Knowledge Base

Table of Contents :

1. Driver Install Order
2. System Software Update
3. Graphics Driver
4. Audio Driver
5. Network Driver
6. Wireless Driver
7. FreeDos

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Article describes information on how to re-flash the 160 image from a bootable USB flash drive.

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1. Driver Install Order

The OptiPlex™ 160 system ships with the Windows® XP Pro Service Pack 3, Windows Vista™ 32-bit Business, or FreeDOS™ operating system.


Windows has comprehensive support for many items, but the following Dell™-branded drivers and software must be installed for proper operation if the operating system has been removed and reinstalled:

• Dell Desktop System Software (XP only)
• Graphics
• Analog Devices ADI 1984a Integrated Audio
• Network
• Wireless

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2. System Software Update

After a fresh reinstallation of the operating systerm, you should load the Dell™ Desktop System Software (DSS) first on the system. If you install the chipset first, the USB drivers are dropped, causing the keyboard and mouse not to work until after a reboot.

The DSS is not required for Windows Vista™ operating systems.


The DSS driver is available on support.dell.com under System and Configuration Utilities and on the ResourceCD under System Utilities. The driver is labeled Dell Desktop System Software. Once the driver is obtained, it unzips and installs like any other system driver.

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1. Graphics Driver

The integrated video driver is available on support.dell.com and on the ResourceCD under Video Drivers. The driver is labeled SiS 671. Once the driver is obtained, execute the file; it unzips and prompts the user to continue the installation process.

Once you install the integrated video driver, the integrated video is identified correctly under the Display adapters key in Device Manager.

Before Video Driver Installation

After Video Driver Installation

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4. Audio Driver

The integrated audio driver is available on support.dell.com and on the ResourceCD under Audio Drivers. The driver is labelled Analog Devices ADI 198x Integrated HD Audio. Once the driver is obtained, execute the file; it unzips and prompts the user to continue the installation process.

Once you install the audio driver, the High Definition Audio Device entry becomes the SoundMAX Integrated Digital High Definition Audio entry.

Before Audio Driver Installation

After Audio Driver Installation

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5. Network Driver

The integrated network driver is available on support.dell.com and on the ResourceCD under Network Drivers. The driver is labeled Broadcom 57xx Gigabit Integrated Controller. Once the driver is obtained, execute the file; it unzips and prompts the user to continue the installation process.

Before network drivers are installed, the Windows® operating system does not recognize the integrated LOM and sets the device up as an Network Controller under Other devices. Once you install the network drivers, it is recognized properly under Network adapters.

Before NIC Driver Installation

After NIC Driver Installation

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6. Wireless Driver

The wireless card driver is available on support.dell.com and on the ResourceCD under Network Drivers. The driver is labeled Wireless WLAN 1397 Half MiniCard. Once the driver is obtained, execute the file; it unzips and prompts the user to continue the installation process.

Before wireless card drivers are installed, the Windows® operating system does not recognize the card and sets the device up as an Network Controller under Other devices. Once you install the network drivers, it is recognized properly under Network adapters.
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7. FreeDos

OptiPlex n Series systems are offered with the FreeDOS™ operating system dropped in the box. FreeDOS is not factory installed or supported by Dell. On OptiPlex systems, n Series ship with a hard drive that includes a utility partition with the following files installed: io.sys, msdos.sys, and command.com. The customer also has the option to order an n Series system with no hard drive at all.

Dell Precision n Series systems with FreeDOS ship with a blank, unpartitioned hard drive. Dell Precision customers have the additional option of ordering n Series systems with the Linux® OS.

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Quick Tips content is self-published by the Dell Support Professionals who resolve issues daily. In order to achieve a speedy publication, Quick Tips may represent only partial solutions or work-arounds that are still in development or pending further proof of successfully resolving an issue. As such Quick Tips have not been reviewed, validated or approved by Dell and should be used with appropriate caution. Dell shall not be liable for any loss, including but not limited to loss of data, loss of profit or loss of revenue, which customers may incur by following any procedure or advice set out in the Quick Tips.