Oh, thanks ten times for the tips! A couple of questions, sorry for the kindergarten level:
1) At Nlite step, I integrate OK the .inf drivers for SATA. But the WiFi file is an exe and I do not know how or where to get it into Nlite. Tried running it in case it were a self expandable, but nothing happened that I know.
2) My XPS has a 3670 video card. I chose Radeon 3600 series driver from AMD, hope i chose right?. AMD offers either just the drivers or driver plus application. Which should I pick for later modding?
3) So, only Wifi and SATA at Nlite step. All the rest (chipset, etc) come in afterwards, after installing XP, right?. Any special order?
4) Did you eventually get the mic or 1394 to work? I know that until Apr 28 it was unsolved. I have saved that original thread as .MHT if somebody might need it, with a couple of hints from Archway1 also.
You're welcome! No problem either. I've actually been trying a few other things on this pc and have found some slightly better solutions to parts of it, such as the video card drivers.
2 - OK, I switched from the Mobility Modded Radeon HD 3670 drivers to this : http://www.opendrivers.com/driver/265684/ati-mobility-radeon-driver-catalyst-mobility-8.491-windows-xp-free-download.html . Reason being, I do OpenGL programming and the MM drivers bite the big one for that. OpenGL support is nonexistent and even simple GL programs like GLQuake or Duke Nukem HR would not run. After switching to these, OpenGL now shows all it's proper extensions on loadup in Quake or Quake 2. The theory with the MM drivers is that it takes the *non-mobility* version of the drivers, IE - the desktop card, and mods the drivers to work under the equivalent mobility chip. In this case Radeon HD 3670. This works ok for DirectX 9 games, but as I said, OpenGL defaults to using *software* rather than hardware to render. So basically, your CPU rather than your GPU is doing all the work. Not what you want.
3 - Yup, pretty much. No special order really. Install the HDMI before the sound. Other than that, you hsould be fine.
4 - Nope, unfortunately. In the name of getting down to using the machine rather than fix it constantly. I just eventually bailed on those, and haven't noticed any real detriment to the system as a result. The 1394 was to connect *networking* to it, something that I'll never do. For the microphone I'll just plug in a cheap one externally if I ever want to record anything.
All this being said, my WIFI only connects to my N router at class G speed (54mps rather than 270). This, frank ticks (I hate their censorship mechanism here) me off. This is actually a known issue with Intel WIFI cards (http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=317057). If anyone has a fix to this, I'm all ears, but as far as I stand now, this will be the last Dell I ever buy due to all the afforementioned issues. This quality is far below what I'm willing to accept, and I'm going to be advising all my family, friends, and even pets to avoid them like the bubonic plague. This will be Dell's business cost for making these inane decisions. Sorry Dell. You blew it.
Thanks for your (and everyone else's) contribution to this forum. I am lining up all the drivers to install XP 32bit.
Do you have the Dell Wireless 370 Card (2.0 + EDR)?
Have you had any subsequent BSOD either in XP 32bit or Vista 64bit?
Did flashing the firmware create any problems?
Do you know the original Bluetooth driver file number that came with your XPS 16? I am unable to track mine down from the "utilities disk" ( dated Nov 2008) that came with my Aug 2009 delivery.
Whoa!! Sorry. Let me post this again without all of the HTML code:
On the home stretch getting XP to run effectively on XPS 16. I want to thank Archway and NinjaRunningWild for all of their work and contributions. I found their info very valuable.
I currently have not loaded the IR driver because of the apparent uncertainty over whether it will work. Has anyone obtained stable drivers for this function? Otherwise, I installed all of the modifications, fixes, drivers etc. In addition to what has been posted here, I used the synaptics driver for the touchpad and the problem with the touchpad interfering with typing by resetting the cursor because of thumb or palm brushes is solved. The Synaptics driver has a sensitivity setting which is very useful. That driver is at :
I currently have a few residual problems. There are two unknown devices in device manager. They are for "Intel(R) ICH9M LPC Interface Controller - 2919". I did go to Intel's driver site and download and installed the chipset driver from:
The other driver is for "Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System". I think this is linked to one of my problems. On shut down I can not select hibernate. There is no functionality and pressing the shift key does nothing. Anyone have any ideas? I reinstalled the chipset drivers twice and nothing changed.
