What does Desktop System Software do?

Question

OK, what exactly does Desktop System Software (DSS) do? Dell calls it 'A vital utility that provides critical updates and patches for the operating system'. Doesn't Windows Update do that? Also, the description says 'vital', yet the 'Criticality' is listed as 'optional' (at least for r121089). Dell says it 'automatically detects your computer and operating system and installs the updates appropriate for your configuration'. If so, then why is it followed by a long list of drivers you have to load manually? Sorry if I'm skeptical, but I just had to do a clean install of XP because my system was bogging down, and I want as little junk on my computer as possible. I did load DSS before the install, and it promptly installed and disappeared, never to be seen again. It’s not on the Program list, so how do I run it? It’s not on the Uninstall Software list, so how do I uninstall it? Is it doing something in the background beyond my control? If so, what? Or can I control it? If so, how do I run it? In short, what does DSS do? (Dimension E510, XP, 1GB RAM)

PETER345 · Answer

I never use it on any of my Dells. I think it is just a utility to warn you when there are updates from Dell. I don't believe it does anything with Microsoft updates. However, I don't use it and I might be wrong. I am certain that it is not needed! I check for Dell driver updates manually.

Peter

Bay Wolf · Answer

What Peter35 said is incorrect.  It is not a utility to warn your when there are updates from Dell - though Dell does have a software program to do this.   To the OP, DSS or NSS is a program is a program for the very paranoid.  Dell is tracking all of your steps around the internet and logging all of that information and sending it to the police.  :smileyvery-happy:  JUST KIDDING.  It's getting late and I needed a laugh.   The DSS (desktop) or NSS (notebook) is vital in most cases.  It does exactly what it says.  It provides critical updates and patches for the operating system.   This is different from the drivers that you see below the DSS.    The reason that you do not see it in the Add/Remove program list is that it can not be uninstalled.  It is there to cover any specialized things that Dell may have tweaked with their computers.  It is running in the background as part of the OS, not as a seperate entity.  When you download some security updates for your OS and install them, you don't see them in the task window either.  They, just like the DSS, is part of the OS.  Even some of the security updates can not be uninstalled.   I suggest that you go ahead and install it.  It is not going to bog your system down.

worldjim · Answer

Thank you for the reply, but I still don't fully understand. I already have a utility that provides "critical updates and patches to the OS" - Windows Update. What is DSS fixing - critical Windows security or Internet Explorer patches? Drivers are one thing, but I'm not sure I like the idea of Dell messing with the OS itself. You said DSS will "warn us" when there are updates from Dell. Can I expect little popup boxes that ask me to download something? Has anyone ever gotten a message from DSS? I have Windows Update set to "Notify", so at least I can see what it wants to do before it does it.

I'm asking because I just had a bad experience with background processes (see below), leading me to reinstall XP. Can anyone tell me what background processes DSS launches? I want to figure out what I did wrong so I don't load the offending software again.

Last week I decided to do some upgrading, and afterwards my computer seemed taxed. Even dragging a window across the screen was choppy. Here is what I did:

1) Download & install DSS.

2) Download & install Dell Support.

3) Run Dell Support, and download & install a few of its recommendations, including Java and Flash.

That's when everything bogged down. I checked the process list, and there were two processes (agent.exe & isuspm.exe) constantly running and gobbling up 50% of the CPU time. I hit the forums, and they were either tied to a "Dell Utility" or InstallShield (which I think I got from loading Roxio RecordNow). However, I had RecordNow on the computer for several months with no problem.

I uninstalled RecordNow and Dell support, with little effect. I tried to find and uninstall DSS, but that just dissappeard into the computer. Then I uninstalled Java, and the computer seemed much better, but agent & isuspm were still there and using 50% of the CPU. Note: I also have a 6 month old Dell 9200 w/ XP which came with Roxio Creator LE, has Dell Support and InstallSheild (Program Updates) in the Control Panel, yet does NOT have agent & isuspm running. So, where did they come from on my E510? ...And is there any way to find out if DSS is on my 9200?

So, any insight on what I did wrong, what bogged my computer down, and/or what agent.exe & isuspm.exe are?

