Need help re-installing Windows XP and Dell drivers

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Failure to follow the proper order, or missing a driver, is what usually causes your problem.  You need to install the drivers in this order:

1.  Notebook System Software; this is in System Utilities and has small patches for the operating system specific to Dell hardware.

2.  Intel Chipset Driver

3.  Ricoh Driver

4.  Video Adapter

5.  Network Interface Adapter; this is for the Ethernet port

6.  Sound adapter

7.  Modem

8.  Whatever else.  Dell does have a suggested list, but it is not quite as important as the first three.

One thing you should know; the Resource Disk containing the drivers normally has the drivers for several different models.  When you allow the disk to autorun and install the application you should see a menu on the left that allows you to select the model of computer you want drivers for.

One thing you should know; the Resource Disk containing the drivers normally has the drivers for several different models.  When you allow the disk to autorun and install the application you should see a menu on the left that allows you to select the model of computer you want drivers for.

That's what I thought, however when I click the drop-down menu to see the other model nos. there aren't any others except for ME051. And another confusing thing is that when I try to install the Ricoh driver (the one I downloaded) I get an error saying that I have an unsupported chipset. However, this order of installation you've provided is a bit different from the one I saw, so I'll try it one more time to see if my devices can detect. I'm going to re-download the Laptop specific drivers once again, unzip and burn it on CD, because I was using a flash drive before to install the drivers. Perhaps, it'll make a difference.

I'll post once again to let you know how it went. Thanks

Well Jack, here we go again...This would be the 4th time I've formatted and re-installed Windows (not to forget Media Direct) and I've installed the Notebook System Utility, Intel Chipset and Ricoh chipset (in that same order, while restarting where needed). Now it's time for the Graphics driver, right? Well guess what? It installed but it's the same thing again (cli.exe cannot start for some reason). I understand that "cli.exe" is the process that executes the ATI Catalyst Control Center, so that means I can't configure my graphics.

That aside, I still continued by installing the LAN driver, then the audio and finally the modem. Up to this point, in the Device Manager I see a yellow "!" at Standard Universal PCI to USB host controller and when I view the Properties, it reports that the drivers for that component are not installed. This is very puzzling because I figured that the chipset drivers would have already installed that component.

And here's the biggest problem that has stopped me dead in my tracks, the driver package I downloaded for the WLAN card (Dell_multi-device_A17_R174291 to be specific) cannot find any compatable hardware on my laptop and thus can't install anything. I think that maybe using another driver package will help, but I can't figure out which other alternative package to use. The last time I used R151519, which did install the drivers (apparently I have a 1390 WLAN MiniCard but now I'm not entirely sure if that's really the case) but like I stated before, Device Manager reported that the device could not start. I also got an error message at the end of install that bcmtray.exe failed to execute.

With this, I am essentially back to square-one. Wouldn't it be best if I just order a Resource CD for the MM061 and hopefully my troubles will be laid to rest? I feel as if I'm going around in a circle and a hopeless one at that and then again, how do I order a Resource CD from Dell anyway?

Well, I'm still working on the PCI to USB host controller, but I think the reason your ATI driver won't load is that you need to load NET framework first.  The installer depends on its presence.  The site given in the driver additional info file says you can get it from this site:  NET Framework 1.1.  Install this first and then try your ATI driver.

For the wireless card, try 

Edit:  Added link for Wireless LAN Driver

Indeed, you are right about having to install the .NET Framework before being able to run cli.exe. However, I've already tried installing R115320.EXE but I get the same error message in Device Manager stating that the device cannot start (marked with a yellow !) and the DellPRO Wireless Utility cannot install but the IntelPRO Wireless can install instead. However, when I install the wireless utility, it reports that no drivers are installed for the supported device. Will an Inspiron 6000 driver for the 1390 WLAN MiniCard work if I try installing it? (That's because I sort of noticed that the drivers for the newer Inspiron models, like the 1500, refuse to install.) By the way, how do I request a Support CD from Dell? I really appreciate the help you're offering, thanks. But I'm starting to think that maybe it's best if I request a MM061 Resource CD.

Hello,

Just to add ...

This is the updated and Dell approved, correct order of install.  

:emotion-55:  Pay special attention to the note about booting into safe mode.  :emotion-55:

Note: Some devices may not function properly if the drivers are installed out of order.

Install your version of Windows.

Install the following software and drivers in the order listed below.

