooops2controller and another driver for trackpad...
p.s. its available alterrnatives for voodooops2controller or no? because i dont have trackpad pref panel in settings (it is trying to find bluetooth trackpad) as well no gestures at all with this driver, everytime i write something its interrupting trackpad and moving cursor its nightmare, maybe i have done something wrong, because like i understand most of the people satisfied with this kext and have another experience?!
p.s.s. is it safe to update to 14.01?
1. can somebody please check my report files because my jack is not working, as i put headphones, in sound prefs its written but no audio in headphones
2. and about trackpad prefs, why i still dont have them?
3. as i reboot, in 50% booting 1st i get panic and second i successfully load macos, in this files i had it, why this happening?

 

[RehabMan]

i fix it by fresh install, i think i destroy smth with my stupid idea to combine voodooops2controller and another driver for trackpad...
p.s. its available alterrnatives for voodooops2controller or no? because i dont have trackpad pref panel in settings (it is trying to find bluetooth trackpad) as well no gestures at all with this driver, everytime i write something its interrupting trackpad and moving cursor its nightmare, maybe i have done something wrong, because like i understand most of the people satisfied with this kext and have another experience?!
p.s.s. is it safe to update to 14.01?
1. can somebody please check my report files because my jack is not working, as i put headphones, in sound prefs its written but no audio in headphones
2. and about trackpad prefs, why i still dont have them?
3. as i reboot, in 50% booting 1st i get panic and second i successfully load macos, in this files i had it, why this happening?

Your trackpad is likely ALPS. Look for PS2 kexts specifically for ALPS. Do not install multiple PS2 kexts.

For headphones, try with CodecCommander.kext. Don't forget to install/try each of the SSDTs for ALC256 that are in the CodecCommander repo.

No trackpad prefs because you're getting only mouse emulation with the PS2 kext you're using (as it has no support for ALPS).

Your kextcache output proves kexts are not installed correctly.
All kexts you need must be installed to the system volume.
Read post #2 of the Clover guide for details:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/guide-booting-the-os-x-installer-on-laptops-with-clover.148093/

 

[alessioandreetto]

What is xxx patches? In step 7b

This is a continuation of a guide from the sierra section updated for mojave.

v2:
- Removed VerbStub
- added SSDT-ALC256.aml and codec commander to address the combo jack.

Mojave v1:
- Updated the kexts, now using whatevergreen, applealc, and VerbStub.
- Added sdcard kext.

Not yet working:

• Stock Wi-fi
• Nvidia Optimus

Prerequisites:

BCM94352Z NGFF WiFi card for wifi. (Clover config includes a patch)

Most recent BIOS 1.2.9 is compatible. BIOS Settings need to be as follows:
- Restore BIOS defaults
- AHCI mode should be selected under SATA
- Disable VT for direct I/O
- Advanced Battery Charging should be disabled
- Secure boot should be disabled
- turn off SupportAssist System Resolution (this will disable the occasional hardware check that prevents booting)
- Firmware TPM should be disabled.
- Load Legacy Option Rom (Enables Clover to show on external display)
- Save the settings and reboot
- Press F12 on boot screen and under other options disable Pheriperial Device Setting (OPROM Setting)

Note: If it’s disabled you shouldn’t see any Legacy options under “F12 screen”

Create the USB Installer (16gb or larger required):

1. Download Mojave via the Mac App Store

2. Use the createinstallmedia method to create a usb installer:

- Format your usb drive

diskutil partitionDisk /dev/*YOUR DISK* GPT JHFS+ MojaveInstallUSB 0b

- Install the installer to it

sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Mojave.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MojaveInstallUSB --nointeraction

3. Install Clover using option "Install for UEFI booting only" and choose Use AptioMemoryFix-64.efi for UEFI drivers.

4. While the usb drive's EFI partition is mounted (or use EFI Mounter), replace the config.plist in the EFI>CLOVER file with the one in the mojavefiles/usb folder and put HFSPLUS.efi and apfs.efi driver into the drivers64UEFI folder. place the kexts from "mojavefiles>usb>cloverkexts" to EFI>CLOVER>kexts>Other. Open the EFI>CLOVER>kexts folder and delete all the folders but NOT the the "Other" one.

5. Place the mojavefiles folder onto the usb drive.

6. Boot from the usb drive by pressing f12 at boot. When clover comes up choose the mojave installer. UHD display variants add the bootflag "-cdfon" to the config.plist! Otherwise you won't be able to boot.

7. Use Disk Utility to erase/format (apfs) your disk or partition for OS X then install to it. It will take about 20 minutes.

Post Install

1. f12 at boot and choose the usb drive again to load clover and choose the partition you just installed to. It will continue installing then reboot. UHD display variants add the bootflag "-cdfon" to the config.plist.

2. f12 at boot again and choose the usb drive again to load clover then choose the OSX install on the hard drive when clover comes on.

3. Install Clover using option "Install for UEFI booting only" and choose Use AptioMemoryFix-64.efi for UEFI drivers.

4. While the hd's EFI folder (or use EFI Mounter) is mounted open it up in finder and go to EFI>CLOVER and replace the config.plist with the one from the mojavefiles/desktop folder. Open the EFI>CLOVER>kexts folder and delete all the folders but NOT the the "Other" one. place the kexts from the "mojavefiles>desktop>cloverkexts" folder in there. Copy HFSPLUS.efi and apfs.efi driver from the mojavefiles into the CLOVER>drivers64UEFI folder.

