As far as I can tell, it's a collection of the drivers the person used to install XP on his M1530. I assume it's a self-extracting exe that automatically unzips when you run it. Check the Notebookreview thread.

There's no shortage of M1530 drivers for XP -


Dell XPS M1530 Laptop Windows XP Driver, Software

You can download the diagnostics program from them as well.

Hiya, folks - the Dell XPS arr. today!

Dell XPS laptop 001

Dell XPS laptop 002

So far, the NVidia GeForce 8600 video card is working just fine.

Now, I'm ready to start putting XP on it - I know I'll need to delete all the partitions from the HDD, but do I really have to abide by that page from notebookreview that Jenny100 linked me to?

Which page would that be?
You don't have to bother with Media Direct if you don't want it. I wouldn't bother with it. If you have it installed on your laptop now, you can take a look at it.

But you should slipstream basic drivers like the AHCI/SATA drivers, video drivers, network card drivers, motherboard drivers, and any other drivers you think are necessary (maybe audio drivers, though you could easily install those later) into an XP CD using nLite. If the XP CD you have is XP SP1 or SP2, you can also slipstream SP3 into your Windows CD using nLite and save time having to do it later.

No it's not absolutely necessary. You could turn off AHCI in the BIOS and you'd probably be able to install XP and add the drivers later (though adding AHCI/SATA drivers after the install is problematic and you should probably just forget them if you're not going to add them during the install). But it's faster to use nLite and also good practice.

found this about the defective NVidia 8600 laptop GPU's. My M1530 was one of the models affected, but fortunately Dell addressed the issue -

Dell NVidia update for Dell laptop owners

which involves the BIOS, and Dell has provided BIOS updates. I have already d/l the 1530 A09.exe update so I can flash my M1530's BIOS. But how exactly do I flash its BIOS with this update? I'm planning on flashing the BIOS after my XP (and all XP drivers) are installed.



So what is nLite - a utility that enables me to slipstream XP drivers onto a retail XP_sp2 CD, or do I have to make myself a burned CD with XP_sp2 (from the retail XP disc I bought when I got my Acer) plus the XP drivers?

And what exactly does a slipstreamed CD do? Does it automatically install all XP drivers at the same time that XP is being installed after I delete all the original partitions from the HDD?

The executable takes care of flashing the BIOS all you have to do is run it.

There's no need to wait until XP is installed, the BIOS is separate from all other components, so it will always be applied once you've flashed it.

nLite creates an updated image of your XP CD.
You burn that image to CDR.
As long as you have a license for your XP CD, it's legal to use the CDR. If I remember right, you bought a version of XP that had licenses for 3 computers.

The first thing you do is copy the files from your XP CD to a folder on your hard drive. Also copy the drivers to a folder on your hard drive and decompress them if they are compressed files. Then run nLite and follow the prompts. There is a guide to using nLite on the nLite website:
http://www.nliteos.com/guide/part1.html


A slipstreamed CD is like a customized, updated CD. It's a lot faster to install everything at once than to install XP, then all the drivers, one by one, then the service pack(s), etc. Also, nLite allows you to automatically install the AHCI/SATA drivers during the XP install, which prevents the problem where XP can't find the SATA hard drive.

Ok - now I'm in the process of hunting down all the mandatory XP drivers for the M1530, since that link that Inland gave me back on pg 7 when he said "there's no shortage of XP drivers for the M1530.." -some of the driver d/l links on that pg lead to even more links, and as as now I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) I've found the XP AHCI driver for the M1530 -


AHCI XP driver for M1530?

as shown by this screenshot I've taken of my desktop - the blue shaded area on my "downloads" is what I believe is the ACHI XP driver for the M1530.

Yup. Looks like you found it.

Ok, I think I've found all the XP drivers so far. Now about the BIOS vs the Dell updated BIOS, the BIOS'es in question I've highlighted in each of these screenies -


M1530 BIOS A12


Dell updated M1530 BIOS A09

so which BIOS should I slipstream using nLite?

