Lifergeek.com

Lets start with the specs on this machine:

• Intel Celeron 1.6ghz processor
• 120gb hard disk, only 60 to be used for this. (note: this is not the original HD, last one ground to a halt)
• 2gb ram (maxed out)
• Broadcom 440x 10/100 lan
• Internal card for Wireless, Intel WM3A2200BG
• nVidia GO5650 (custom Dell unit, can only use drivers from dell)

I had to download the following drivers from Dell:

• nVidia GO5650 video driver for WinXP (R69136.exe)
• Sigmatel STAC 9750 AC97 driver for WinXP (R90698.exe)

I had to download the follwing drivers from Intel’s website:

• Intel® PRO/Wireless Drivers-Only for Windows Vista

Expectations

First off, don’t expect all the neat Aero Glass Effects.  This lil video card just can’t do it with the driver Dell has provided.  Since nVidia doesn’t directly support this card, there is little chance for this to get fixed.   Gadgets work, no issues there.  All in all, this is a pretty usable system.  The Wife took over this machine after I installed Win7 beta, it was time for win7 RC (you know just before the automated shutdowns).  I’m turning it over to her after this install, thus my choice for desktop images.

Preparation

Well, not much needed to be done other than collecting the drivers.  I placed them on a Thumbdrive for me to run or install on the Laptop.  I unzipped the file from Intel just in case, but Win7 has zip files handled internally also so, it wasn’t really needed.

You will need to get your Win7 RC DVD burned to install with.  You will need the 32bit version.  Even if you could use 64bit, you can only use 2gb of ram so you wouldn’t gain much.

Step 1 – Install Windows 7

Pop in the DVD for Windows 7 and boot up while pressing F12 on the boot screen.  Select the option for the CD/DVD boot.  After that, it’s just a simple install.  My setup has a Linux partition hanging out in the last 60gb, but the Grub loader was replaced in this install and I’m only holding on to it just in case I feel like going back to it.

Step 2 – Install Drivers

Pop in your Thumbdrive or CD with the drivers you downloaded.  Run each Dell driver EXE, and look for it’s associated ‘setup.exe’ in C:\Dell\Drivers\{driverID}.  Note that the nVidia install will require a reboot so save that for last if you can handle the stretched screen.

Installing the Intel Wireless driver it just as easy.  in the zip files is the path “Disk\Vista\Drivers” path.  in there is the ‘iSetup.exe’ file.  Run that to install the driver (also requiring a reboot).

Step 3 – Finishing up

Well, at this point, you can remove the “C:\Dell” directory.  I kept mine as if you install over a Win7 install, you still have it to re-install.  If you have a network drive, I strongly recommend making a directory on there to put all the drivers in.  This will save you tons of headache in case you ever need to start over in a year or two.

Enjoy your Win 7 laptop.

Afterword

Ok.  Some recommended Installs:

• Latest Flash Player
• Chrome 2 and/or Firefox
• Picasa 3
• Adobe Reader
• Adobe Air