Notebook System Software and Quick Set on fresh XP install.

I have bought a new Inspiron 6400 and after testing it out, I did a fresh install of XP Pro. I haven't installed Dell's Notebook System Software and Quick Set and haven't experienced any issues that suggests these are required. Can anyone confirm this or give any reasons why it is best to install either or both of these?

 

A quick look at dells driver page
http://support.dell.com/support/dow...=1&vercnt=1&formatcnt=1&libid=7&fileid=160873

it says there what that NSS does, seems pretty important. Dell quick set is a utility that you can control various aspects of your notebook, most immediate one I think will be the use of the media buttons at the front.

 

Yes, I read that on Dell's website with regard to the System Software however it appears that is for updating system drivers etc. when available. I would prefer just to download these manually from the website as required.
With regards to the Quick Set, I haven't installed it but the Fnct-F2 works fine for enabling wireless and the front media buttons function fine in media player, power dvd etc. as do the short cuts buttons for volume, mute and screen brightness. the only thing I can see I am missing is the short cut for battery info at the moment.

 

You need to install quickset to use all the macro buttons

 

Quickset must be installed if you want to use Media Direct. It also has pop up boxes for brightness and volume indicators. It is also required for most of the FN+keys to work.

As for Notebook system software, it is another required program. It runs one time and corrects any hardware conflicts within your system. It does not run again unless you tell it to. It does not update your drivers or anything like that. You will still be required to download the driver and update it yourself.

 

I'm fine with the Quick Set however not convinced of the worth of the System Software as I haven't used it and everything seems to be set up and configured correctly. I also note on the Dell website that this software is labelled as 'Optional'. Is it only worth installing and running the System Software if you are experiencing conflicts of some description?

 

I do think you do want it, as it includes important configuration, and I don't see it as bloating your system.

I think "optional" refers to the updated version (thus, upgrading from the factory-installed version is optional).

 

If you want to install it, then install it. If you don't, then don't. Personally, I don't understand what the big problem is with it. What do you have to lose by installing it? It only runs 1 time. That's it. It doesn't crash your system. It won't run ever again unless you tell it to. Its not junkware. Its sole purpose is to fix some hardware conflicts that drivers can not fix.

 

Thanks for your input guys. I'll maybe put this on after I see how my laptop performs over the next week but so far no issues at all.

 

One thing I noticed and this will be important for dual-core laptops is that NSS installs patch KB896256 for those setups. It also sets up the registry entry. All you would need to do is update the boot.ini file.