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Clean install driver questions

post #1 of 10
5/17/06 at 8:24pm
Thread Starter 
Hi Im just about to do a clean install on my Dell XPS notebook....a couple question when installing the audio and video drivers...should install the versions that come on the disk or are there other, newer versions to use? and 2nd, with the video driver, should i install from the disk if I plan on just installing the Omega Drivers instead?? and are Omega drivers the best for the ATI Radeon 9700??
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post #2 of 10
5/17/06 at 9:38pm
Omega drivers, in my opinion, are the best for the 9700. Here's the link to the Dell XPS drivers and downloads page:

http://support.dell.com/support/down...&os=WW1&osl=EN

I'm assuming we're talking XPS Gen 1 here, so everything you need is right there. I'd download everything onto a CD or Flash drive, and not even worry about the drivers on your CD, as all of these are updated downloads (unless you just can't find a particular driver here, then use the CD that came with the system) There's even a BIOS update for the brave of heart. Don't even need a floppy. It'll flash right from the Hard Drive.
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post #3 of 10
5/17/06 at 10:37pm
Thread Starter 
thanks that helps...so after i run the XP reinstall, do i just stick in the disk w/ all the updated drivers i burned an install them?
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post #4 of 10
5/17/06 at 10:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Link797
thanks that helps...so after i run the XP reinstall, do i just stick in the disk w/ all the updated drivers i burned an install them?

yep. Easy as that. Just open the CD in a window to review the various installs and double-click to begin. Also, if your XP CD is service pack 1, I recommend downloading service pack 2 from Microsoft before you begin your fresh install - just a time saver for later, and gets all your ducks in a row.

You're really getting me excited for a fresh install, but I have so many games unfinished on there, I feel like I need to at least get half out fo the way so I don't have to reinstall everything.
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post #5 of 10
5/17/06 at 10:45pm
Thread Starter 
yeah i have to give up all my DOOM 3 savedata...ya good call bout service pack 2 but im already one step ahead of ya there (i shud prob do that with my anti-virus/spyware programs too huh)...I just wanna make sure i dont mess this up, i did it once right after i got it n i think nows a good time to do it again....sorry quick thing about the drivers, im downloadin em from the DELL site...there isnt a specific order to install is there? and 2, what are the main ones i should be installing, i dont want to be puttin crap on im gunna end up takin off neways
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post #6 of 10
5/17/06 at 11:14pm
Graphics card, communications drivers, alps touch pad driver for mousing and the keyboard would be the first drivers I'd place on there. Then the CD/DVD Readable writable driver would be a high 2nd place. Windows will place it's own drivers for components like Serial ATA connections (or PATA, I can never remember which connection we use. I think it's SATA with a jump attachment to fit the 2.5" HDD correctly) , but if there are updated Dell drivers for these, you can place them last. There really shouldn't be any "spam" drivers or apps that aren't useful. some people chose not to update the BIOS A06 as we downloaded the Japanese version of the driver and it no longer allowed the Func. command for fan diagnostics, but I'm not sure about the American version. It may have the same missing function.
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post #7 of 10
5/18/06 at 1:35pm
Thread Starter 
hey, if i cant find the driver for my CD-RW/DVD @ Dell's site what should I do?...Think it'll be on the original setup disk?
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post #8 of 10
5/18/06 at 7:49pm
yes. If there's no updated driver, just use the drivers on your Dell Driver disk.
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post #9 of 10
5/18/06 at 8:36pm

This is from Dell's reinstall guide:

for the iXPS (gen1) one should install the drivers in this order:

Hardware Drivers

1. Notebook System Software
2. Chipset
3. Video Card
4. Sound Card
5. Touch Pad

NOTE: Do not connect any Internet connection cables, such as your modem cable, network cable, or connect wirelessly until you are ready to Perform Windows Update.

Communication Drivers

6. Modem
7. Network Card
8. Wireless Network Card
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post #10 of 10
5/18/06 at 8:52pm
Thread Starter 
just finished with everything....thanks for the help
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