Windows 7: Laptop Clean Install

Hi

Quick quesiton about doing a clean install on a Dell laptop.

Do you think I'll need to load any drivers at install? Or do you think I can just wipe and install from the optical drive, per usual?

The Windows 7 installer is driver-complete, and Windows Update will deliver newer or any missing. If any are then missing in Device Manager, find them on the Dell Support Downloads page for your model computer.

You can also back up the Vista windows/system32/drivers file to browse for any missing drivers, though there are likely newer Windows 7 drivers in the installer and via Windows Updates or your Downloads page.

I agree.

The main problem I can imagine is if Windows 7 doesn't include network controller drivers for the machine. If you don't have easy access to another machine that would enable you to download them, I suggest that you have them on hand, just in case.

I have a Dell (desktop). I had no problems whatsoever. If you are connected the the internet, all drivers should be installed, automatically. My Dell is an XPS 420. Even though your machine is a laptop, if it is only a few years old, you will be surfing the net shortly after you begin the install (45 minutes for clean, excluding reinstalling programs)

Thanks All!