Hi
I've had to reinstall Windows 7 Pro 64 bit and have lost all my drivers including network adaptor.
I have tried installing numerous different drivers from the Dell website but they are not working.
Can anyone help? I have attached my sys info.
Thanks in advance.
The correct install sequence for a Dell is (1) Install Windows (2) Install Dell Desktop (or Laptop) Support Software (3) Install Intel Motherboard Chipset Drivers (4) Install Device drivers including Video, Sound, Network, etc.
The Chipset drivers are key to a successful install. One of the prime things the chipset drivers do is define all the devices on the motherboard. If the chipset drivers are not installed some of the device drivers will not install as the devices will not be found.
If the PC came with Windows 7, access the Dell drivers by your service tag number. The drivers listed will be what was installed at the factory.
Thanks, I had installed the chipset first but the drivers didn't work.
My service tag doesn't list the drivers when i enter it on the dell website, only a download for bios
Here are the listed downloads for Win 7 64 bit.
Support for Vostro 3550 | Drivers & downloads | Dell US
It still sounds like either a chipset driver problem or will require a new "clean" reinstall.
There is also the Dell Community support forums for help if we can't get you going.
Post on the Laptop hardware section.
http://en.community.dell.com/
If all else fails, try a Windows update.
You'll need to connect to the internet in order to be able to do a Windows update. Therefore, you'll either need to get your Ethernet driver working, or you'll need to install a temporary network adapter. (An external USB Ethernet or wifi adapter is an easy way to do this.)
Once you are on the internet:
Check in Device Manager to see which devices need drivers (the ones with the yellow triangle).
Now do a Windows Update: search for the "optional" (hardware) drivers. Install only the ones that you need for these devices.
Now reboot, go back into Device Manager, and see if all is now well. If so, you're done.
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