Updates done and now XPS hangs/freezes

Ok here is what I did yesterday. Downloaded 4 updates for the XPS 1530:

- Blutooth software
- A12 BIOS update
- NVIDIA 185.85 driver
- NVIDIA PhysX 9.09.0408

I first installed the blutooth, everything was running fine. Then went ahead with installing the gpu driver and then physx driver. Finally I go ahead with the A12 bios update (was running on A09 before this).

I restart the computer, and everything loads up just fine. I noticed the fan kicking in though but no biggie.. I can open up firefox window no problem. It's only when I access my documents (D) or My Computer or C: the computer freezes (not responding msg). The fan kicks in at this moment and waiting 10 more minutes doesn't solve anything so I have to force shut down the laptop. Is it the bios update which is doing this or Nvidia drivers?

 

I would try the bios first. The nvidia 185.85 should work fine on your laptop. Why update you bios. You had a working system, couldn't you just have upgraded the drivers?

 

I thought it wouldn't hurt to update the bios but I was wrong I guess.. lol

Now I can't seem to find the A09 version on Dell's website. Is there any third party site which has it?

 

Nvm, did a search in google, landed back here and got it. lol

will post update.

 

ok let us know if you system gets reverted to normal and for god sake, save all your driver and bios updates in case you have to roll back in the future.

 

I had a similar experience and for me the A12 Bios was fine but the system locked depending on which video driver I used 179 was great and 185.81 has been fine but some of the other variants I have seen posted by others I have tried but reverted back when the system dragged or hung up.
Its a finicky set up within the xps 1530 and the card driver controls so many settings. It may be as simple as the order in which you installed them: I recall reading on the nVidia site them saying to upgrade the Bios first, then install the video update.

 

^ very true, I did that mistake of installing the video drivers first..

Just an update, I formatted the drive, clean install of Vista (running A09). Still have not decided which video drivers to go with.. 179.xx or 185.xx?

 

I'm currently on 176.44 with BIOS A12. Should I upgrade to the latest drivers? The machine is working fine, I don't see a need unless there's some major advantage.