The other major issue is no functionality for the CD eject button on the lighted touch sensitive toolbar. Has anyone found the solution for this problem?
The cd eject can be fixed by downgrading the bios to no later than version 6.
http://ftp.us.dell.com/bios/R214437.exe
Version 5 is here :
http://ftp.dell.com/bios/1640_A05.exe
As far as the unknown devices, you should only have 1 and a ? next to the 1394 Net Adapter. Try installing the driver I listed here for chipset. ( Intel Chipset http://rapidshare.de/files/40173743/...autol.zip.html). It may be that the chipset driver on Intel's site is too current for the chipset that's actually in the laptop.
I listed a IR driver here. I can't really confirm whether or not it works as I have no IR devices and have no plan to get any. What are you using this for that you need this?
As far as the hibernate issue, I would read this : http://lifehacker.com/311701/hibernate-vs-standby . Hibernate takes longer to load up in many cases as just having a streamlined system that you actually shutdown and power on. I don't have the option to hibernate anyways (only in Vista). I actually shut my computer down unless it's downloading something. My boot time is less than 1 min for XP.
sorry for my bad english - but please read this important message!!!
***** DON'T EVER CHANGE YOUR BIOS IF YOU ARE NOT SURE OF YOUR HARDWARE *****
I did try http://ftp.us.dell.com/bios/R214437.exe and after the reboot... blank screen... I was earing the windows startup but absolutely nothing on the screen... looks like Ninja's hardware was not the same as mine.
Tried to connect another monitor.... nothing, try to connect via HDMI, nothing either... then more panic, tough about remooving the bios battery, but was afraid to loose garanty... After reading scarry story on the Internet about failed flash... I tough it was probably not that since I could ear the windows startup (hd and cd - no sound yet)...
Then I tough I could make a autostart cd with the A10 bios flash, the only probleme, I did not remember the key/button, and there order.. Imagine the possible mess... trying to update my bios with a blank screen... This is a crazy idea!
IT DID WORK!!! So if you are in the same extreme panic, here is the solution (I 'm sure you allready know now that you need a second computer!) :
1. Creat a text file and name it "AUTORUN.INF" and add those 2 lines: [AutoRun] open=1640_A10.exe
3. Create a CD and copy those two files... (maybe you could try on another computer, don't worry you have to click somewhere to install, just try your autostart cd)
4. Start your XPS and wait until a normal winxp boot (10 to 30 seconds) to be safe...
5. Insert the cd and wait again 1 minute (you will ear you cd player speening and your hd light will flash)
6. Press "TAB" (wait 1 second) and press "SPACE" and wait about 2 minutes (wait until hd light and cd return to a normal pace - 1 to 2 minutes)
7. Press "SPACE" and wait for the reboot... (about 2 - 5 minutes)
Enjoy and find a normal hart beat again, I'm sure that by now you can feel your hand and your feet again! :-)
By the way, Ninja, you were right, without screen I was able to eject my cd with this update! hahahaha If you had not give me so mush help with my XPS - I would really hate you for this one! But I can't - Thanks for every thing!
And please people - use this technique only if you are in the same mess... I CAN'T GARRANTY ANYTHING ON THIS ONE.... YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN... But it work for me - never tough I would be so happy to see that Dell logo again!
<ADMIN NOTE: Service tag removed per privacy policy>
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Ok Pacifix, I need to say this to you. You are spreading fear based on what is most likely an isolated incident. I do not know all the details of how you went about this. If you were running something at the same time you did the flash, it would fail causing the sort of problem you mentioned. I used the exact file you did on 2 separate screen configurations . The bios should not effect the bus to the screen (there were basically only 2 different screen options for the 1640, both of which used ATI HD 3670). Be careful in assuming that your experience was/would be universal.
