Adpoted this from the original thread :- (so people dont have to look through the original thread)
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**NEW** ***FAQs and Tech Support Question*** **NEW**
Installation Dell MediaDirect 3.3
**by Safar**
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Before you can reinstall the Dell MediaDirect software, you must prepare your hard drive for the Reinstallation using the utilities on the "Reinstallation Media", this will erase all data and create drive partitions.
Once you have prepared your hard drive, you can reinstall your Microsoft® Windows® Vista operating system, hardware drivers, and software programs.
Please note the "Primary Partition" that is created during the preparation of the hard drive should be used when installing the Microsoft® Windows® Vista operating system. Once the operating system is fully reinstalled, follow the instructions in "Reinstalling the Dell MediaDirect Software" to reinstall your Dell MediaDirect software.
Step 1. Preparing the Hard Drive for the Dell MediaDirect Reinstallation
Before you begin installing your Microsoft® Windows® Vista operating system, you must prepare your hard drive using the software provided on the reinstallation media.
To prepare your hard drive:
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Insert the reinstallation media into the CD/DVD drive, and then restart your computer.
3. If your computer is already configured to boot from the CD/DVD drive, you will be prompted to press a key to boot from the CD/DVD drive. If the "Media Direct Reinstallation" does not automatically start, restart your computer and when the Dell logo appears, press <F12> immediately. This will take you to the boot menu where you need to select CD/DVD drive.
4. When the Media Direct Reinstallation menu appears, select the option to partition the hard drive.
• Select "Option 1" from the menu if you wish to use all of the hard drive for your operating system installation. This is the most common selection and is how your computer was originally shipped to you, unless you specified an operating system partition size at the time you ordered your computer.
• Select "Option 2" if you wish to designate a size for your operating system and have a data partition. This will allow you to specify a size for the operating system partition, leaving the remainder of the hard drive configured as a "data" partition (D:).
5. Once you have prepared the drive and you have returned to the main recovery menu, remove the reinstallation media and replace it with the operating system reinstallation CD. Select the option to reboot your computer.
6. If your computer does not automatically start the media, press <F12> to access the Boot Menu and select the CD/DVD boot option.
7. Install your Microsoft® Windows® Vista operating system (for help refer to the Windows installation guide), selecting the "Primary Partition" when prompted. If you have two hard drives, select the "Primary Partition" on the same disk where the MediaDirect partition resides. Once you have completed the installation of the operating system, you can begin reinstallation of the Dell MediaDirect software.
Step 2. Reinstalling the Dell MediaDirect Software
NOTE:
Note: You must follow the instructions in "Step 1. Preparing the Hard Drive for the Dell MediaDirect Reinstallation" prior to reinstalling the Dell MediaDirect. Dell MediaDirect requires a special partition which is automatically created under the hard drive preparation process.
To reinstall the Dell MediaDirect software:
1. At the Windows desktop, close all open applications.
2. Insert the reinstallation media into the CD/DVD drive.
The Dell MediaDirect™ Powered by Cyberlink window opens automatically.
3. Press <Enter> to reinstall Dell MediaDirect.
When the reinstallation process is complete, a message will be displayed.
4. Press <Enter> to exit the reinstallation window, and then remove the reinstallation media from the DVD drive.
5. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
6. Once your computer has completely turned off, press the Dell MediaDirect button on your computer to launch MediaDirect.
Once you have prepared your hard drive, you can reinstall your Microsoft® Windows® Vista operating system, hardware drivers, and software programs.
Please note the "Primary Partition" that is created during the preparation of the hard drive should be used when installing the Microsoft® Windows® Vista operating system. Once the operating system is fully reinstalled, follow the instructions in "Reinstalling the Dell MediaDirect Software" to reinstall your Dell MediaDirect software.
Step 1. Preparing the Hard Drive for the Dell MediaDirect Reinstallation
Before you begin installing your Microsoft® Windows® Vista operating system, you must prepare your hard drive using the software provided on the reinstallation media.
To prepare your hard drive:
1. Turn on your computer.
2. Insert the reinstallation media into the CD/DVD drive, and then restart your computer.
3. If your computer is already configured to boot from the CD/DVD drive, you will be prompted to press a key to boot from the CD/DVD drive. If the "Media Direct Reinstallation" does not automatically start, restart your computer and when the Dell logo appears, press <F12> immediately. This will take you to the boot menu where you need to select CD/DVD drive.
4. When the Media Direct Reinstallation menu appears, select the option to partition the hard drive.
• Select "Option 1" from the menu if you wish to use all of the hard drive for your operating system installation. This is the most common selection and is how your computer was originally shipped to you, unless you specified an operating system partition size at the time you ordered your computer.
