xps M1330 vista failure after updates

Hi, my xps m1330 was having problems after installing the windows vista updates. I ended up having to reinstall a fresh copy of vista (cd provided by dell). Even after that, installing the vista critical update will lead to failure to start windows and will only lead to an option to restore (repair) and it goes back like it was. I cannot connect to my internet (university) without windows critical updates so I need them. This looks like a serious problem with the m1330. There must be other people having this problem. Can someone help?

 

Actually, I think it is a Vista problem more than an M1330 problem. Did you try doing a full reinstall, with a format..and not just an upgrade or in place install?

 

If you need to reinstall....

Feel free to check out my Dell Clean Install below (done on my M1330) followed by the Tweaking Guide (again tackled with the M1330).

 

I only put in the vista installation cd from dell and asked to install a fresh copy that deleted everything that was there. I guess I understand that I should fromat and reinstall. thanks. I'll check the post from Les.

 

well I followed Les's guide and it worked. Thanks a lot for the help everyone.

 

"vista and "failure" too often appear in the same sentence. Windows 7 can't get here fast enough.