Vista selfdestructs on XPS 1330 - webcam?

Hi board!

In February my Laptop suffered a sudden "stroke": It shut down and couldn't reboot. It was diagnosed with "terminal hard drive failure". I bought a new HD and reinstalled all the stuff. So far so good. But Vista always "self destructs" when I install some specific drivers. AFAIK it always kills itself when I install the WebCam Driver. I can install them and use the WebCam but as soon as I reboot everything goes to hell. It *might* be the same with some Vista updates. But frankly, after having reinstalled Vista six times I don't have the patience to try it out. I now have 57 "important" updates that could/should be installed but I don't dare to change a running system.

I read the thread
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=227591

but I am not sure whether this is the same problem.

Can anybody help me out? I would like to be able to update Windows without biting my nails ...

Thanks

Einbau

 

You could back up the drive (create an image) and then install your updates 1 at a time. Reboot after each update even if not prompted. If it craps out on you at least you'll have your back up.

Also, be sure to always use the suggested order when installing drivers during a reinstall of the OS...

Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) - A vital utility that provides critical updates and patches for the operating system. If you are reinstalling Windows or updating all drivers, it is important that this software be installed first. Currently, the DSS and NSS are not required for computers with Windows Vista®. This is located under the System and Configuration Utilities Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.


Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers. This is located under the Chipset Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.


Video Adapter - Enhances video performance. This is located under the Video Adapter Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.


Network Interface Card (NIC) - Enhances the network controller for Internet or network access. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.


Audio Adapter - Enables and enhances the audio controller. This is located under the Audio Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.


Modem - Allows dial-up capability. This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.


Wireless Network Card - Enables and enhances the wireless network controller. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.


Touchpad, Pointer, Trackstick, Mice, and Keyboards - Enhances the pointing device features. This is located under the Mouse & Keyboards Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.


Other Devices

Bluetooth® Module located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page

Dell Wireless Mobile Broadband Cards located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page

PCMCIA/Smartcard controller located under the Security Category on the Drivers and Downloads page

 

OK, thank you. I had hoped I might somehow escape installing 57 updates and rebooting every time ...