Even if you are right and it is an isolated incident, there XPS could be ruined... I don't beleive it was a failed bios flash, the computer was running ok, but not the screen, neither video output, neither hdmi output. My english may not be good, since it is not my primary language, but I'm an IT professional since 15 years. I'm installing XP on my XPS only because one of my client in Quebec city is running XP on his 5000+ computers... The only stuff that I can see that could mess the bios flash is the Norton Ghost 14... since it was running... but again it did work ok the second time since I was able to reverse to the original bios.
On this one Ninja, you may be right, but you may be rong too, I beleive that my XPS is newer than yours, I got it last week.
For the screen/video card option: Mine is an ATI HD 4670... This may confirme something here.
I'm not assuming my experience is universal. I'm just telling people to verified their hardware before following your advise on flashing their bios! And that is deffinitly a good universal advise!
It clearly states on the page : " ATI Mobility RADEON® HD 3670 - 512MB". This is not customizable, though there is a new 3rd screen option for a 16" screen. The only thing we may have confirmed is that Dell may be sending out newer ATI video cards in their Studio XPS 16's, though that's assuming you didn't just see it wrong. Until someone else posts their experience, including that some other people have this new video card, and that flashing the bios to the older version is incompatible with it, I remain skeptical, as I am not standing behind you to verify this for myself.
Speaking of this, it would be good if people who have successfully installed XP using this method can post their configurations so it can be seen which ones may encounter problems, which is more-or-less what Pacifix is saying.
Fixable yes, when you can see what must be fixe... Last night I was creazy to try this without screen and I was really lucky! If someone as the same ATI 4670 video card and they have tried the bios flash, there is a slim chance that you will not have an anser to your question...
Options always change with Dell, that depends on their stock... Now, I will stop writting in this thread because it is pointless...
For all the newbies that will read this: I really don't care whos right or wrong here, and yes it is possible that my bios flash went wrong...
Thanks both for your input and experience. The more people who post their experience here, the better for everyone. I trust that all of us doing this are computer literate to a significant degree so lets respect the validity of each person's experience.
Regarding the configurations:
I am running an XPS 1640
P8700 (purchased instead of the the T9550 because of the wattage differences and the heat problems associated. BTW, I have an excellent free applet called core temp v.99.5.7 (not sure of the version number) that monitors the CPU temp real time from a little icon display on the task bar. It comes in 32 and 64 bit versions so make sure you have the right one for your machine. It demonstrated, BTW, that a strong laptop fan had minimal effect on CPU temp and CPU temp in the P series is just not a problem. I don't know if this is the case for the T series which is 35 watts and now the I-7 which is 45 watts!!!)
ATI Mobility Radeon 4670 1 GB
RGBLED 1920X1080 Display
Optiarc BluRay DVD/CD
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)
I did not install the IR Receiver driver because I have absolutlely no need for IR. I did not install the Wickman Vol buttons b/c my VOL buttons worked. After completing my setup I had two unknown devices and a ? in front of the 1394 FireWire. The Unknown devices are listed in my post above. Ninjja suggested using the Intel Chipset file from his original post and I may do that.
Pacifix, what does your device manager show? You sound like you have a very similar configuration to me. I did not flash the BIOS yet, but after your experience I do not think I am going to try it unless others have the RGBLED display with the ATI 4670 - 1 GB card and have success with it. By the way, if you look at the bios notes from Dell website, they say that the newer BIOS's were issued to fix display problems.
I have also been looking at the drivers for the Studio 1555 Laptop with XP installed. They have a number of intriguing software and driver possibilities including the Dell quickset. I haven't tried anything yet but wonder if anyone else had any experience with the software and drivers?