• Select "Option 2" if you wish to designate a size for your operating system and have a data partition. This will allow you to specify a size for the operating system partition, leaving the remainder of the hard drive configured as a "data" partition (D:).
5. Once you have prepared the drive and you have returned to the main recovery menu, remove the reinstallation media and replace it with the operating system reinstallation CD. Select the option to reboot your computer.
6. If your computer does not automatically start the media, press <F12> to access the Boot Menu and select the CD/DVD boot option.
7. Install your Microsoft® Windows® Vista operating system (for help refer to the Windows installation guide), selecting the "Primary Partition" when prompted. If you have two hard drives, select the "Primary Partition" on the same disk where the MediaDirect partition resides. Once you have completed the installation of the operating system, you can begin reinstallation of the Dell MediaDirect software.
Step 2. Reinstalling the Dell MediaDirect Software
NOTE:
Note: You must follow the instructions in "Step 1. Preparing the Hard Drive for the Dell MediaDirect Reinstallation" prior to reinstalling the Dell MediaDirect. Dell MediaDirect requires a special partition which is automatically created under the hard drive preparation process.
To reinstall the Dell MediaDirect software:
1. At the Windows desktop, close all open applications.
2. Insert the reinstallation media into the CD/DVD drive.
The Dell MediaDirect™ Powered by Cyberlink window opens automatically.
3. Press <Enter> to reinstall Dell MediaDirect.
When the reinstallation process is complete, a message will be displayed.
4. Press <Enter> to exit the reinstallation window, and then remove the reinstallation media from the DVD drive.
5. Shut down the computer through the Start menu.
6. Once your computer has completely turned off, press the Dell MediaDirect button on your computer to launch MediaDirect.
Essential Vista Patches and Driver Updates
**by 000022**
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Driver 169.04 (most stable driver I've been using to O/C, i recommend users to try which one's the most stable for themselves)
http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/forum/index....showtopic=15825
Microsoft updates for all Vista versions sorted according to date
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/browse....rtCriteria=date
DX updates sorted according to date (for laymen, just DL the latest redist pack)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/results...rtCriteria=date
http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/forum/index....showtopic=15825
Microsoft updates for all Vista versions sorted according to date
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/browse....rtCriteria=date
DX updates sorted according to date (for laymen, just DL the latest redist pack)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/results...rtCriteria=date
Gaming on Vista Patches:
Gaming on Vista patch
SLi-ed version of the above fix
General Hotfix Download Links
hotfix webpage
Update urself on this sites gradually
Dell XPS m1530 Owner's list :
achord
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Processor
Intel® Centrino® Duo Processor Technology - Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T7500
Operating system
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
Memory
2GB DDR2 SDRAM
Monitor
15.4” WXGA Display with TrueLife™ and Integrated 2.0 mega pixel web cam
Hard Drive
250GB Hard Drive
Optical Drive
DVD Burner*
Graphic Card
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
Wireless Network Card
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-cardService
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 1-Year CompleteCover™
Colour Kits
Alpine white LCD display with integrated 2.0 mega pixel web cam
Palmrest
Palmrest with fingerprint reader
Batteries
9 cell lithium ion Primary Battery
Intel® Centrino® Duo Processor Technology - Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T7500
Operating system
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
Memory
2GB DDR2 SDRAM
Monitor
15.4” WXGA Display with TrueLife™ and Integrated 2.0 mega pixel web cam
Hard Drive
250GB Hard Drive
Optical Drive
DVD Burner*
Graphic Card
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
Wireless Network Card
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-cardService
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 1-Year CompleteCover™
Colour Kits
Alpine white LCD display with integrated 2.0 mega pixel web cam
Palmrest
Palmrest with fingerprint reader
Batteries
9 cell lithium ion Primary Battery
cartman87
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T7500
320GB HDD 5400 RPM
Geforce 8600M GT
2GB RAM
Intel Turbo Memory 1GB
Dell Wireless N card
320GB HDD 5400 RPM
Geforce 8600M GT
2GB RAM
Intel Turbo Memory 1GB
Dell Wireless N card
Hate Crew
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Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB | 4096MB (2 X 2048MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM | NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB | 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) | 9 Cell battery | 8X DVD+/-RW DL | Bluetooth Module 355 + Intel 3945 b/g Wireless | Fingerprint reader
lazzy_dogg
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Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB|2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM|250GB SATA Hard Drive|NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB|15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800)|9 Cell battery|8X DVD+/-RW DL|Bluetooth Module 355|Intel® 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-Card|Fingerprint reader
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
Gyokumen Koushu
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Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB | 2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM | NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB | 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) | 8X DVD+/-RW DL | Bluetooth Module 355 + Dell Wireless N Mini Card | Fingerprint reader
eugenel
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T7700
320gb HDD
256mb GEFORCE GT
2gb ram
care premium
320gb HDD
256mb GEFORCE GT
2gb ram
care premium
fr33dom
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My system
Dell XPS M1530 - Tuxedo Black
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB | 2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB | 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) | 9 Cell battery | | 8X DVD+/-RW DL | Bluetooth Module 355 + Intel 3945 b/g Wireless | Fingerprint reader