5a. Use Kextbeast to install the kexts in the mojavefiles>desktop>systemkexts folder to /Library/Extensions.

6. Rebuild kernel cache.

sudo kextcache -i /

7a) Patching DSDT

- Turn on your laptop and press f12 boot the Clover bootloader.

- Highlight the OS X disk and press “F4” to generate the native ACPI files. (Note: You won’t see anything while pressing F4 - the files are generated silently)

- Boot OS X and mount EFI partition with Clover Configurator

- Go to “EFI/Clover/ACPI/” and copy the “origin” folder you just created to your desktop

- Delete all files from the folder on your desktop that doesn’t start with DSDT or SSDT

- Copy “mojavefiles/refs.txt” into this folder

- Open terminal and run this command to instal iasl (password will be prompted)

cd ~/Desktop/mojavefiles
sudo cp iasl /usr/bin

- Copy the code below into the terminal to disassemble those files into the form we can edit (use your account name in the code)

cd ~/Desktop/origin
iasl -da -dl -fe refs.txt *.aml

--> This command will create “**DT.dsl” files in the origin folder

7b) DSDT Patching

- Place mojavefiles/MaciASL.app into your Applications folder

- Open DSDT.dsl (from your origin folder) in MaciASL

Note: Now we are going to edit this file and compile it back again to use it to load with your system later. It is really important that you don’t make mistake here. You can click on “Compile” to check if you extracted the DSL files correctly. Warnings don't matter but errors do. If you got an error here it means you disassembled the files wrong. Now there are many patches which we are going to apply. After each one you can click on “Compile” to check for errors.

- Search (cmd+f) for ‘HECI’ and replace all with ‘IMEI’

- Search for ‘HDAS’ and replace all with ‘HDEF’

- Click on Patch and apply the following patches. Apply then close one at a time in this order:

• 
  
  
  • [syn] Rename _DSM methods to XDSM
  • XXX
  • [Audio] Audio Layout 3
  • [bat] Dell Inspiron 15-7xxx
  • [sys] Fix _WAK Arg0 v2 (may not be necessary after 10.12.2)
  • [sys] Fix Mutex with non-zero SyncLevel
  • [sys] HPET Fix
  • [sys] IRQ fix
  • [sys] RTC Fix
  • [sys] Skylake LPC
  • [sys] SMBUS Fix
  • [usb] USB3_PRW 0x6D Skylake

To make the headphone combo jack work properly we need to use the audio layout-id 13 instead of the Layout 3 from the patch we used earlier. Search for "layout" and change the 3 to 13.

Click Compile and if you have any errors (warnings don’t matter) try again. If you get syntax error on external lines with "Warning: Unknown object", delete the lines. Save the file by choosing "save as": DSDT.aml in a new folder on desktop called “SSDTs” and file format: ACPI Machine Language Binary.

//disable nvidia for better battery (advised - needed for High Sierra)

Add these lines above the other External lines at the beginning:

External (_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP._PS3, MethodObj)
External (_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP._PS0, MethodObj)
External (_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP._OFF, MethodObj)
External (_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP._ON, MethodObj)
External (_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP.SGOF, MethodObj)
External (_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP.SGON, MethodObj)

Search for ‘_WAK’ and add these methods above Method (_WAK):

Method (M_ON, 0, NotSerialized)

    {
       If (CondRefOf (\_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP._ON))
       {
           \_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP._ON()
       }
       If (CondRefOf (\_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP._PS0))
       {
           \_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP._PS0()
       }
       If (CondRefOf (\_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP.SGON))
       {
           \_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP.SGON()
       }
    }

Method (M_OF, 0, NotSerialized)
    {
       If (CondRefOf (\_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP._OFF))
       {
           \_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP._OFF()
       }
       If (CondRefOf (\_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP._PS3))
       {
           \_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP._PS3()
       }
       If (CondRefOf (\_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP.SGOF))
       {
           \_SB_.PCI0.PEG0.PEGP.SGOF()
       }
    }

Add this line right after the opening bracket of Method (_WAK):

M_OF ()

Search for ‘_PTS’ and add this line right after the opening bracket of Method (_PTS):

M_ON ()

Search for the ’_INI’ where you find references of Linux and Windows. Add this line between Store (….) and If (…..(..)):

M_OF ()

//end of optional disabling of nvidia

DSDT.aml (patched)

SSDT-UIAC.aml (mojavefiles)

SSDT-PNLF.aml (mojavefiles)

- Open Clover Configurator (or efimounter) and mount internal EFI. Open EFI/Clover/ACPI/patched/ and place all your *.aml files here

- Open the EFI/Clover/config.plist with Clover Configurator. Go to the section SMBIOS and click the magic wand icon. Choose the MacBook icon and select MacBook 11,1 in the dropdown menu. Shake a few times with the Week and Unit until you find a Serial that’s not valid (means it isn’t used yet by an official Mac). You can check that here: Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support

Be sure that the names of the files in your EFI>CLOVER>ACPI>patched folder are correct in the Sorted Order part of Clover's config.plist.

8. Reboot.

9. Choose Clover To Be Your Default Boot Option

- Turn of your laptop and enter BIOS settings (Press F2 on boot)

- Go to Boot section and choose “Add Boot Option” —> Choose your system disk —> Navigate to “EFI/Clover” —> Choose “CLOVERX64.efi” and name it “CLOVER”

Extra

To correct the Alt and Cmd keys just swap the option and cmd modifier keys in the keyboard section in System Preferences.

View attachment 352657