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July 25th, 2005 22:00

Dell Support 5.0 vs. Dell’s Download/Drivers pages

Hi,

I just got a new D3000 (July/05).  “Dell Support” version 5.0.0.630 software came with the computer and seems to have been doing “its thing”.  When I run the “Security” and “Maintenance” channels, the software lets me know that I have all the current updates.   (I have also spent the last few days getting all Windows Updates, Office Updates, and Norton updates, so all that should be OK now too).

However, when I go to the following Dell page and enter my computer’s “Service Tag”, it shows many updates (and I think my computer might need some of these right now, according to how they are described).

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/

Should I expect the Dell Support v 5.0.0.630 to have already gathered the updates for my computer that are listed at http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/ ?  …or do I need to keep track of both ways to get updates?

Also, one of the updates listed on Dell's download page, for my Service Tag, is for

“Dell Desktop System Software Utility

Release Title: System Utilities: Dell Desktop System Software, Utility, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows XP x64, Multi Language, Multi System, v.1.7.0, A04

Release Date: 06/21/2005

Description: Desktop System Software (DSS) is a utility that provides critical updates and patches for your operating system. Install the DSS program to gain support for Dell 3.5-inch USB floppy drives, CD-ROM/CD-RW/DVD drives, and USB devices. DSS is necessary for correct operation of your Dell computer. DSS automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration.”… “R96610.EXE”

Is this an upgrade to the “Dell Support” version 5.0.0.630 that is already on my computer?  Why such an odd version number, if it is (“v.1.7.0, A04”).  If this is a completely different type of software, then how does it vary from the Dell Support 5.0.x? 

BTW… am I on the right sub-board?  I didn’t see any reference to Dell Support software 5.0x in the faq or other messages… only up to version 3.0.  The Dell Support software seems useful, but trying to figure out how it fits into all the other things with similar names and download processes is baffling.  I have no idea what more (if anything) I need to do to ensure that all my drivers and software are as up to date as possible,… nor do I understand why some stuff on the download page looks like it needs to be added to my computer when the Dell Support software says that everything is already up to date.

Thank you.

101 Posts

July 27th, 2005 00:00

Squished-again hello, yes you are on the right forum They call it Dell Support 3.0 because it replaced Dell Support 2.0 ( I think ). As for that downloads page that is for drivers and utilities to download when you either update or reinstall your operating system, at some future time . For instance you could copy to disc to have as backup .

    I have'nt a clue about Dell Desktop System software . As a matter of fact I was looking at that yesterday and wondering what it was. So if anybody does could you let us know? Read through the Forums They have loads of information and some pretty brilliant people.

   Malron

Community Manager

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56.9K Posts

July 28th, 2005 02:00

squished-again,

Let me simplify this. I only update a driver when something is wrong with the system. For instance, I had an issue with Doom 3, so I updated the video card driver and fixed the issue.

July 29th, 2005 16:00

Well, that is simple!... but it doesn't answer my questions.
 
OK, I get that the marketed Dell Support 3.0 is equivalent to the Dell Support 5.0. 
 
Why does Dell Support 5.0 software tell me that everything is up to date, while at the same time Dell's Download page shows items that need to be updated?  Does Dell expect users to go back and forth between the Support software and their download pages, in order to keep everything up to date?   Or, is Dell Support suppose to get the files that are listed in on the downloads page (and if so, why isn't it working for my computer)? Simple questions.
 
And, how does the " Dell Desktop System Software Utility" fit into all of this?  Does it install things that the Dell Support doesn't install?  If so, what is the purpose of Dell Support 5.0 if it doesn't keep updating things like it says it will?
 
Please explain.  It's not nice to talk down to customers by telling them to just forget about it all if their computer's not broken, just because it takes effort to explain.
 

4 Posts

August 2nd, 2005 14:00

ChrisM,

I recently purchased the Inspiron XPS Gen 2 notebook and noticed that it came with the "Dell Support 5.0" application, which I think is pretty slick.  Where can I download this software for my Dimension XPS machine that I purchased back in 2003?  (I assume the software will work okay on my older machine.)

Thanks, RCZ

Community Manager

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56.9K Posts

August 3rd, 2005 14:00

RCZ,

* Check the FAQ
* Scroll down to, "If you want the newer version 3.x, download and install DellSupportSilentInstall.EXE"

4 Posts

August 3rd, 2005 18:00

ChrisM - Thanks for the info!!!

RCZ

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