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 3-Year CompleteCover
Dell XPS M1530 - Tuxedo Black
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB | 2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB | 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) | 9 Cell battery | | 8X DVD+/-RW DL | Bluetooth Module 355 + Intel 3945 b/g Wireless | Fingerprint reader
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 3-Year CompleteCover
jcheok2
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T7500 2.2Ghz 4Mb cache
2Gb RAM 667Mhz
Intel AGN
250Gb
8x DVD rw
8600GT 256Mb
2Gb RAM 667Mhz
Intel AGN
250Gb
8x DVD rw
8600GT 256Mb
Havoc Nightmare
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Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz
2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM
200GB SATA 7200RPM Performance Hard Drive
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB
15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800)
8X DVD+/-RW DL
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module
Fingerprint reader
6 Cell battery
Intel® 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-Card
Tuxedo Black
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz
2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM
200GB SATA 7200RPM Performance Hard Drive
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB
15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800)
8X DVD+/-RW DL
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module
Fingerprint reader
6 Cell battery
Intel® 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-Card
Tuxedo Black
hrd
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Tuxedo Black
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz
2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM
250GB SATA Hard Drive
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB
15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800)
8X DVD+/-RW DL
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module
Intel 3945 b/g Wireless
Fingerprint reader
6 Cell battery
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 3-Year CompleteCover
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz
2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM
250GB SATA Hard Drive
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB
15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800)
8X DVD+/-RW DL
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Module
Intel 3945 b/g Wireless
Fingerprint reader
6 Cell battery
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 3-Year CompleteCover
krellian69
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T7500
2GB RAM
250GB HDD
8600GT
6-cell Batt (anyone knows where can I get additional batteries? like the 9-cell one)
3 Years XPS Premium Service with 3 Years Complete Cover
2GB RAM
250GB HDD
8600GT
6-cell Batt (anyone knows where can I get additional batteries? like the 9-cell one)
3 Years XPS Premium Service with 3 Years Complete Cover
Safar
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Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB | 2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB | 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) | 9 Cell battery | Intel Turbo Memory 1GB
250GB 5400RPM HD | 8X DVD+/-RW DL | Bluetooth Module 355 + Intel 3945 b/g Wireless | Fingerprint reader
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 3-Year CompleteCover
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB | 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) | 9 Cell battery | Intel Turbo Memory 1GB
250GB 5400RPM HD | 8X DVD+/-RW DL | Bluetooth Module 355 + Intel 3945 b/g Wireless | Fingerprint reader
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 3-Year CompleteCover
silvertan
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Dell XPS M1530 - Alpine White
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB | 2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM | 250G HDD
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB | 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) | 9 Cell battery | 8X DVD+/-RW DL | Bluetooth Module 355 + Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-Card | Fingerprint Reader
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 3-Year CompleteCover
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB | 2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM | 250G HDD
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB | 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) | 9 Cell battery | 8X DVD+/-RW DL | Bluetooth Module 355 + Intel 4965AGN Wireless-N Mini-Card | Fingerprint Reader
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 3-Year CompleteCover
ahlaisc
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XPS M1530 (Tuxedo Black)
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB
2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB
15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800)
6 Cell battery
250GB 7200RPM HD
8X DVD+/-RW DL
Bluetooth Module 355
Intel 3965 wireless card
Palmrest Fingerprint reader
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 3-Year CompleteCover
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB
2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB
15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800)
6 Cell battery
250GB 7200RPM HD
8X DVD+/-RW DL
Bluetooth Module 355
Intel 3965 wireless card
Palmrest Fingerprint reader
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 3-Year CompleteCover
penny2
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XPS M1530 (Tuxedo Black)
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB
2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB
15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800)
9 Cell battery
Intel Turbo Memory 1GB
200GB 7200RPM HD
8X DVD+/-RW DL
Bluetooth Module 355
Intel 4965 Wireless N Mini Card
Palmrest Fingerprint reader
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 3-Year CompleteCover
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T7500 2.2GHz, 4MB Cache, 800 MHz FSB
2048MB (2 X 1024MB) 667Hz DDR2 SDRAM
NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT 256MB
15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800)
9 Cell battery
Intel Turbo Memory 1GB
200GB 7200RPM HD
8X DVD+/-RW DL
Bluetooth Module 355
Intel 4965 Wireless N Mini Card
Palmrest Fingerprint reader
3-Year XPS™ Premier Service Support with 3-Year CompleteCover
XPS Personal Review : ~
achord
