1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Drivers for Dell Optiplex GX-280?

Discussion in 'Windows 7' started by rasilon, 2009/08/19.

  1. 2009/08/19
    rasilon

    rasilon Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2009/05/17
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    1
    I have an Optiplex GX280 at work that I want to install W7 (RTM) on. I'm IT support for a Hospice and I expect that we will be ordering new workstations next year with W7 on them, so I need to bet up to speed on it (in a business environment).

    It's installed just fine. It had default drivers for the GB Ethernet NIC and video, but no sound, etc.. I looked on the Dell site and no drivers past XP.

    Any ideas on where I can look for W7 compatible drivers? TIA.
     
  2. 2009/08/19
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    What's the etc - sorry, no crystal ball :)

    Download SIW and determine the sound, etc components and go to the manufacturer's website. In general Vista drivers will work fine as 7 has essentially the same core - I am assuming you installed the x32 version?
     

  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2009/08/19
    rasilon

    rasilon Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2009/05/17
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    1
    Thanks, Pete. That was my next step. I did get a response from an ng posting that XP drivers have worked just fine, so I'll try that first... Yes, it is the 32 bit version...
     
  5. 2009/08/19
    usasma

    usasma Inactive

    Joined:
    2006/12/17
    Messages:
    225
    Likes Received:
    4
    It's sorta involved to locate drivers this way - but it works well for me:

    - In Device Manager, right click on the device and select Properties, then the Details tab, then look at the hardware ID.

    For PCI devices you'll need the 4 characters after the VEN_ and the 4 characters after the DEV_
    For USB devices you'll need the 4 characters after the VID_ and the 4 characters after the PID_

    For PCI devices, research those numbers at: http://www.pcidatabase.com
    For USB devices, research those numbers at: http://www.linux-usb.org/usb.ids

    This will tell you what the device is.
    First, visit the device manufacturer's website to see if they've got more current drivers available.

    If not, then use Google with that device name and terms like "Windows 7 driver" and/or "Windows Vista driver ". Rooting through the search results will often yield something usable - but it's all trial and error.
     
  6. 2009/08/20
    rasilon

    rasilon Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2009/05/17
    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    1
    Cool. Definitely worth adding to the "Useful Tips" catalog.... Thanks
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.