The A09 BIOS is the update that addresses the defective NVidia card's overheating issue.

Also, how do I tell if my M1530's NVidia card isn't already damaged (I believe it's just fine as I saw no graphics anomalies at all when I first turned it on today, and by the time I shut it down the computer was hot)?

You don't slipstream the BIOS update.
You can apply the BIOS update using the Vista operating system that's currently on your computer.
The BIOS update updates the chip on the motherboard. It doesn't get erased when you format your hard drive.

Did you check what version of the BIOS is currently on your laptop? It may already be updated. The BIOS version usually shows on the screen when you first boot the computer. It may also be displayed when you go into the BIOS.

The graphics anomalies from VRAM damage would show up first during games and other 3D applications. But the time to worry about that was before you got the laptop. No sense in watching for it now.

Yes, I finally got into the BIOS just now. It's the A12 version - dated 11/19/2008.



No, I don't think the BIOS was updated by the previous owner. If it was updated, I think it would say it was version A09, wouldn't it?

So if it wasn't updated, that's the first thing I'm going to do now - is update the BIOS to the A09 version that I linked to above - seems like the A09 version was dated 7/25/2008.

EDIT - come to think of it, since this updated BIOS A09 (dated 7/25/08) was prior to the BIOS I have now (BIOS A12 dated 11/19/08), I'm beginning to suspect that the previous owner already did update the BIOS - am I correct about this?

When you are using your M1530 at home you may want to consider using cooling balls and or a cooling pad... I use both... I have an M1730 and it does get hot. The cooling pad is great. You could also try using those felt pads you can get in the hardware store -- some come round with a sticky side. You could put two together and leave the outside one with the paper on so it is not sticky and place it at the back corners of the computer.. this will increase the airflow... the balls are a cheap way to go also.... but I really like my cooling pad.

Thanks, Winfrey - but I really don't go for cooling pads. They're just extra baggage (IMHO) when I want to game on the go.

The BIOS has been flashed, there is no reason to apply the A09 update (which I doubt would even apply at this point). BIOS updates are cumulative so the changes made to the fan profile by A09 are still there.

Ok - here are all the XP drivers I could find for the M1530:

--chipset;
--Ricoh card reader/marvell LAN card, etc;
--D400 external USB modem driver;
--Dell wireless WiFi WLAN driver;
--Intel Pro/wireless wifi WLAN driver;
--nvidia GeForce 8400/8600 driver;
--Sigmatel HD audio driver;
--Intel Matrix storage manager (SATA AHCI) driver;
--Dell support Ctr;
--Diagnostics;
--Wireless WLAN MiniPCI card/Dual band, etc;
--Dell audio driver;
--sigmatel STAC 92xx C major.

so do I really need all these, which do I weed out, which am I missing (before I use nLite to slipstream a CD/DVD to put XP on the Dell XPS?

Just went into device manager, found that my Disc drive (HDD)? is a Hitachi ATA device - will that matrix SATA AHCI driver still work on it properly?

EDIT - the laptop came with Vista Home Premium, and a separate Dell Drivers and Utilities CD was included - could I use this CD to install all the drivers and utilities after installing XP, or is that CD made for Vista Home Premium only (curious)?

Two round felt pads on each side would only be the size of two fifty cent pieces. I have a program that tracks the temp of my computer and when I use them they lower the temp quite a bit.... but certainly your choice Heat is one thing that does effect the life of a computer

Keeping a laptop cool is not a luxury or a "bother," but a necessity if you want it to last. This laptop is known for running hot, as is Winfrey's M1730. But, like Winfrey says, it's certainly your choice.

Ok, you guys convinced me - I thought it was a luxury thing to get these cooling balls Winfrey mentioned. I'll have to see if I can get them at our local Walmart - what exactly do they look like (photos, please)? Cost? How to stick onto laptop - hope no glue is involved - especially if I'm going to be toting this laptop about with me in my backpack to Panera Bread/Barnes & Noble to game on the go?

