Computer question...
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Computer question...
I upgraded the operating system on a Dell Inspiron 4000 laptop from Win ME to Win XP. Microsoft "recommended" that I just upgrade the operating system retaining your old files and such. However, I chose the option that wipes out all of the old stuff and installs the new OS instead, figuring that would be a cleaner installation.
So my question is, my wiping out the old, did I lose any drivers or functionality? It seems to work fine, but could the laptop contain features, such as a video card or whatever, that I am not taking full advantage of? Should I go to the Dell website and start looking for drivers, or is this probably unnecessary with XP? TIA!
So my question is, my wiping out the old, did I lose any drivers or functionality? It seems to work fine, but could the laptop contain features, such as a video card or whatever, that I am not taking full advantage of? Should I go to the Dell website and start looking for drivers, or is this probably unnecessary with XP? TIA!
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brad, it's ALWAYS a good idea to go to the website and see if there are more up-to-date drivers...
even if drivers were in your version of xp...there may have been upgrades or bug fixes since the drivers were put in your version of xp...you probably should go regularly to those sites anyway and see if there are newer versions.
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New/Updated drivers get released all the time...
XP has a pretty extensive db of drivers in the install but there could be several updates since the XP bits were cut. I suggest looking at the Dell site for updates and comparing versions using device manager.
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Yes, since it's a laptop certain components may be needed.....
usually it's the touchpad driver and possibly the display driver and specific items that are unique to that model. XP may now include those but always a good idea to visit the manufacturer's site and download all appropriate drivers for components on the laptop.
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Re: Just go through your hardware checklist..
I will presume you reinstalled all the software apps so you lost nothing there.
Some hardware things to check for drivers (if) you have them:
* internal LAN/modem - windows install may or may not be able to install a proper driver. Check Dell download site for correct drivers. You can either have the actiontec or 3com version. Make sure you install the correct drivers. If you are unsure, pop the small panel (1 screw) from the bottom of the laptop and look at the label on the card.
* video card - windows will install a generic VGA driver unless it detects your video card. Because you said your Dell is a i4000, it's likely to have an ATI M4 video that windows will not recognize readily. You will need to download drivers from Dell.
* sound - download the ESS Maestro 3i drivers to get sound working.
* Synaptics Touchpad - you will need to download and install this driver to get the touch pad features to work properly.
* BIOS - this is not OS related, but there is a new 4/12/02 BIOS available for the I4000. You should update to it.
* removable drives - if you have any of the HLDS, Samsung or Sony CDRW/DVD you will need Dell's drivers as well.
Prior to updating the OS, download all the drivers from Dell's download area for XP. Then install the new OS.
Tony
Some hardware things to check for drivers (if) you have them:
* internal LAN/modem - windows install may or may not be able to install a proper driver. Check Dell download site for correct drivers. You can either have the actiontec or 3com version. Make sure you install the correct drivers. If you are unsure, pop the small panel (1 screw) from the bottom of the laptop and look at the label on the card.
* video card - windows will install a generic VGA driver unless it detects your video card. Because you said your Dell is a i4000, it's likely to have an ATI M4 video that windows will not recognize readily. You will need to download drivers from Dell.
* sound - download the ESS Maestro 3i drivers to get sound working.
* Synaptics Touchpad - you will need to download and install this driver to get the touch pad features to work properly.
* BIOS - this is not OS related, but there is a new 4/12/02 BIOS available for the I4000. You should update to it.
* removable drives - if you have any of the HLDS, Samsung or Sony CDRW/DVD you will need Dell's drivers as well.
Prior to updating the OS, download all the drivers from Dell's download area for XP. Then install the new OS.
Tony
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bunch-o-replies later...
windows XP update (windows update from start menu)will notify you about many new hardware drivers as needed.
One thing I've noticed is if things are working, leave them alone. Every once in a while a new driver messes up a working system ;(
My $.02
One thing I've noticed is if things are working, leave them alone. Every once in a while a new driver messes up a working system ;(
My $.02
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