Install Vista on XPS M1210

Question

Awhile ago, I had a hardware problem with my XPS M1210 (running XP Media Center) and while getting help from the Dell tech, I asked him about installing Vista.  He was n oncommittal about that, but mentioned that I would need to buy the OS from Dell, not a retail outfit.  Is this the case?  If so, are there special drivers, etc. supplied with the Dell package?   Any help would be appreciated.   Thanks.

helmecj01 · Answer

Hi

Before you install Windows Vista update your BIOS version.

Click the items below to open a new page with specific instructions for downloading and installing each item:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&cs=19&docid=1A0C0937D62A8739E0401E0A55174744&journalid=4F1F82483DC811DBAE564F9328EE04A4&l=en&s=gen

From Chris

My computer
Dell Dimension 1100
Microsoft Windows XP Home SP 2
512 MB of Ram
Nvidia Geforce FX 5200 256MB
Intel Celeron CPU 2.53GHz
HDD WDC WD800BB-75JCO 80GB C:
HDD Samsung SV2042H 20GB F:
TSSTcorp CDRWDVD TS-H492C D:
LITE-ON DVDRW LDW-851S E:
Linksys wireless-G WUSB54GS With SpeedBooster
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.10

My Security Software
VCOM SystemSuite 7 Professional
Windows Defender

C3PO5 · Answer

I would need to buy the OS from Dell, not a retail outfit.  Is this the case?  If so, are there special drivers, etc. supplied with the Dell package? Hi I do not think it is !  The Vista OS Dell will sell you is the retail version i do not see anywhere on the Dell web pages where they sell the OEM version of Vista ! Dell sells the same version as the {other retail outfit do it is Retail} and you can get it cheaper from them some of them do not require shipping and handling. And the drivers and other software you would have to download from the Dell drivers\downloads support page if they are not on the Vista DVD or on the windows updates page! Good Luck

helmecj01 · Answer

Hi

Run the Windows Upgrade Advisor

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Operating_Systems/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0918334

From Chris

My computer
Dell Dimension 1100
Microsoft Windows XP Home SP 2
512 MB of Ram
Nvidia Geforce FX 5200 256MB
Intel Celeron CPU 2.53GHz
HDD WDC WD800BB-75JCO 80GB C:
HDD Samsung SV2042H 20GB F:
TSSTcorp CDRWDVD TS-H492C D:
LITE-ON DVDRW LDW-851S E:
Linksys wireless-G WUSB54GS With SpeedBooster
Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.10

My Security Software
VCOM SystemSuite 7 Professional
Windows Defender

Message Edited by helmecj01 on 12-01-2007 07:51 AM

Message Edited by helmecj01 on 12-01-2007 07:53 AM

mwcarlson · Answer

I have an XPS m1210 and it sported Vista Home Premium when I received it. I bought Vista Ultimate (and not from Dell) and installed it later on (and perhaps I should note that I scrapped both and am now running XP Pro). The only difference between Home Premium and Ultimate is a few bells and whistles as the base code is exactly the same. As far as I am aware your XPS m1210 will run Vista just fine as long as you have at least 1GB of RAM, at least a 1GHz 32 or 64-bit processor and at least a 40GB hard drive with 15GB available. Vista's minimum requirements are no secret:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/systemrequirements.mspx

However, one problem which Microsoft has yet to fix is issues with Vista not properly recognining avaialble hard drive space. Although the install uses about 15GB it gobbles up about 40GB for no understandable reason so if you have a small hard drive you might consider upgrading before you install Vista. I am sure that future patches will correct this. I know this as I experienced it personally having installed only Vista Home Premium and Office 2007 and seeing that I only have 20GB remaining on an 80GB hard drive.

Now, on to Dell's famously non-commital sales tactics. Basically, Dell will not support software or hardware which was not purchased from Dell. So, if you get Vista from a retailer other than Dell, Dell will still provide support for your hardware and even assist you with basic installation questions but they will not assist you with OS or software problems as you did not get your software through them. So if you want Dell support for your OS, buy it from Dell. If you are savvy enough to do you own software resolution than buy it from whomever else you desire.

Dell provides no special items with any Vista OS purchased from them and the drivers for Vista are available on their website for download without any commitment to having bought Vista from them.

Hope that helps.

Message Edited by mwcarlson on 11-30-2007 12:06 PM

Rebel9 · Answer

mwcarlson,   'So if you want Dell support for your OS, buy it from Dell.'   That's not quite accurate. It does not matter whether you buy the software from Dell or not. If you replace the operating system that was pre installed on the computer when it was purchased, you lose your software support from Dell. In this case, the OP's original OS was XP Media Center. If this is replaced with Vista (Dell OEM or Retail), software support ceases.

Mary G · Answer

But the hardware is still under warranty for the length of your contract. Software support is almost non existent anyway. It only lasts for the first 30 days or so, since Dell doesn't make the software. In addition to the Dell Assessment program, use the Windows Upgrade Advisor to check the hardware and software. It does a better job of assessing the hardware/software.

mwcarlson · Answer

Rebel,   Thanks for the correction. Unfortunately I have found Dell's software support to be useless anyway so I suppose it doesn't matter but I certainly do not want to give the erroneous understanding that one can get ones OS supported for even the 30 days offered with the built-in OS.

Windows General

Install Vista on XPS M1210

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