The main ones to put in are
--Intel Matrix storage manager (SATA AHCI) driver
--chipset (That would be the motherboard driver)
--nvidia GeForce 8400/8600 driver
--Ricoh card reader/marvell LAN card, etc

You may also need a mouse/touchpad driver. Check on that.

That should get you a working computer with a decent resolution onscreen, Internet connectivity. You can install the rest of the drivers later.

If you want to use Wireless, you can add the driver for your wireless card too. But be sure to check which wireless card you have. Click your Start button and type
System Information
into the Start Search box. That should find you your system information and tell you which wireless card is in your computer.

I'm not sure why you're listing more than one audio driver. You've got

--Sigmatel HD audio driver;
--Dell audio driver;
--sigmatel STAC 92xx C major.

Check your System Information and see which one you have. You probably want the Sigmatel STAC 92xx driver as long as it's for XP.

Are you getting these drivers from different websites? You're also listing 3 different wireless drivers:

--Dell wireless WiFi WLAN driver;
--Intel Pro/wireless wifi WLAN driver;
--Wireless WLAN MiniPCI card/Dual band, etc;

You won't have both the Dell Wireless and the Intel Wireless cards. You'll have one or the other. Check your System Information.

This one
--D400 external USB modem driver;
seems to be for an external modem that attaches to the computer by USB. I assume you did not get an external modem along with your laptop.

The "Dell support Ctr" is not a driver and is optional software. I doubt you'd use it.

"--Diagnostics" is also not a driver. It's a Dell utility for checking hardware problems.

I have some of the balls cruise02, bought them at Winfrey's suggestion and they are great for travel. I keep them in my laptop bag, just in case, though I wouldn't game on the go anyway. laptop cooling balls I didn't get mine from this site though, can't remember where. At home I was using a cooling pad with fans, but for now I am using a dock (no fans) but keeps it off the table and has ports for USB, speakers, etc, doesn't run off the laptop but plugs into the outlet. I like it alot as it keeps all the wires behind the laptop.

Off topic, but this is the neatest mouse I have ever used Microsoft Arc Mouse It goes from flat (off) to curved when on, has a tiny little USB that doesn't get in the way. I love it, but probably not for my action games.

Hi, hawk.... and if you go to ebay just search cooling balls and there are lots... some at .99 cents and like 38 cents to ship I always use my PAD when playing a game... keeps it really cool. I place the balls on the cooler
My cooler

Under System Information my hard drive is listed as:
C: local fixed disk, NTFS, vol. serial # 60B91583,
Hitachi HTS722020K9SA00 ATA device, SCSI Bus 0;

so would the Intel Matrix storage manager (SATA AHCI) driver I d/l work for my particular hard drive?

Regarding these below from System Information:

my SCSI is listed as:
Microsoft iSCSI initiator;

my IDE is listed as:
Ricoh SD/MMC Host Controller, IRQ 18;

My USB is listed as:
Intel ICH8 Family USB Universal (this is 1 of 5 such listings);

Intel ICH8 Family USB2 Enhanced (this is 1 of 2 such listings);

I don't think I have to worry about finding drivers for these - correct?




My display adapter is listed as:

256 MB NVidia GeForce 8600 GT,
resolution 1280x800x60 Hz, bits/pixels 32 IRQ 16;

Under network adapter is listed:

WAN Miniport (L2TP) - a number of varieties of this,
Broadcom 802.11 Multiband Network Adapter,
Microsoft ISATAP Adapter - several varieties of this,
RAS Async Adapter,
WAN Miniport (Network Monitor),
Bluetooth Device,
Marvell Yukon 88E8040 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller,

so I don't know how to interpret this given info on the network adapter stuff;



The mouse/touch pad driver - I only want a mouse driver. No touchpad drivers as I don't use the touchpad.