(BTW, why is it so important that DSS be loaded before all the drivers if it has nothing to do with them?)

PETER345 · Answer

I just checked out what DSS does. As noted, I was wrong about it. What it did was install several Microsoft hot fixes for a variety of issues. For example, issues related to dual core and standby problems or USB storage device writes failing.

These hot fixes may not be part of the normal Microsoft updates, but probably get rolled into the next SP.

Although I have never installed this (or NSS) on any Dell I have owned, it does appear to make be useful to install.

Peter

mombodog · Answer

Dell recommends DSS or NSS to be installed first, so subsequent drivers will install properly.

I have never used DSS on any of my Dimensions when I clean install, but may be critical on other models such as XPS, Precision, Optiplex, but NSS is critical on most laptops.

Performance issues,

Remove #2

Message Edited by mombodog on 12-30-2007 09:42 AM

mombodog · Answer

Peter, one would suppose each are a little different depending on what model of PC DSS/NSS is installed on. , good info, thanks. I think I will start using it in the future on Dell Xp installs.   Dells decription is a little generic.

PETER345 · Answer

Yes, they are a little different. I think they also check to see what processor, etc you have installed to see which are appropriate for the machine/setup you have.

I agree that Dell's description is lacking.

Peter

worldjim · Answer

Wow, much obliged for all the help. You convinced me to load it. So, I downloaded it, double clicked on it, and got a dialog box that said this:

----------------------

System Utilities: Dell Desktop System Software Utility Version: A06

For:

DXC061, DM061, DXG061, DXG051;

Dimension - 4700C, 3000, 5100C, DC051, DXP051, DXC051, DM051, DE051, DXP061,

Dimension - DV051;

Optiplex - 320, 745, GX620, GX520, 170L, SX280, 170L, GX280;

Precision - 670, 470, 380, 390, 690, 490;

----------------------

Um, one last question: Am I loading the right DSS for my Dimension E510? I don't see E510 or 5150 on that list. Actually, I don't even remember most of those Dimension model numbers. I am a very literal person, and I panic when technical instructions aren't precise.

mombodog · Answer

DM051 sould show on the Dell splash screen when booting

mombodog · Answer

DM051 is a E510 or 5150

worldjim · Answer

Good news, everybody. Installing DSS did not bring back my agent.exe and isuspm.exe problem, or slow my computer down in any way. It is safe!

This is why it takes me forever to finish anything - it took me a half a day to decide whether to install DSS. But I'm learning. ...It's just too bad technology progresses faster than I learn.

Much thanks for all the info. On to the Chipset!

Message Edited by worldjim on 12-30-2007 02:41 PM

worldjim · Answer

Can I ask how you knew that? ...Just so I don't have to keep bothering everyone for every little detail. I'm combing my paperwork, and I don't see DM051 anywhere. I don't want to be a system manager, but I would like to be able to take care of my own computers.

Otherwise, I'll let everyone know if agent.exe & isuspm.exe come back to haunt me after I load DSS.

zekedancin · Answer

I was wondering about something similar...doing a clean install myself on a Dimension E510, and the Drivers and Utility CD that was sent to me from Dell doesn't have my system model in the pull down?

My options are:

Dimension C521, DXP061, F521

DXC061

DM061

XP2710

I looked in both the Utilities tab and the Drivers tab for a DSS or NSS, and don't see it when selecting "ALL" in models.

When I go to Applications I do see DDSS Rev A08 and DDSS Rev A07

PudgyOne · Answer

zekedancin,

The Desktop System Software, sometimes called Dell System Software, knows what is attached to your system, like wireless adapter, webcam, and other attched devices. The Desktop System Software(if applicable) and the chipset drivers need installed first or the rest of the drivers will fail to install. The combination of these two sets of drivers, combine and make installation of the drivers work. How to Download and Install Drivers in the Correct Order

Usually the first sign of the Desktop/Notebook System utility not being installed properly is network adapters, webcam and usb ports not working properly.

Starting with the Desktop System Utility(if applicable) and the chipset drivers and following the list, will allow the drivers to install with little or no issues.

Rick

Windows General

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