Dell 1370 WLAN Mini-PCI Update Fails

Is it R242438.exe:

http://ftp.dell.com/network/R242438.exe

What model of system are you using?

no, it's R151519.exe.

I'm running XP on an Inspiron 1300 / b130. I would upgrade but as far as I know, this system isn't compatible.

Advice?

Thanks Rick.

No, this is the original install. The only reason I want to update this driver is that the CPU recently popped up to 100%, led by svchost.exe, and stays there. (I haven't added any other software recently. BTW--does anyone else wonder whether the NSA is having an impact on system performance?)

Here's an update: I tried to update this driver via Device Manager, pointing the Hardware Update Wizard to the folder created previously by R151519.exe, rather than by simply executing R151519.exe. Bad news is that it didn't install 3/22/2007 5.60.18.9, good news is that it did replace 11/2/2005 4.10.40.0 with 10/12/2006 4.100.15.5 AND at the moment, CPU is bouncing around at ~2-8%. AS LONG AS this continues, I don't think I have a problem.

Provided that 1 GB (preferably 2 GB) of RAM is installed this system will pass the lower end system requirements for Windows 7 32 Bit.

I have installed Windows 7 32 Bit on this system before and it runs better than it did with Windows XP.

Dell do not provide Windows 7 drivers for this model but I have an unofficial set here:

http://philipyip.wordpress.com/unofficial-driver-sets/inspiron-laptops-windows-7/

For instructions in Clean Installing Windows 7 you may see Windows Reinstallation Guide/A Clean Install of Windows 7:

http://philipyip.wordpress.com/dell-community-forums/ 

If you follow the guide, there is instructions on how to clean install using downloadable media. If you install without a product key you will have a 30 day trial.

Reinstallation of Windows XP and its prolonged use is not recommended as its reaching end of life. For more information see:

• End of Life – April 2014 (Microsoft)
• White Paper Mitigating Risk: Why Sticking with Windows XP is a Bad Idea. (IDC Analyze the Future)

Note however a Windows 7 license can be a bit pricy and only a few of this laptops components can be upgraded (RAM and hard drive). One of the cheapest places to get Windows 7 is from Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116983 ($99)

http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/Dell-memory/Inspiron+Laptops%2FNotebooks/Inspiron+1300-upgrades.html ($38 for 2 GB upgrade)

As this laptop is aging you should consider the price of a new system with a Windows 8.1 license included or a second hand system with a Windows 7/8/8.1 license included before purchasing. These can often be only slightly more expensive that a new license and will offer a significant performance increase compared to the aging Inspiron 1300.

http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-15-3521/pd ($280 after coupon)

A good deal can sometimes also be found on Dell Outlet:

http://www.dell.com/us/dfh/p/?dgc=IR&cid=260728&lid=4691846

Good stuff, natakuc4. Thanks.

HelpAsNeeded,

In addition to what Philip stated...

This article was from a long time ago, but has helped others with your adapters installation.

Dell Wireless 1300/1350/1370/1390/1395/1397/1400/1450/1470/1490/1500/1505/1510/1520 WLAN (Broadcom 43xx chip-based) cards, quickest and easiest solutions

Rick