This article contains an overview of the correct order to install drivers on Dell laptops/notebooks. After reinstalling Windows®, follow the order listed when reinstalling these drivers. It is recommended that you print this list to use for reference.

Most of this information exists in some form or other on the Drivers and Utilites CD (or Resource DVD) that comes with a new Dell, but many people seem to lose those. When you search for this information on support.dell.com, the resulting hits point to a site (dellcommunity.com) that no longer seems to exist. So I distilled this information from my Drivers and Utilites CDs and several articles I found on dell.com when I was able to access the dellcommunity.com site, and since I've found myself pasting it into 3 or 4 messages in the last couple weeks, I decided to just put it into an article here. I hope it helps you get your Dell back up and running correctly after reinstalling XP/2000.

 Note:  
  Some devices may not function properly if the drivers are installed out of order.  

0
Dell Drivers and Downloads page


http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd



1
NSS


Notebook System Software - Utility that provides critical updates and patches to the OS. After reinstalling Windows, it is important that this software be installed first. This is located under the System Utilities or Configuration Utilities categories on the Drivers and Downloads page for your computer. Currently, the NSS is not required for computers with Windows Vista®.  



2
Chipset


Tells windows about system board components and controllers. This is located under the Chipset category on the Drivers and Downloads page.



Most systems no longer require the next two:
3
PCMCIA


Smartcard controller driver, located under the Security category on the Drivers and Downloads page.


4
Intel Storage


Intel Application Accelerator enhances disk I/O sub-system response. If your computer's chipset requires it, there should be a download for it in the Chipset category on the Drivers and Downloads page.  Vista does not require it for any chipset.




5
Audio Adapter


Enables the audio controller. This is located under the Audio category on the Drivers and Downloads page.



6
Video Adapter


Ensures peak display adapter performance. This is located under the Video category on the Drivers and Downloads page.



7
Network Interface Card (NIC)


Driver for the network controller, and interface configuration for network access. This file is located under the Network category on the Drivers and Downloads page.



8
Dell Control Point (DCP) or Quickset


Controls power management, ambient light sensor, wireless profiles, and security features on laptops. This is located in the Applications category on the Drivers and Downloads page. DCP is split into three separate modules (System, Security and Connection Management) with each controlling different components. It may not be necessary to install all three parts, depending on your system configuration.  Note - DCP is for the Latitude E-Family only. Other Dell laptops use Quickset to control power management and the ambient light sensor. Non-Latitude E's should install Quickset at this point. Quickset is also in the Applications category of the Drivers and Downloads page.



9
Wireless Network Card


Enables and enhances the wireless network controller. This is located under the Network category on the Drivers and Downloads page.



10
   Bluetooth® Module


Driver and connections manager; often the licensing for the release on your Drivers and Utilities CD (or Resource DVD) will be expired and you MUST download the updates/patches for Bluetooth to function at all. Dell says these should be located under the Communication category on the Drivers and Downloads page, but in my experience they are found in the Network category.



11
   Touchpad, Pointer, Trackstick, Mice and Keyboards


Enhances the pointing and input device features. Dell says these drivers are located under the Mouse & Keyboards category on the Drivers and Downloads page, but in my experience they are found under Input Device Drivers.



12
   Other Devices


e.g. Modem - Provides phone-line dial-up capability, drivers in the Communication category; Dell Wireless Mobile Broadband Cards, located under the Communication category; Touch Screen Digitizer - enables touch screen mouse control available on select Dell laptops. This driver is located under the Input Device Drivers category, on the Drivers and Downloads page.



NOTE: If your system's Drivers and Downloads page offers an NSS file in the 'System Utilities' or 'Configuration Utilities' category, and you have already tried to install some drivers prior to the NSS, you will need to reboot in Safe Mode (hit F8 repeatedly when the 'Press F2 to enter Setup' screen displays) to install the NSS file, followed by the Chipset driver. Then reboot the system normally and install/reinstall the rest of the drivers in the correct order.

If you found this information useful (or not), please let EE know by using the ''Was this article helpful?'' links in the upper-right corner of the article.  Thanks!