Hello,

No problem. just follow the correct order for install that I add below...

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. 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.

Installing the OS from the 'Restore' CD, doesn't actually 'restore' the system to its factory settings.

Only booting from the CD, and using the files stores in the 'Restore' partition does that :emotion-55:

Even though you're booting from the 'Restore' disc, if you never used the 'Restore' partition files, what you're actually doing is a 'clean' install, after which you then have to install all the necessary drivers etc.

That's because the 'Restore' disc doesn't contain anything more than the (pre-activated) OS.  So [in effect] it's just a standard OS disc.

You need to install the OS, then once that's completed, and you're booted into the desktop, you then need to install all the drivers required by the system (graphics, audio, ethernet/network, etc), before you can use your network.

But as Darrell suggests (\is (quite rightly) always keen to point out), it's important that you install the drivers in the correct order :emotion-5:

I ended up installing all of the drivers and everything is fine now.

My main question was being sure I was installing the correct driver. Wireless Adapters, for example, had about 10 to chose from and I wanted to use the correct one. On some of the other drivers, if you didn't have the correct harware, the driver install failed. So either I picked the right Wireless driver, or they all would work correctly.

Thanks for all of the answers.

Dave

I ended up installing all of the drivers and everything is fine now. My main question was being sure I was installing the correct driver. Wireless Adapters, for example, had about 10 to chose from and I wanted to use the correct one. On some of the other drivers, if you didn't have the correct hardware, the driver install failed. So either I picked the right Wireless driver, or they all would work correctly.

Hello again,

If you go to this page and input your service tag number instead of just picking your model number, it should point you to 'just' the drivers that are needed for the hardware that you have. :emotion-55: