Dell Inspiron 1545 - Reinstalling Operating System with Disks

Hi

I have re-installed the operating system on my Inspiron 1545 a few times now with varying degrees of success.  I used the operating system disc and the drivers and utilities disc which came with the inspiron when I bought it several years ago.  My problems relate to the utilities disc. I am uncertain as to whether I need to reinstall the drivers etc which are on the disc and also as to whether I need to do this in any particular order.  I want to keep Windows 7 also,  as installing later versions seems to create problems.  Problems also arise when I access drivers and downloads on the drivers and downsloads section of the Dell site,  as those on the site are newer than my laptop and compatibility issues seem to occur because of that.  I don't want to use the inspiron for anything other than occasional internet searching etc as I have a newer laptop.   

Can anyone help?