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How to Restore Dell Computer Drivers

How to Restore Dell Computer Drivers thumbnail
A computer needs drivers to function properly.

If your Dell computer has no sound, no or erratic Internet and your monitor appears flat or discolored, your computer may be in need of updated drivers. More recent operating systems, such as Windows Vista and 7, install drivers automatically. Windows XP is another story, however. If your XP machine seems to be lacking drivers, you can update them yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Dell driver CD
  • Windows installation CD
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Instructions

  1. Using Dell Driver CD

    • 1

      Place your Dell driver CD in the CD drive on your computer.

    • 2

      Open another Window to view any drivers that you are missing or that are not installed correctly. Click "Start" and "Control Panel." Click "Performance and Maintenance" under Pick a Category, then click "System." Click the "Hardware" tab and click "Device Manager." A yellow exclamation point indicates a device that is not installed properly.

    • 3

      Go back to your original window with the driver CD and select the drivers you need to reinstall. Follow the onscreen prompts, and the CD will walk you through the process or restoring the missing or damaged drivers.

    Using Dell Support

    • 4

      Navigate to the Dell Support website at support.dell.com.

    • 5

      Enter the model number of the Dell computer for which you need drivers. For example, Dimension 4550 and then your operating system, such as Windows XP or Vista.

Tips & Warnings

  • Note where you save your Dell drivers so you can unzip and install them where appropriate on your computer.

  • This may get tricky if there are more than one type of driver for the same device (sound, video, motherboard). Try to find out which one you have ahead of time or install one and see if it works properly.

  • If you are prompted for your Windows XP CD to install missing files, have it handy. It is a CD from Dell. If you do not have it, you can call them and order it or go onto their website listed in this article.

  • You will still have to reinstall software that you previously owned in the case of a reformat.

  • Sorry, personal questions pertaining to your individual Dell computers cannot be answered.

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  • Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images

Comments

  • Kim Marie Mar 08, 2009
    If you wish to link this to a similar article of your own, please email me first and I will put your article in my resources section. Thank you!
  • Kim Marie Mar 08, 2009
    I hope this helps you guys. There is no particular order for restoring Dell drivers if you have a lot to do. Let me know what methods worked for you.
  • offgrid Jan 23, 2009
    Good tips - Thanks for posting 5 *

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