Up until last night I was very happy with my set-up but I made the mistake of using gparted to reclaim some partition space for the logical drive on which I placed XP. Since then my backup software won't work and I have had my first BSOD x 2. It is just as well. I wanted XP on the C drive and plan on installing Win 7 on the E drive anyway, so I have a bunch of reinstallations to do. I plan on using Diskpart which worked really well for one of the partition tasks and I will repartition the HD, reformat and reinstall OS's but will probably wait until I get my Win 7 version from Dell on the 23rd.
husky0894
1.6K Posts
0
March 16th, 2009 14:00
If you don't clean it up, this post will go the way of the other one.
NinjaRunningWil
1 Rookie
•
37 Posts
0
March 16th, 2009 14:00
Clean what part of it up? It's rated G.
ecidre
2 Posts
0
May 19th, 2009 08:00
Oh, thanks ten times for the tips! A couple of questions, sorry for the kindergarten level:
1) At Nlite step, I integrate OK the .inf drivers for SATA. But the WiFi file is an exe and I do not know how or where to get it into Nlite. Tried running it in case it were a self expandable, but nothing happened that I know.
2) My XPS has a 3670 video card. I chose Radeon 3600 series driver from AMD, hope i chose right?. AMD offers either just the drivers or driver plus application. Which should I pick for later modding?
3) So, only Wifi and SATA at Nlite step. All the rest (chipset, etc) come in afterwards, after installing XP, right?. Any special order?
4) Did you eventually get the mic or 1394 to work? I know that until Apr 28 it was unsolved. I have saved that original thread as .MHT if somebody might need it, with a couple of hints from Archway1 also.
NinjaRunningWil
1 Rookie
•
37 Posts
0
May 19th, 2009 11:00
You're welcome! No problem either. I've actually been trying a few other things on this pc and have found some slightly better solutions to parts of it, such as the video card drivers.
1 - Here. Try this instead : http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?strState=LIVE&ProductID=3062&DwnldID=17228&lang=eng
2 - OK, I switched from the Mobility Modded Radeon HD 3670 drivers to this : http://www.opendrivers.com/driver/265684/ati-mobility-radeon-driver-catalyst-mobility-8.491-windows-xp-free-download.html . Reason being, I do OpenGL programming and the MM drivers bite the big one for that. OpenGL support is nonexistent and even simple GL programs like GLQuake or Duke Nukem HR would not run. After switching to these, OpenGL now shows all it's proper extensions on loadup in Quake or Quake 2. The theory with the MM drivers is that it takes the *non-mobility* version of the drivers, IE - the desktop card, and mods the drivers to work under the equivalent mobility chip. In this case Radeon HD 3670. This works ok for DirectX 9 games, but as I said, OpenGL defaults to using *software* rather than hardware to render. So basically, your CPU rather than your GPU is doing all the work. Not what you want.
3 - Yup, pretty much. No special order really. Install the HDMI before the sound. Other than that, you hsould be fine.
4 - Nope, unfortunately. In the name of getting down to using the machine rather than fix it constantly. I just eventually bailed on those, and haven't noticed any real detriment to the system as a result. The 1394 was to connect *networking* to it, something that I'll never do. For the microphone I'll just plug in a cheap one externally if I ever want to record anything.
All this being said, my WIFI only connects to my N router at class G speed (54mps rather than 270). This, frank ticks (I hate their censorship mechanism here) me off. This is actually a known issue with Intel WIFI cards (http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=317057). If anyone has a fix to this, I'm all ears, but as far as I stand now, this will be the last Dell I ever buy due to all the afforementioned issues. This quality is far below what I'm willing to accept, and I'm going to be advising all my family, friends, and even pets to avoid them like the bubonic plague. This will be Dell's business cost for making these inane decisions. Sorry Dell. You blew it.
NinjaRunningWil
1 Rookie
•
37 Posts
0
September 15th, 2009 01:00
Dell Webcam :
http://ftp.dell.com/app/R195284.exe
HardDriveWhiner
40 Posts
0
September 19th, 2009 02:00
Thanks for your (and everyone else's) contribution to this forum. I am lining up all the drivers to install XP 32bit.
Do you have the Dell Wireless 370 Card (2.0 + EDR)?
Have you had any subsequent BSOD either in XP 32bit or Vista 64bit?