***** 1.***** Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) - A vital utility that provides critical updates and patches for the operating system. If you are reinstalling the operating system or updating all the computer’s drivers, it is imperative that this software be installed first.
This is located under the System and Configuration Utilities Category on the Drivers and Downloads page. The DSS or NSS may not be required for some systems that shipped with Windows Vista installed, or older systems that don't offer DSS or NSS files. But if your download page has a DSS or NSS file, "It is required".
2. Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers. This is located under the Chipset Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
3. Video Adapter - Enhances video performance. This is located under the Video Adapter Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
4. Network Interface Card (NIC) - Enhances the network controller for Internet or network access. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
5. Audio Adapter - Enables and enhances the audio controller. This is located under the Audio Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
6. Modem - Allows dialup capability. This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
7. Wireless Network Card - Enables and enhances the wireless network controller. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
8. Touchpad, Pointer, Trackstick, Mice, and Keyboards - Enhances the pointing device features. This is located under the Mouse & Keyboards Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
9. Other Devices
* Bluetooth Module
This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
* Dell Wireless Mobile Broadband Cards
This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
* PCMCIA/Smartcard controller
This is located under the Security Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

Dell drivers and downloads page http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/. Input your service tag number to get the required drivers for your system, 'as shipped'.

NOTE: If your system download page offers a DSS or NSS file in the 'System and Configuration Utilities' Category. And you have already tried to install some drivers, you will need to reboot in Safe Mode to install the DSS or NSS file, and the chipset. Then reboot the system and install the rest of the drivers in the correct order.

Many apologies again, I meant you inform you that you will likely need to contact Dell Tech Support for your region to request replacement CDs.  I'm afraid I don't know how the company works to the Carribean region; here in the US there is an on-line form we can use for this purpose.  I give it to you here in the event you can find use for it, but I think there are too many US specific elements in the address line for you to make use of it directly:  US Request for Replacement Disks.

On your other issues, all the drivers I have suggested come from the Inspiron 6400 Drivers page at Dell.  I will continue to look for alternatives, but in the meantime you might want to make sure that the mini-pci card is properly seated in its socket.  Follow the instructions in the on line service manual, but don't try to remove it completely; just slide it out a few millimeters and push it back in.

Edit:  Have you checked setup to make sure your card is listed and enabled?  This is something I overlooked earlier since the card was working before you performed the reinstallation.  One other thing you can try; on the download page for R174291.EXE you will find a link to "Other Versions".  Clicking on this link will lead you to three or four earlier versions of the driver.  Sometimes one of these will install and you can then use the latest driver to perform an update.

I'm not sure what you mean by checking setup to see if my wlan card is listed and enabled. If you mean by checking my BIOS settings, yes it is. The Resource CD that I got with the laptop also lists a driver for the wlan card and has a check-mark by it (funny thing is that the installer gets an error starting bcmwltry.exe and then it crashes when I try to install it from the CD) and also, my Device Manager says that it is enabled. Like I stated before, I'm able to manually switch the radio on/off using Fn+F2 using Dell QuickSet (which I installed before I proceeded to install the WLAN MiniCard and BlueTooth devices) and yet the device still refuses to start. I tried installing Dell_Wireless-355-Bluetooth-_A01_R127314.exe to see if it will install the Bluetooth device. The installer requires that you enable the Wi-Fi using Fn+F2, but when I execute the command nothing happens, I do see an onscreen Wi-Fi enable/disable but the installer refuses to continue no matter how long I wait.

I was hoping that I didn't have to resort to opening up the laptop, but you may be right about the card not be properly slotted in where it's supposed to be, so it's worth checking it out. Guess I have some reading to do now...

On the afternote of trying alternative versions of R174291.EXE I did try R115320.EXE (which is most applicable to me since I'm not from the US or Japan), which did apparently install the drivers but it hasn't solved the problem, I guess I'll have no choice but to check the MiniCard itself to really see what's going on. In the meantime, please give some advice on the Bluetooth. is that somehow connected with the Wireless Card? If so, then will it automatically become functional when the wireless card is properly installed?

The Bluetooth should operate independently of the wireless card.  Not all 6400's are ordered with a wireless mini-card but still get ordered with Bluetooth for wireless keyboard support.  Also, the WLAN and Bluetooth are two cards installed in different places.

Another thought crossed my mind; what BIOS version are you operating?

And one more; do you have a "Connect To... " listing in your start menu?  If so, what do you see when you select "Show All Connections "?

Still another; I'm sure you are doing this, but just checking to be sure, are you installing the drivers one at a time and restarting the computer between each?  I don't remember getting any warnings to do that when I last installed, but if you don't restart between drivers you won't get the appropriate registry changes loaded into the OS that's running.

no