Hey ppl,

My lappie came preinstalled with windows vista. Didn't like it so i formatted it to windows xp pro sp2. Installed all the necessary drivers and all seemed to be fine.

When i inserted my memory stick duo (using adapter) into the card reader, the lappie blue screen and then restarts. Tried inserting a microSD card (also using adapter) into the card reader, it cannot detect the card at all. Tried the same 2 memory cards on my housemate's 1520 (preinstalled with win xp) and all went fine. Using the same driver as him (R141246). Its the latest driver from dell.

When i was on vista, the card reader was fine. Now after formatting this problem came. What could have possible gone wrong? Please advise. Thanks.

Your XP issit the Dell OEM version or the RM5 version?

Go to device manager and check is there any !, ?, X on any devices.

Probably you did not install the complete drivers (SM Bus Controller) or the correct sequences

To work effectively, you need to install in this sequence Dell Notebook System Software > Intel Chipset > Audio, graphics etc.

But you mentioned you got BSOD when you inserted the memory stick, what is the tech info?

This post has been edited by fr33dom: Nov 24 2007, 09:57 PM

Nope my XP is the 5 bucks version.

Device manager no !, ?, X.

When installing the drivers i followed the order stated in the 1st post.

When BSOD it restarts straight away. Kinda impossible to take note of the tech info.

Anybody with experience installing a lanun OS into Dell system can help this guy?

I personally don't encourage you to install a pirated OS or major apps (like Office suite or internet security) because Dell Tech Support might refused to repair your machine. I hope you could get a Dell OEM operating system CD at least cuz when you install other Dell proprietary software (especially Dell Support Center 2.0), your machine will communicate your service tag, OS and other details with Dell mainframes. Worst case scenario it might avoid your warranty due system failures resulting from installation of pirated app.

If warranty is not your concern, then you might try other route. Aside from getting drivers from Dell website, you could also do a Windows Update; if you already know how to bypass WGA validation.

Oops... warranty is a major concern for me here. By the way I did upgrade to 3 years complete cover.

Worse come to worst i shall reinstall back the original windows vista that came with the system before sending for any warranty claims.

Is there by any chance my warranty claim is rejected due to pirated OS?

Senang saja .. you said your friend got 1520 with XP right? Then borrow his OS CD and install la .. Dell OEM OS cd's does not require any product key and you are allowed to install on any systems as long as its a dell.

Dell Tech Support wont know if your OS is ori or RM5 version, but if they check its not Dell OEM version, they can refuse support and ask you to call M$. You wouldn't dare to call M$ if you know your using the RM5 version right?

I think that is what i would do la. Get the dell OEM XP cd and reinstall my xp.

So i guess after doing this i will be calling up dell regarding my card reader.

Thanks for all the advice ppl.

My pleasure. It's important to have that Dell OEM XP CD. Hurry and grab it.

Although in my current case fr33dom, you NEED to key in the product license key just once to during installation. If you do reinstallation / format HDD etc again after that, the system won't ask for the key again. Maybe it's stored in Dell BIOS.

They can still check on their database that your system came with Vista.

you may check C:\WINDOWS\Minidump\ folder, there will have the dump files if windows are able to capture the errors before restart. the dump files informations are useful for you.
Another ways may check the windows event viewer for any errors.


product license key required if you just reinstall windows inside the windows mode.
it's doesn't or won't stored the product license key in Dell BIOS.

Story: HDD virgin from Dell (mine is FreeDOS), install XP, format to NTFS, and during installation one screen ask for my details and then license key (this is true but just once, this time only). I keyed in the OEM key. Finish install about 20 minutes give and take. When I decide to reformat and reinstall my HDD from scratch, the installation procedure doesn't need me to key in the license key again.

Second clean reinstallation was done during last Thursday.

Just some noob question

Why people still use XP when there are vista provided?

Is there any software that doesnt work on vista?

Is the speed slows a lot on Vista?

Is most of the games dont runs on vista?

Is the game speed slows down in vista?

I am gonna to buy 1520 with 2GB ram , duo core 1.5 MHZ , will that be not enough?

This post has been edited by Endless9930: Nov 26 2007, 01:40 PM

Vista is baloatware DRM-infected pricey trash. Vista is bad for gaming and entertainment for now. Not worth the hassle to cuz due to conflicting games, lags etc. If you're a gamer you could surely must go for XP. The next year if you want buy the Vista SP1 if available.

For games benchmark using C2D1.5, you know already where to look, link in my sig.

1) XP is still more stable compared to Vista. Stable in terms you don't get BSOD or sys error after a win update.

2) Many (mostly older versions)

3) Yes, Vista is a very resource hungry OS

4) For new games it should be vista compatible. For certain older games you need to install updates or patches.

5) Game speed is controlled by your RAM, Vid Crd & Prc - but you might face compatibility issue

If you buy 1520, get the XP version for now ...

This post has been edited by fr33dom: Nov 26 2007, 01:59 PM

Just wondering

Can i purchase ram from outside and put in myself?

This way can save a lot......

sure u can @@

Check first if the memory slots are easily accessed to avoid problem during self installation. For Inspiron 1420, both can be accessed under the base.

How about 1520 and vestro?

Sorry can't help cuz I'm only familiar with Dell Inspiron 1420 and Latitude D620. Any Inspiron 1520 owner please help our friend?

I have mentioned this b4, but I will say again.

For 1520, RAM slot 1 is located at the base of the sys and RAM slot 2 is at the bottom of the kyb.

Yes you can put outside RAM in it, provided it is compatible and you know how to remove the kyb without breaking any cables.

1520 & Vostro 1500 is exactly the same shape and built, just diff color