Knowledge Base

How to reinstall drivers in the correct order


After manually reinstalling the Microsoft Windows operating system on your Dell laptop or desktop, you must also reinstall the Dell device drivers and applications in the correct order for your computer to work properly.

Note: We recommend that you print this list for reference while you’re in the process of reinstalling drivers.

Installing Drivers in the Correct Order

  1. Go to the Dell Drivers and Downloads page.
  2. Enter your Service Tag or select your computer from a list of Dell products.
  3. Click the Arrow next to the driver category to expand the list of available drivers and applications.
  4. Next to the version you wish to install, click Add to My Download List.
  5. Download and install the drivers in the following order:
Driver or application name Category What it does
1. Dell System Software System Utilities Provides critical updates and patches for the operating system.
2. Chipset driver Chipset Helps Windows control system board components and controllers, such as USB ports and other internal components.
The chipset software installs the Windows INF files. The INF files provides the operating system with information about the hardware on the PC. This allows the operating system to show the correct name for that hardware in Windows Device Manager.
Note: The chipset software does not install drivers for AGP or USB. Installing the chipset driver will not resolve issues with AGP or USB on the PC.
3. PCMCIA and/or Smartcard drivers Security Enables PCMCIA and Smartcard slot capability.
4. Intel Matrix Storage Manager Serial ATA The Intel storage driver is only applicable to Intel chipset computers.
5. Audio driver Audio Enables and enhances the audio controller.
6. Video driver Video Enhances video performance.
7. Network interface card or Ethernet drivers Network Enhances the network controller for internet or network access.

8. ControlPoint System Manager, ControlPoint Security Manager, and ControlPoint Connection Manager

Note: This driver is only needed for some Latitude laptops, and depending on your system configuration, you might not need to install all three parts
 Control Point The Dell ControlPoint (DCP) controls power management for some Dell Latitude laptops. ControlPoint System Manager controls power management and ambient light sensor settings, ControlPoint Security Manager controls security features, and ControlPoint Connection Manager controls wireless connection profiles.
9. Dell Quickset Application Controls power management and ambient light sensors.
10. Wireless network drivers Network Enables and enhances the wireless network controller.

11. Bluetooth drivers

Note: If this driver is not available, then your computer doesn't have Bluetooth capability. Continue to the next driver on the list.
 Network Enables and controls Bluetooth connectivity.
12. Mouse, keyboard, touchpad and input device drivers Mouse, Keyboard & Input Devices Enhances pointing device features.
13. Intel vPro or AMT (if available) Chipset Enhances system manageability.
14. Dell wireless mobile broadband card drivers (if available) Network Enables wireless broadband connectivity.
15. Modem drivers (if available) Modem/Communications Allows dial-up capability.
16. Dell Digitech touch screen driver (if available) Mouse, Keyboard & Input Devices Enables touch screen input on select Dell laptops.




Article ID: SLN148687

Last Date Modified: 04/21/2017 06:16 AM

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