Dell G884D manual Reinstalling Your Operating System, Drivers, What Is a Driver?

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Reinstalling Your Operating System

Drivers

What Is a Driver?

A driver is a program that controls a device such as a printer, mouse, or keyboard. All devices require a driver program.

A driver acts like a translator between the device and any other programs that use the device. Each device has its own set of specialized commands that only its driver recognizes.

Dell™ ships your computer to you with required drivers already installed—no further installation or configuration is needed.

NOTICE: The Drivers and Utilities media may contain drivers for operating systems that are not on your computer. Ensure that you are installing software appropriate for your operating system.

Many drivers, such as the keyboard driver, come with your Microsoft® Windows® operating system. You may need to install drivers if you:

•Upgrade your operating system.

•Reinstall your operating system.

•Connect or install a new device.

Reinstalling Your Operating System

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Contents Dell XPS Quick Reference Guide Macrovision Product Notice Contents Starting Dell Diagnostics From Lockups and Software ProblemsReinstalling Drivers and Utilities Technical Support and Customer Service Automated Order-Status ServiceReturning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit Contents About Your Computer Front View of the ComputerAbout Your Computer Back View of the Computer Back Panel Connectors Front Panel ConnectorsAbout Your Computer Setting Up Your Computer Setting Up Your ComputerSafety Instructions Installing Your Computer in an EnclosureSetting Up Your Computer Setting Up Your Internet Connection Connecting to the InternetTransferring Information to a New Computer Memory SpecificationsSpecifications ProcessorConnector ConnectorsConnector size Connector data widthNetwork adapter DrivesConnectors Audio FlexBay Ieee 1394 FirewireESATA Serial ATAHard-drive activity light Power buttonPower light Controls and LightsEnvironmental PowerWattage PhysicalGrms Optimizing for Greater Performance Understanding Intel SpeedStep TechnologyOptimizing for Greater Performance Optimizing for Greater Performance Beep Codes TroubleshootingTroubleshooting Tools TroubleshootingCode Description Suggested Remedy Repetitive Continue until you have identified a faultyError Type into your computer see the ServiceCode Description If the problem persists, contact Dell see Contacting Dell onMessage Possible Cause Corrective Action System MessagesMessage Possible Cause Message Possible Cause Starting Dell Diagnostics From Your Hard Drive Dell Diagnostics When to Use Dell DiagnosticsInsert the Drivers and Utilities media Option Function Dell Diagnostics Main MenuYour computer Power Problems Solving ProblemsMemory Problems Computer does not start up Lockups and Software ProblemsSolid blue screen appears Drivers Reinstalling Your Operating SystemWhat Is a Driver? Reinstalling Your Operating SystemIdentifying Drivers Reinstalling Drivers and UtilitiesUsing the Drivers and Utilities media Restoring Your Operating System Using Microsoft Windows System Restore Using Dell Factory Image Restore Before you Begin Using the Operating System MediaReinstalling Windows Vista Finding Information Using and maintaining devices Terms and Conditions U.S. onlyDell Technology Guide About your operating system Getting Help Obtaining AssistanceGetting Help Online Services Technical Support and Customer ServiceProduct Information Problems With Your OrderAutoTech Service Automated Order-Status ServiceBefore You Call Returning Items for Warranty Repair or CreditPage Contacting Dell Index IndexIndex Index Index