Did flashing the firmware create any problems?
Do you know the original Bluetooth driver file number that came with your XPS 16? I am unable to track mine down from the "utilities disk" ( dated Nov 2008) that came with my Aug 2009 delivery.
Thanks in advance for your response.
HardDriveWhiner
40 Posts
0
October 1st, 2009 00:00
Whoa!! Sorry. Let me post this again without all of the HTML code:
On the home stretch getting XP to run effectively on XPS 16. I want to thank Archway and NinjaRunningWild for all of their work and contributions. I found their info very valuable.
I currently have not loaded the IR driver because of the apparent uncertainty over whether it will work. Has anyone obtained stable drivers for this function? Otherwise, I installed all of the modifications, fixes, drivers etc. In addition to what has been posted here, I used the synaptics driver for the touchpad and the problem with the touchpad interfering with typing by resetting the cursor because of thumb or palm brushes is solved. The Synaptics driver has a sensitivity setting which is very useful. That driver is at :
http://www.synaptics.com/support/drivers Most current 32 bit XP driver (Synaptics_Driver_v10_1_8_XP32.exe).
I currently have a few residual problems. There are two unknown devices in device manager. They are for "Intel(R) ICH9M LPC Interface Controller - 2919". I did go to Intel's driver site and download and installed the chipset driver from:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&ProdId=2115&DwnldID=18052&lang=eng
The other driver is for "Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System". I think this is linked to one of my problems. On shut down I can not select hibernate. There is no functionality and pressing the shift key does nothing. Anyone have any ideas? I reinstalled the chipset drivers twice and nothing changed.
The other major issue is no functionality for the CD eject button on the lighted touch sensitive toolbar. Has anyone found the solution for this problem?
NinjaRunningWil
1 Rookie
•
37 Posts
0
October 1st, 2009 02:00
The cd eject can be fixed by downgrading the bios to no later than version 6.
http://ftp.us.dell.com/bios/R214437.exe
Version 5 is here :
http://ftp.dell.com/bios/1640_A05.exe
As far as the unknown devices, you should only have 1 and a ? next to the 1394 Net Adapter. Try installing the driver I listed here for chipset. ( Intel Chipset http://rapidshare.de/files/40173743/...autol.zip.html). It may be that the chipset driver on Intel's site is too current for the chipset that's actually in the laptop.
I listed a IR driver here. I can't really confirm whether or not it works as I have no IR devices and have no plan to get any. What are you using this for that you need this?
As far as the hibernate issue, I would read this : http://lifehacker.com/311701/hibernate-vs-standby . Hibernate takes longer to load up in many cases as just having a streamlined system that you actually shutdown and power on. I don't have the option to hibernate anyways (only in Vista).
I actually shut my computer down unless it's downloading something. My boot time is less than 1 min for XP.
Pacifix
7 Posts
0
October 4th, 2009 23:00
sorry for my bad english - but please read this important message!!!
***** DON'T EVER CHANGE YOUR BIOS IF YOU ARE NOT SURE OF YOUR HARDWARE *****
I did try http://ftp.us.dell.com/bios/R214437.exe and after the reboot... blank screen... I was earing the windows startup but absolutely nothing on the screen... looks like Ninja's hardware was not the same as mine.
Tried to connect another monitor.... nothing, try to connect via HDMI, nothing either... then more panic, tough about remooving the bios battery, but was afraid to loose garanty... After reading scarry story on the Internet about failed flash... I tough it was probably not that since I could ear the windows startup (hd and cd - no sound yet)...
Then I tough I could make a autostart cd with the A10 bios flash, the only probleme, I did not remember the key/button, and there order..
Imagine the possible mess... trying to update my bios with a blank screen... This is a crazy idea!
IT DID WORK!!!
