Got it mixed up a bit...

 

First you install windows and make sure all is OK, then you install the chipset driver from the cd and run it.  After which you install the video card driver then download and install all the Microsoft critical updates and any other driver for hardware on the system.   Done

 

 

The list of drivers for the XPS 400 are:

• Dell Desktop System Software
• Intel® chipset drivers for ICH7 systems
• PCI Express® x16 video controller driver
• SigmaTel® STA9220 driver
• Intel 82562GZ 10/100 Ethernet controller driver
• Intel 82573L Gigabit Ethernet controller (Dimension™ 9150 / XPS™ 400 only)
• Drivers for any PCI or PCI Express cards installed

Make sure you install the Desktop System Software first.

Thank you!  It is just so confusing for me.  I don't know how all of you remember

these things, but I'm glad you do.  Thanks again.

Larry at Dell, I think you have got me confused, which is very easy these days. 

Your list seems to be in a specific order.  Is this the order I should install the

drivers, after I reinstall XP?  Lastly, how many hours should all this take me?

Thank you all for your help! 

Important that you always install the ChipSet driver right after the install of windows...

 

This is how I do it each time I reinstall windows...

 

1.  Install windows

 

2.  Install the Chipset driver  ( For me, my windows os has this included so I don't have to install a ChipSet driver unless a new one is offered )

 

3.  Install the video card driver next then if necessary, reset the monitors native resolution.  Sometimes it needs to be done and other times it will reset itself.

 

4.  Connect the modem, install any drivers for it

 

5.  Go onto the internet and download any Microsoft Updates

 

6.  Install all the rest that you have

Thank you.  It sounds like I should get some snacks ready.  It will be a long day tomorrow.

Just a few snacks or do some house work/tv during the install  :smileyvery-happy:

For Dell systems that need it, the Desktop (or Notebook) System Software should always be installed before the Chipset, and the Chipset software should always be installed next (or first if the system doesn't have the Desktop System software).

 

The list I posted is the recommended order the drivers should be installed in, however, once the Desktop System Software and Chipset are installed the order isn't really important.

 

Personally, it takes me about 2 to 3 hours total to install Windows and then load the drivers for the system, assuming a long format of the hard drive.

Thank you Larry.   Well if it takes you 2-3 hours, I figure 3-4 for me.  

I started the reinstall yesterday, but had to stop due to a family

emergency.  I am assuming I should do a reformat again before starting

the reinstall again.   Thanks again!

Actually, if you already got past the point where "Windows is copying files to your computer" then formatting will force you to start over again.  If you aren't sure where you left off and don't mind the "extra" work, however, you can start again and do the long format.  Personally, I would recommend it if you had bad or corrupted data on the drive before you tried the reinstallation.