Gearing up to install new SSD

Manu1433

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Mar 3, 2014
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18,510
Alright, I ordered a new Samsung EVO 120GB SSD from Newegg yesterday when they marked them down to $70. I plan on installing it into the second slot of a Dell 17r SE.

As a result, I've decided to be proactive and go ahead and begin to download the drivers that I will need to re-install after moving my OS to my new SSD. I have never actually had to install drivers myself before and haven't really ever performed a fresh install of windows on my own either.

I have went to Dell's website and have looked up the drivers that are compatible with the service code that is on the bottom of my laptop. However, it seems at first glance that some of these seem to be drivers that I do not need.

Here is a screen shot of the network drivers that are listed for my PC:

Network_Drivers-INfI8nQ9.1403659958.PNG


I was wondering if you guys could tell me which of these drivers are essential to getting my wireless card running?
 
Solution
Generally I see the most issues of the sort with wireless network drivers. Occasionally video drivers or some other odd thing, though I'd try the integrated graphics drivers first (Intel if it's an Intel CPU based laptop) - least common denominator. Under Chipset you may see a card reader driver and/or "Intel Management Engine" driver (again, assuming Intel CPU) though where things are listed depends on the manufacturer, those aren't redundant and can be installed.

The same principle should work with any category if you have the chance to view the device manager beforehand, just check there to clear any conflicts you see.
That's an unfortunately common issue with Windows laptops. The same model number has variants with any number of different wifi cards, and even sorting by a service tag won't give you the specific one you have.

You can check your device manager right now, to view what network card is listed under "network adapters" and download that driver.
 

Manu1433

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Mar 3, 2014
19
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18,510
alright cool

so what about the application drivers and the chipset drivers?.....would those fall under the same rule of thumb as the network drivers?....meaning that the same model number could have different chipset/application drivers as well?
 
Generally I see the most issues of the sort with wireless network drivers. Occasionally video drivers or some other odd thing, though I'd try the integrated graphics drivers first (Intel if it's an Intel CPU based laptop) - least common denominator. Under Chipset you may see a card reader driver and/or "Intel Management Engine" driver (again, assuming Intel CPU) though where things are listed depends on the manufacturer, those aren't redundant and can be installed.

The same principle should work with any category if you have the chance to view the device manager beforehand, just check there to clear any conflicts you see.
 
Solution