So if you are in the same extreme panic, here is the solution (I 'm sure you allready know now that you need a second computer!) :
1. Creat a text file and name it "AUTORUN.INF" and add those 2 lines:
[AutoRun]
open=1640_A10.exe
2. Get the latest Bios Flash from Dell - Should be "1640_A10.exe"
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=ca&l=fr&s=gen&releaseid=R231032&SystemID=STUDIOXPS16 &os=WLH&osl=en&deviceid=17107&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=2&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=1&fileid=332417
3. Create a CD and copy those two files... (maybe you could try on another computer, don't worry you have to click somewhere to install, just try your autostart cd)
4. Start your XPS and wait until a normal winxp boot (10 to 30 seconds) to be safe...
5. Insert the cd and wait again 1 minute (you will ear you cd player speening and your hd light will flash)
6. Press "TAB" (wait 1 second) and press "SPACE" and wait about 2 minutes (wait until hd light and cd return to a normal pace - 1 to 2 minutes)
7. Press "SPACE" and wait for the reboot... (about 2 - 5 minutes)
Enjoy and find a normal hart beat again, I'm sure that by now you can feel your hand and your feet again! :-)
By the way, Ninja, you were right, without screen I was able to eject my cd with this update! hahahaha
If you had not give me so mush help with my XPS - I would really hate you for this one! But I can't - Thanks for every thing!
And please people - use this technique only if you are in the same mess...
I CAN'T GARRANTY ANYTHING ON THIS ONE.... YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN...
But it work for me - never tough I would be so happy to see that Dell logo again!
<ADMIN NOTE: Service tag removed per privacy policy>
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
NinjaRunningWil
1 Rookie
•
37 Posts
0
October 5th, 2009 02:00
Ok Pacifix, I need to say this to you. You are spreading fear based on what is most likely an isolated incident. I do not know all the details of how you went about this. If you were running something at the same time you did the flash, it would fail causing the sort of problem you mentioned. I used the exact file you did on 2 separate screen configurations . The bios should not effect the bus to the screen (there were basically only 2 different screen options for the 1640, both of which used ATI HD 3670). Be careful in assuming that your experience was/would be universal.
Pacifix
7 Posts
0
October 5th, 2009 07:00
Ninja,
Even if you are right and it is an isolated incident, there XPS could be ruined... I don't beleive it was a failed bios flash, the computer was running ok, but not the screen, neither video output, neither hdmi output. My english may not be good, since it is not my primary language, but I'm an IT professional since 15 years. I'm installing XP on my XPS only because one of my client in Quebec city is running XP on his 5000+ computers... The only stuff that I can see that could mess the bios flash is the Norton Ghost 14... since it was running... but again it did work ok the second time since I was able to reverse to the original bios.
On this one Ninja, you may be right, but you may be rong too, I beleive that my XPS is newer than yours, I got it last week.
For the screen/video card option: Mine is an ATI HD 4670...
This may confirme something here.
I'm not assuming my experience is universal. I'm just telling people to verified their hardware before following your advise on flashing their bios!
And that is deffinitly a good universal advise!
NinjaRunningWil
1 Rookie
•
37 Posts
0
October 5th, 2009 19:00
Ok, again. You just invalidated your own theory. Obviously it was not ruined, and since you can always reflash the bios, that is annoying but fixable. Fixable is far from ruined. Second, look at the dell page for the Studio XPS 16 : http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/notebooks/laptop-studio-xps-16/pd.aspx?refid=laptop-studio-xps-16&s=dhs&cs=19&~oid=us~en~29~performance-deals_anav_02~~
It clearly states on the page : " ATI Mobility RADEON® HD 3670 - 512MB". This is not customizable, though there is a new 3rd screen option for a 16" screen. The only thing we may have confirmed is that Dell may be sending out newer ATI video cards in their Studio XPS 16's, though that's assuming you didn't just see it wrong. Until someone else posts their experience, including that some other people have this new video card, and that flashing the bios to the older version is incompatible with it, I remain skeptical, as I am not standing behind you to verify this for myself.
Speaking of this, it would be good if people who have successfully installed XP using this method can post their configurations so it can be seen which ones may encounter problems, which is more-or-less what Pacifix is saying.
