Need driver Information/Docs for XPS 420 and Windows 8

Install with VISTA SP2 Compatability mode as Administrator.

CHIPSET DRIVERS SHOULD BE INSTALLED before AUDIO.

Audio - Driver

Description	Importance	Version	Released	Supported OS	Download
Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer, v.RC2.0 , Web A02 Latest Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi web post driver ( 31 March 2008)	Recommended	RC2.0	6/3/2008	Windows XP Windows Vista 32-bit Windows Vista 64-bit Windows XP x64
SIGMATEL STAC Audio: IDT* 92XX Driver	Recommended			Windows Vista 32-bit Windows Vista 64-bit	Download

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File name: AUD_allOS_D20001.0x_PV_IDTGUI_v105_Legacy.exe	Version: 20001.0		Download
Date: 04/23/2009	Status: Latest
Size: 26.29 MB	Language: English
Operating Systems: Windows 2000 *, Windows Vista 32*, Windows Vista 64*, Windows XP Home Edition*, Windows XP Media Center Edition*, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition*, Windows XP Professional*

Release Notes  (rtf)

Installs the integrated audio driver version 20001.0 for Intel® Desktop Boards with IDT* audio. This driver includes the IDT* Audio Control Panel application for controlling audio configurations.

For tips on troubleshooting audio issues specific to the onboard audio solutions on Intel® Desktop Boards, refer to Troubleshooting Audio Issues.

Windows 8 will install drivers for most hardware unless the hardware manufacturer has not supplied a Win 8 version. Very old and very new equipment may not have one. If something doesn't work right, then you will need to find a driver. If something only has drivers for Win 7 or below, you can install that driver, making sure that you go to the Compatibility tab of Properties for the Driver and selecting the appropriate Windows version. It is also best to set the install to be run as an Administrator.

Not certified means Dell doesn't support win 8 on this model which is understandable since it is an old model. The xps 420 runs windows 8 fine and there was no need to install old drivers in compatibility mode on mine. Get windows 8 drivers for any missing drivers from the manufacturer's web site--printers, video cards, sound cards etc.  I did not have to install chipset drivers on my 420. Windows 8 supplied everything for the Dell components.

The only thing I recommend is to install windows 8 without keeping anything from the former version of windows--the "keep nothing"  choice when you install win 8. That worked much better. Personal files and programs needed to be reinstalled so you need to have all the disks and backups or copies for your personal stuff. If it is already installed, go to PC Settings and choose Remove everything and reinstall windows. Do that and it will be a clean install and get rid of any vista or win 7 leftovers. Be aware that it removes anything you have added. Those will have to be reinstalled.

Hi all,

I've upgraded to clean install of Windows 8 Pro 64 bits without any single problem. To say the truth I was expecting troubles but as I said everything went smoothly and fast BTW.

I read a lot on net before installing windows 8 but now that I've done it I wonder is there is anything left to do.

I wonder if I have to install Intel "Matrix Storage Manager" os as is it known today: "The Intel Rapid Storage Manager".

Or the DELL utilities that came preinstalled with Vista.

So far, the true is that most of what I've read on the net was about if Windows 8 could be installed on Windows 8 on the XPS-420 (But now I know it can ;) )

So any extra information would be highly appreciated.

J.

I upgraded a D9100 which is the XPS 400. As I stated above, Win 8 installs most of the needed drivers. You should update your video driver with a  Win 8 version. If anything is not working corrctly or if the Device Manager shows a driver problem, then search for a Win 8 driver. Note that I didn't do a "clean install", but upgraded from Win XP, which you supposedly can't do. However, I did have Vista on a second drive in a dual boot configuration, so who knows. The machine runs fine, better than with XP or Vista.

Run the Intel Update Utility it should find the latest Chipset Driver and Ethernet Driver and run the AMD AutoDetect or nVidea AutoDetect for your graphics card.

Useful Videos:

• Dell YouTube Technical Support Channel

Useful Guides:

• Dell Windows 8 Guide for Dummies