Safe to install drivers from different model?

Hi, I have an Inspiron 1420 and I'm going to upgrade to Windows 7, the drivers listed for the 1420 are outdated, I can find newer ones searching the support site but they are listed for other models. Is it better to just stick with the ones listed for my model or should I go with the updated ones. What do most people here do?

 

It is best to stick with your model's drivers. The newer model's drivers may or may not work depending on your hardware.

I just stick with my model's drivers.

 

Go to the manufacturers website for the drivers.

If they are video drivers, check out nvidias site or ATIs site or Intels site.
That way you get the very latest drivers.

Same with sound. If you have realtek audio then check out the realtek site for the drivers.

For dell specific drivers I would imagine that drivers from a simmilar model will be fine.

If not then just boot into safe mode and roll back the driver.

 

In your particular situation, I would try using the "outdated" drivers on your Windows 7 install. I've put Win7 on a D600, D610, and D620, and it each case, the XP drivers worked fine for any hardware that wasn't already covered by stock Win7 drivers.

If you really must get "updated" drivers, I would suggest that you visit the manufacturer sites of those piece of hardware for which Windows 7 doesn't not provide stock drivers and see if they have anything more recent for you.

This is not to say that drivers for different models will not work given that it's for the same hardware. Things like Intel video and wireless drivers should already be nearly identical for anything using an Intel IGP and wifi device.