Pacifix
7 Posts
0
October 5th, 2009 21:00
Fixable yes, when you can see what must be fixe... Last night I was creazy to try this without screen and I was really lucky!
If someone as the same ATI 4670 video card and they have tried the bios flash, there is a slim chance that you will not have an anser to your question...
Options always change with Dell, that depends on their stock... Now, I will stop writting in this thread because it is pointless...
For all the newbies that will read this: I really don't care whos right or wrong here, and yes it is possible that my bios flash went wrong...
Just evaluate the risk and be carefull...
HardDriveWhiner
40 Posts
0
October 5th, 2009 22:00
Ninja and Pacifix:
Thanks both for your input and experience. The more people who post their experience here, the better for everyone. I trust that all of us doing this are computer literate to a significant degree so lets respect the validity of each person's experience.
Regarding the configurations:
I am running an XPS 1640
P8700 (purchased instead of the the T9550 because of the wattage differences and the heat problems associated. BTW, I have an excellent free applet called core temp v.99.5.7 (not sure of the version number) that monitors the CPU temp real time from a little icon display on the task bar. It comes in 32 and 64 bit versions so make sure you have the right one for your machine. It demonstrated, BTW, that a strong laptop fan had minimal effect on CPU temp and CPU temp in the P series is just not a problem. I don't know if this is the case for the T series which is 35 watts and now the I-7 which is 45 watts!!!)
ATI Mobility Radeon 4670 1 GB
RGBLED 1920X1080 Display
Optiarc BluRay DVD/CD
Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)
Integrated High Definition Audio 2.2
500GB 7200RPM Free Fall SensorSeagate Hard Drive
Premium FHD WLED Display Obsidian Black, 2.0 MP Webcam
Intel WiFi Link 5300 802.11AGNHalf Mini Card w/ My WiFi
My experience with the XP installation was: I used the files Ninja noted in his original post except for:
Intel chipset: After identifying my chipset with the Intel chipset ID tool, I downloaded and installed http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&ProdId=2115&DwnldID=18052&lang=eng
Touchpad:
http://www.synaptics.com/support/drivers
Most current 32 bit XP driver (Synaptics_Driver_v10_1_8_XP32.exe)
Audio: http://cid-b98cfb1fc37a589a.skydrive.live.com/embedrow.aspx/DELL%20XPS%20Studio%201640%20Modded%20Audio%20Driver/Dell%20XPS%20Studio%201640%20Audio%20Driver%20With%20buildin%20Microphone%20R214424.zip
Bluetooth (this was Ninja's updated file)
http://ftp.dell.com/network/R216460.exe
I did not install the IR Receiver driver because I have absolutlely no need for IR. I did not install the Wickman Vol buttons b/c my VOL buttons worked. After completing my setup I had two unknown devices and a ? in front of the 1394 FireWire. The Unknown devices are listed in my post above. Ninjja suggested using the Intel Chipset file from his original post and I may do that.
Pacifix, what does your device manager show? You sound like you have a very similar configuration to me. I did not flash the BIOS yet, but after your experience I do not think I am going to try it unless others have the RGBLED display with the ATI 4670 - 1 GB card and have success with it. By the way, if you look at the bios notes from Dell website, they say that the newer BIOS's were issued to fix display problems.
I have also been looking at the drivers for the Studio 1555 Laptop with XP installed. They have a number of intriguing software and driver possibilities including the Dell quickset. I haven't tried anything yet but wonder if anyone else had any experience with the software and drivers?
Up until last night I was very happy with my set-up but I made the mistake of using gparted to reclaim some partition space for the logical drive on which I placed XP. Since then my backup software won't work and I have had my first BSOD x 2. It is just as well. I wanted XP on the C drive and plan on installing Win 7 on the E drive anyway, so I have a bunch of reinstallations to do. I plan on using Diskpart which worked really well for one of the partition tasks and I will repartition the HD, reformat and reinstall OS's but will probably wait until I get my Win 7 version from Dell on the 23rd.
NinjaRunningWil
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October 6th, 2009 03:00
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