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".
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.
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.
fireberd
9 Legend
•
33.4K Posts
1
September 13th, 2010 04:00
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
4 Operator
•
20.1K Posts
1
September 13th, 2010 11:00
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
2 Posts
0
September 13th, 2010 14:00
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.