Dell E4300 Win XP. What drivers to download?

I am getting back my Dell E4300 I sold on eBay because some dummy thinks the computer is slow (takes too long to load Windows) I want to reinstall Windows XP Pro with the MINIMAL amount of drivers/software required. Does anyone have a list of drivers I MUST install on the Dell E4300. Thanks.

Notebook has web-cam and finger reader as options.

 

If you don't use the webcam and fingerprint reader then you don't need to install the drivers. For the rest, if you enter the service tag into Dell's support site then it will list the appropriate drivers for your hardware configuration.

You may also want to install the system manager component of Dell ControlPoint since this helps with the power management.

John

 

I just done that and Dell has 67 files that are recommended and optional. I'll make a list and maybe you can tell me which ones I are a must. I know I need the basics like sound/video/network drivers. The rest like HLDS DU10N Ultra-slim SATA Trayload DVD I have no idea if I need that.

 

The list will get much shorter if you enter your specific service tag number? Looking through the list:

Applications: Webcam software if you have a webcam

Audio: IDT driver required. SRS is option but lets you fine-tune the audio quality (but it will never be good).

BIOS: It is probably worthwhile updating to the latest version.

CD/DVD: These are firmware updates. The may be for Windows 7 compatibility but probably include updated media compatibility lists.

Chipset: You will need to get the Intel chipset working. That may be the chipset installation utility (you may need to use this to load the HDD driver early in the XP installation) and the mobile chipset. Note that you need to select your preferred HDD access mode in the BIOS before starting to install Windows. The Ricoh drivers may also be required. See what hardware isn't working when you have installed everything.

Communication: Maybe one or two of these depending on your hardware config.

ControlPoint: Install System Manager. The others are optional.

Input Drivers: Touchpad and maybe webcam.

Network: Depends on your hardware config.

SATA: Probably the matrix storage driver.

System Utility: You should install this first: It is a roll-up of Windows patches, etc.

System Management: Ignore

Video: Required.

John