Under System Information is listed:

Pointing Device - HID Compliant Mouse,



Under my Network Adapters (in System Info/Device Manag) it doesn't say if they're wireless or not - how do I tell?



Under Sound Device in System Information I have:

SigmaTel high definition Audio CODEC, so I'm not really sure of what driver I d/l to keep - the Sigmatel HD audio driver?




Yes, basically I am getting these drivers from different sites.



I didn't see anything under my Network Adapters listed as either Dell Wireless nor Intel Wireless.



No, I don't think I got an external modem with the laptop.



Ok, but do I really need this on my system after XP is installed?

EDIT - I just checked the ebay page where my laptop was listed and yes, it does have a wireless connection - a Dell Wireless 1490 802.11 a/b/g WLAN. But why can't I find this in my System Information?

Also we have a Netgear wireless router. Is my laptop's wireless connection (card) compatible with our router?

@Hawka, Winfrey - I just bought 2 cooling balls for my new laptop from ebay just now. They were 99 cents a pair (2 balls), and they're coming from Hong Kong.

It should work with any brand SATA II hard drive. It's so the Intel motherboard will recognize the hard drive properly.


I don't think you need to worry about that. According to ***Microsoft*** "The Microsoft iSCSI Software Initiator enables connection of a Windows host to an external iSCSI storage array using Ethernet NICs." I don't think you'll be doing that. There's no benefit in installing drivers you'll never use.


I'm not 100% sure what that is. It may be for recognizing Secure Digital cards. If it's not part of the motherboard drivers, I wouldn't worry about it. You can always install it later if you find out you need it.


You'll always have multiple listings for USB devices. That's normal. You should learn about how USB devices are listed when you take the computer repair class. Or look up USB in one of the books you bought.


That would be for USB 2.0. If it's not included with the motherboard drivers (and it should be), you can always install it later.


The most important ones should be included with your motherboard (chipset) drivers. Any driver that isn't included, and which you need, can be downloaded and installed later.



The important thing is that it's the GeForce 8400/8600 series for your Dell laptop. You may decide to change the drivers later, but the Dell drivers are good to start with and may be tweaked to avoid excess heat.


It looks like your wired network card is the "Marvell Yukon 88E8040 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller."


Then all you'd need would be USB drivers. Windows XP would have generic drivers for your mouse.


That's the mouse driver that's included with Windows.



The ***Dell download page for the M1530*** calls it STAC 92XX C-Major HD Audio. Where did you find these drivers you found? They may actually be the same driver named different things in different locations if you found them in 3 different locations.




Yes, basically I am getting these drivers from different sites. So they may all be the same driver. What are the links of the sites where you found these drivers?


It doesn't show up exactly as "Dell Wireless" or "Intel Wireless." You have to look for something that looks similar.


It's only for troubleshooting hardware problems. You can install it or not install it. Up to you.


Because they list things differently in different places.


I have no idea. You could try asking Google.

Ok, here are the links to these drivers -


Dell wireless wifi WLAN driver - look for "Dell multi devive A17 R174291.exe" on this page


Intel PRO/wireless wifi WLAN driver


Wireless WLAN MiniPCI card/Dual Band, etc




I'm getting the idea that I have to use my laptop's Vista Search (much like XP's Search) utility to find this Dell Wireless 1490 card - will give this a try.

EDIT - tried using the System Info's Search to find Dell Wireless, wireless, and 1490 in vain. Then I checked in Device Manager > Network Adapters and saw "Broadcom 802.11 Multiband Network Adapter," 2 Bluetooth devices, and a "Marvell Yukon 88E8040 PCI-E Fast Ethernet Controller"

I'd reckon that this Braodcom 802.11 Multiband Network Adapter is my wireless network adapter, correct?

EDIT 2 - I just looked it up in my CompTIA A+ Study Guide, and sure enough, a 802.11 device (such as my Broadcom Multiband Network Adapter) is a wireless connection device. Also, I found out that Bluetooth devices are also wireless devices, but Ethernet is wired.