Dell Notebook System Software

Yes. Was the first thing I installed before the other drivers. The description they gave was enough to convince me that I needed it:

"...provides critical updates and patches for your operating system..."

*EDIT: The only things I havn't installed from the 9400/E1705 download page are:

Sonic Solutions DigitalMedia v7 - I wasn't sure what this was exactly... when I tried to install it it came back and said it could not find an existing or previous version fo the software and then it aborted the install. so I'm still not sure if I need that or what. But once my Application CD gets here from Dell I may try installing that again. Anyone know more about these and if I really need them or not?

Conexant Application - I installed the driver but I didn't feel the need to install the application. Partly because I just didn't want another useless service possibly eating up my valuable resources I don't plan to use the modem hardly ever anyways.

Dell 32-Bit Diagnostics (GUI versions & Partition Contents Upgrade Tool) - I don't know what these are exactly but they sounded like extras I didn't really want or need. Anyone else know more about these?

M-Systems Dell Memory Key - These are appearantly drivers that allow booting from Dells USB Memory keychains??? I don't have one so I didn't bother installing it.

Flash Bios Update - I figured I'd not try to flash the bios unless someone can give a good reason to do it. I didn't want to mess anything up.

I pretty much installed all the other stuff though from the 9400/E1705 download page with the exception of additional display device drivers

- Ben

Yes

Yes...
I have been deploying Dell laptops for years in a many corporate environments, and we always installed the Dell Notebook System Software... 1st thing after loading Windows. We have had laptops with issues if it is not installed. It installs many PSS only Microsoft patches (i.e. not available for general download) and other registry fixes. As mentioned before, open the "nss features matrix v31.xls" spreadsheet to find out what patches it installs for what model (extract the downloaded file using WinZip or similar) Here's info from Dell's own website...

What Order do Drivers Need to be Installed?"

1. Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) - A compilation of critical Microsoft updates.
2. Intel Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers.
3. Video Card - Enhances video performance.
4. Network Interface Card (NIC) - Enables and enhances the network controller.
5. Sound Card - Enables and enhances the audio controller.
6. Modem - Enables and enhances the modem.
7. Wireless Network Card - Enables and enhances the wireless network controller.
8. BlueTooth® Module - Enables and enhances the Bluetooth controller.
9. PCMCIA/Smartcard controller - Enables and enhances the PCMCIA/SmartCard controller.
10. Touch Pad/Track Stick/Pointer - Enhances the pointing device features.
11. Other - Other devices and peripherals such as printers and digital cameras that are connected to the computer.

Note : If you have a Latitude D620, D420, Inspiron 640 etc that use STAC HDA Audio, you must install the MS KB888111 (Modem) or KB835221 (Audio) patch before the ChipSet software or else the sound won't work. See the KB's from MS

I have not installed it and have not experienced any issues.

Q: where do i find NSS for an Inspiron 1721?
Have received 1 too many "access denied" from this D____d 'vista'os (which means view...i shudda seen it). am on my way back to XP.

I1721 - turion TL-58, 2 gig ram, 160 gig hdd, 17"wuxga true-life screen, radeon xpress 1270, pioneer 8x dvd-r/w, 355 bluetooth, 1490 wireless, an good ole VISTA HOME PREMIUM

try looking at support.dell.com

nother bloatware software from dell that phones out

Ended up using NSS from inspiron 1521. seems to work just fine. XP install went great using XP drivers from both 1521 and d531, mix & match, downloaded AMD/ATI driver for m690t/sb600 chipset directly from AMD. (Dell driver said it didn't recognize my chipset????) This baby is fast as 773H now, and stable. only problem was that i hit the media-direct button (not installed) and it trashed my boot section. had to re-install. be careful and good luck all.