Reformat questions...

I just got my Vostro 1500 today, and I was planning on reformatting to start fresh. I had Windows XP SP2 installed on my system. Here are my questions:

1. I assume that I use the operating system disc that came with my system from Dell to perform this. Is that correct?

2. What exactly do I need to reinstall once I reformat?

3. Any drivers or utilities that I need to reinstall, should I just use the discs that came with my system from Dell, or should I download all the drivers from Dell's web site?

4. I have a Nvidia 8600M GT installed, should I go to Laptopvideo2go.com for the driver or should I use the one that Dell provided?

5. In the Vostro 1500 manual, it says if you reformat that you can't reinstall Media Direct. Is this true? My system came with a Media Direct reinstallation disc, can't I use that?

Thank you very much!

 

1. Yes
2. Drivers, software
3. Both
4. laptopvideo2go.com
5. No. See this.

 

Ok thanks! On #3, what do you mean by both? I will use some from the discs and some from the web site? How do I know which ones I will use from which?

 

Well, since you just bought your Vostro, it should have all the latest drivers, but if after you install them all from the DVD you find that something still doesn't work, then head over to Dell's website and download it from there.

From what I remember when I reformatted my 1520, a few drivers weren't on the DVD, I had to download them.

 

Ok, I see. Thank you very much!

 

crash, now that I read this, I am going from Windows XP to Windows XP. Do I still need to follow those steps for Media Direct?

 

Yes , otherwise if you accidentally pressed media direct button it will mess up your entire system and you had to re-install everything , so better go with Media Direct Option bro