Cannot install Audio Driver

Question

Hi   I have a new Inspiron 1300 running Windows XP with SP 2 on it. I tried to install the sound drivers but the OS won't let me. I allways get an error like: 'Driver is incompatible for this OS' I downloaded the driver Version for Win XP, Win2k, Win NT, Win 98 non of it worked. I downloaded the driver via typing the service Tag in and I downloaded the Sigma Tel C Major from some download mirrors and driver pages.   And I always get this error message. Any idea??? :(   Thanks

Jim Coates · Answer

It depends on why you need to reinstall the driver since it would have come installed on the system when you got it. To get the computer back to its original state use PC Restore. To do this you restart and press Ctrl + F11 and release it over and over during the restart process and it should take you to the "PC Restore" menu. Then just restore your computer to factory settings. Test your audio first thing after you restore your computer.

If you don't want to do that and you need the driver because you have done a fresh install of Windows, then you have to install Dell Notebook System Software (find it under System & Configuration Utilities), then Intel Chipset (find under Chipset), then the audio driver. Find all of these on your downloads page.

Jim

B_Lan · Answer

Ok thanks so far. Restoring would be the last solution :(

I'm not quite sure if I installed Notebook System Software. need to check this. Otherwise I guess I'll have to restore it.

Does the restore work even if I made new partitions? And I do need one of the CDs that came with the Notebook right?

Message Edited by B_Lan on 06-16-200601:22 AM

Jim Coates · Answer

If you didn't wipe the restore partition then you don't need any cd. If you wiped it then you can't use PC Restore.

If you installed a new OS you almost probably didn't install Notebook System Software. Going thru the steps in order should fix you up without a new re-installation.

Jim

B_Lan · Answer

Well i wiped all existing partitions... Hopefully the former described steps will do :/

B_Lan · Answer

Installing the Notebook Syste Software doesn't work. I still get the error message: "This system doesn't support the driver you want to install."

And yes i'm trying to install a Windows XP driver on the Win XP OS... :(
And pressing CTRL+F11 doesn't work ether. Guess that's cause i wiped the resstore partition...

Message Edited by B_Lan on 06-16-200608:26 AM

B_Lan · Answer

I've ordered a restore CD pack from Dell... So another lecture for Never touch a running system :( Thx for the help anyways.

rockbala · Answer

Yes, once you touch or make any changes to partition your PC restore will be come inaccessible. Anyway if you re-install windows by cd's installing drivers are important right after windows installation is complete. There is a specific order in which the driver needs to be installed. I think this order should be fine as long as you install the first 3-4 drivers in the same order.

1)Dell Notebook System Software

2)Chipset driver

3)Video driver

4)Audio driver

5)O2Micro PCMCIA/SmartCard Controller (if any)

6)Network driver

7)Wireless driver (if any)

8)Touch pad driver

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Cannot install Audio Driver

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