Dell Support Center - Not Recognizing Already Installed Versions

Question

HI,

I just received a new Dell Studio 16 w/Windows 7 Ultimate, and have been spending time setting it up, which is a story in itself, including getting a BSOD after installing a Java Update. (I don't know if that was the culprit, but recovering to a restore point prior to that install seems to have fixed things.)

My latest problem is with Dell Support Center. when I launch it, the software recognizes my system's Service Tag (and it's displayed at the top of that window), but when I click on Drivers & Downloads on the left-hand side of the Dell Support Center window, an Internet Explorer window opens, again showing my service tag, and presenting me with filtering options. If I choose Operating System Windows 7 64-bit, and click on Find Downloads, I'm presented with an extensive list, some of which doesn't seem to apply to my configuration (e.g. I don't have the hardware referred to), and quite a few selections that seem to be no more current than I already have.

I actually installed a couple of new components that said urgent, but after rebooting and going through the same process with the Dell Support Center, the same selections appeared yet again. It seems that the Support Center, when looking for downloads, either isn't checking the versions of my drivers/software or isn't checking them properly. For example, I one of the selections was for BIOS version A05, release date 7/20/10, yet if I look at Support Center's System Information for my computer under the General tab, the BIOS version is the same with a BIOS date (as opposed to release date) of 7/14/10. I pretty certain it's the same BIOS.

I'd welcome and appreciate any information about this problem. Thanks!

fireberd · Accepted Answer

When you search for driver updates via the service tag number it is supposed to only list applicable drivers, not all the possibile drivers for a specific model. However, sometimes that does occur and you are left to find the ones that are applicable to your specific hardware configuration.

You are better off just manually checking for updates and installing applicable updates. Some drivers listed on the Dell downloads can very well be the same version as is already on the PC. Dell does not regularly issue updates, like the Retail device vendors do; Dell in most cases only issues an update if the device is not performing to their published specs, and in a few isolated BIOS cases to support additional hardware.

You should look at each driver and determine if the update applies to your specific system as some are issued to correct certain problems and may only pertain to specific hardware or software configurations. BIOS updates should be closely looked at as a failed/corrupt BIOS update and the ONLY option is to replace the motherboard on a Dell. The old adage applies to updates and especially the BIOS - "If it ain't broke don't fix it".

Mary G · Accepted Answer

The download list will include all drivers for your model even those already installed. That is to enable you to reinstall all the drivers after a disaster. You normally don't need any new drivers for a new computer. What you do need is Windows Updates because weeks have gone by since your computer was produced. You should sign up at Dell Downloads to be notified of driver updates for your new computer. Dell will email you when something you might want to update gets posted. I disagree about the bios updates. You should always check to see if Dell recommends applying it to your new computer. When computers are new, some problems are discovered that might be solved by bios updates. My new laptop had 3 bios updates in the first 2-3 months that were needed to correct problems. The old 'never update the bios unless directed by support personnel' practice that was in effect years ago does not apply to new computers nowadays.

ellenph · Answer

Thanks very much for the replies, fireberd and Mary G. I should say I posted my inquiry on behalf of my wife, to whom I had been promising a new computer for some months and finally settled on the Dell Studio 17. I had simply hoped that Dell Support would have had sophisticated enough software to check for upgrades to existing drivers, especially since I let the Dell Support Center software view my settings and driver info remotely. and also because the Setup Guide says to check for new drivers, IIRC.

Well, I can wish for whatever I like, but have to deal with what I'm given. Thanks again for responding.

Windows General

Dell Support Center - Not Recognizing Already Installed Versions

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