Dell computer is messed up

[bluey]

I just got finished building my computer so I am aware of what to do, but with a Dell and all the parts arent known do you guys just use the system disk? Would it be smart to use the XP cd that came with it or could I use a pro cd? A friend has been having problems so he called the Dell technical support in India and they just had him install XP ontop of itself to "fix" the problems. Now the computer is extremely slow and has all sorts of errors so he called them again and they had him do the same thing but promised it would fix his problem but of course its even more screwed up. So would you guys try and find out the parts and stuff that is in it and find the latest drivers, or just use the cd that came with the computer but has (most likely) outdated drivers.

 

[Balt]

Link

You should be able to download newer drivers there for whatever system your friend is using. The system disk may be the easiest way to do it, but then XP Pro may detect all of the parts w/o a problem anyway.

Odds are you will have to update drivers regardless of whichever route you choose, so do whichever seems easiest.

 

[bluey]

Ok thanks for the link. The only thing I am unsure of is the motherboard chipset drivers. Think those are on one of his resource cd's?

 

[sivart]

I would back up all of his data, format the hard drive, install XP and only install the drivers necessary and forget all the Dell "fluff" (I.e. trial programs, monitoring programs, etc).

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: bluey
Ok thanks for the link. The only thing I am unsure of is the motherboard chipset drivers. Think those are on one of his resource cd's?

Yeah, but you can run aida32 (a free proggie) and it'll you tell you the chipset (if you wanna upgrade the drivers).

 

[helpmeout]

The XP CD that came with the Dell is just that--an XP CD. None of the factory installed "fluff" is on the CD. You would also have received a CD with the drivers. It is a very simple process. I've had Dells for over five years, and the first thing I do (after using it for a few days to check hdwe)is a format and reinstall. I also get rid of Dell's hidden partition which contains diagnostics. You can go to Dell's support website and check on or download drivers. After reinstalling XP, it's important to install the chipset drivers first.