Vista (32 bit) SP1

2 questions then:

 

1-Did you download the ~450mb sp1 package from the windows web page to install it?

2-Did you make changes with drivers or any uninstall/reinstall during the update process?

 

Thanks.

 

Oz.

Does it actually make any difference? I have it installed but I never use Vista and probably won't for a long time.

Yes, I downloaded the HUGE installer from Microsoft. I didn't do anything other than run it. I recall a couple of restarts then voila it was installed.

Cheers! Carol

"I have it installed but I never use Vista and probably won't for a long time."

 

Huh ?????

The first thing I did with my XPS M1530 was install XP alongside Vista. I don't see any reason to start using Vista as my main OS just yet.

How difficult is it to intall XP alongside of Vista?  I am assuming you need to partition the hard drive into two logical drives and then install XP?  Did you use a program to help you partition (like Partition Magic)?  Thinking about doing this, but have to get the "hum" or "buzz" problem with my M1530 taken care of first.  Thanks.

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@chaplndave wrote:
How difficult is it to intall XP alongside of Vista?  I am assuming you need to partition the hard drive into two logical drives and then install XP?  Did you use a program to help you partition (like Partition Magic)?  Thinking about doing this, but have to get the "hum" or "buzz" problem with my M1530 taken care of first.  Thanks.

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I turn on my computer and I have this annoying hum.  I can grab the laptop and tip it up and I can get the hum to be less harsh, but when I set the laptop down the hum is back full force.  I am wondering if there is a loose part, or perhaps the cooling fan is causing the hum...not sure.  I haven't had a lot of time to look more closely.  I have tomorrow off so will spend some time trying to figure it out.  I was hoping that perhaps someone on the forum might have had the same problem and could shed some light.

 

The dual boot process sounds pretty complicated.  I really would rather use XP, but not sure if I have the ability to set up a dual boot situation.  I really don't want this to cost me big bucks either.  If you have a tech site that walks one through the process, that would be really helpful.  I am not a total noobee as I have built several desktops, but the software end is always the most challenging for me.

 

Thanks for the reply.  Looking forward to hearing more from you and others. 

My guess is the 7200rpm hard drive, it is pretty noisey, If I listen carefully to my XPS M1530 I can hear the drive spinning inside the laptop. If you lift the laptop off the desk entirely do you hear any sounds indicating loose parts?

I hear you about software, give me hardware anyday.

As regards installing XP (Don't worry, it's not that hard) if you look back through the "XPS Laptops" forum a page or two to a thread titled "Install XP on XPS 1530", I outlined the entire process in detail. Come back to me again if you have any problems.

Actually it's called "Installing XP on XPS 1530" and is at the end of page 3/start of page 4.

Do you really think it could be the hard drive?  I guess that would mean it is not the Seagate Momentus drive.  I have used Seagate before and they are pretty quiet.  When I lift the laptop up off the table where it is sitting the sound is diminished somewhat...i.e. the buzz is  not as loud, but as soon as I sit it down again the buzz is still there.  Don't hear anything that would indicate a loose part, but who knows.

 

I wonder if it would be worth my while to buy the Seagate 200GB drive and clone it and then see if that makes a difference.  The thing I am wondering is if it is worth trying to get Dell to replace the laptop.  I don't see anyone else complaining about an annoying hum or buzz.  This sound gives me a headache after a while and I am usually pretty tolerant.  Wish I could somehow record it so you could  hear it...but I will play with it for a bit and then make a decision on if I am going to call Dell.  YOu would think when we spend all this money that Dell would have a better program of testing the laptops before sending them out.  Oh well...

 

Thanks for your responses.  You have been very helpful.  Looking forward to further dialog. 

I can't see how it would be anything other than the hard drive. People seem to have had a lot of issues with the 7.2k hard drives. Mine is noisey, the drive spinning is clearly audible without music on or whatnot. It also makes scratchey and clicky noises pretty regularly.

If you happen to have a spare 5.4k hard laptop hard drive you could try that. 

If it really is intrusive I would contact Dell, use e-mail - the telephone service is pretty likely to cause you a lot of problems.