want to send drivers to a friend in Oz  

I Assume this system was not purchased in the UK, if so I would not do anything, without the Dell ID/Serial - Components at a board level should be compatible across markets but this is not always the case

When I was specifying PC for commercial projects world wide, one of the main reasons I used Dell was their IDTag system, I could specify in the UK and the final end client, could contact their local Dell outlet and be sure of getting the exact part they needed . This was especially important with components such as PSUs in Small form cases - An off the shelf PSU just wouldn't fit and there was a bit of variation even amongst the Dell models - When Dell eventually decided to go with Standard Power units it made things a lot easier, It was just Voltage, Frequency & power to match up then

pawz7 said:

Nigel, I agree. I have the tag now and pointed him toward the Australian Dell Support site, and to the driver-list specific to that model - but that old saying about leading horses to water but you can't make them drink is applicable here, and as yet he hasn't downloaded anything. He is now talking about buying a cheapo laptop with Win 8.1 on it, because he thinks that it is the operating system itself that is the root cause of his problems. Illustrations about worn tyres on a truck not being solved by putting a new engine in fell on deaf ears. So, no further forward, and here in UK I have the occasional desire to put my hands around his neck and squeeze, such is the frustration - but he is a lovely guy despite this strange inability. I just wish I was there and could sort it out for him. Thank you for your help.

Where in Oz is he?

Well if he has the activation code then why not do this
Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
unless I am terribly wrong Windows should load the drivers and he will avoid the bloatware.

I suppose you could download the drivers from the Australian site using the ID tag, and eMail them on to him. That would give them the option, which is all you can do :)

Yep looking like a road trip :)
Windows 8 would in the long run be better

pawz7 said:

he is on XP.. I come here because I am on Win7. Even if he were, I doubt he would bother with .iso's.
All he has to do is click on 'download' for the chipset driver on the Aussie site - he won't do it. I have given up. I am encouraging him to get the cheapo laptop with win 8.1 instead

Well for what it is worth he doesn't sound like he is very enthusiastic at all and a tad uninterested. You have done the right thing mate and if he cannot follow your input then that's his problem.