• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Dell Drivers for Windows 8 vs 8.1

Kelemvor

Kelemvor

Lifer
So here's something I've been trying to figure out and just want to get some other opinions.

We use Dell laptops at work and currently have a mix of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 We would like to only have to support one OS but we aren't sure if some of our models will work well with Windows 8.1

If you check out the Dell Cab File page:
http://en.community.dell.com/techce...ver-packs-for-enterprise-client-os-deployment

Check out the information for the E5420.
Dell has specific drivers available for Windows 7 and Windows 8 but nothing for Windows 8.1.

Also, if you go to the main Drivers & Downloads page for this model, it only has 7 and 8 available in the dropdown to choose your OS and does not have 8.1

This would lead us to believe that there are no drivers available for this model for Windows 8.1

However, Windows 8.1 is really just an upgrade from Windows 8, right? If I install 8 and then hit up Windows Update/Store I'll get prompted to upgrade to Windows 8.1. So that would lead me to believe that drivers for 8 would also work with 8.1.

So we're wondering what will most likely happen if we install out 8.1 image on an E5420 and tell it to use the 8 drivers. Should it work fine? Should we expect any problems? Do the models that list 8 and 8.1 drivers just have customized file but the 8 files should work for the ones that don't have 8,1 available?

Does all that make sense?

Thanks.
 
I don't see a reason a driver wouldn't be compatible across both. There are probably quite a few that run fine with 7 drivers.

What I would do: get a spare drive and put it in a guinea pig. Install 8.1 (free trial) and put the linked drivers on it. Shouldn't take long since Microsoft is keeping ISO's pretty current with 8.1, esp. if you have an SSD.

Possible reason for what you are seeing: when I am looking at drivers from PC manufacturers, I usually only see 2 OS's covered, the released and the one before or after, depending or release data. So the simply explanation is: they knew they didn't have to.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top