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This idea has already been mentioned here but I have a few major things to add and some complains.
First Dell need to bring all their software services together in one place.
The Drivers and Downloads should contain all "Dell" software, including "Dell Stage", "Dell Dock", "Dell Media Experience", "Dell Media Direct" and "Dell Support Centre" (any software preinstalled by Dell with the word Dell in it). This "Dell" sofware should be downloadable as many times as the user see fit and finally it should only install on a Dell system. For example exactly in the manner Dell Quickset is on the Drivers and Downloads Page for laptops. People can't steal it because it detects the system isn't a Dell laptop when installed on a different system, yet it is easy to obtain for legitimate users.
Non-Dell Software such as McAfee and Roxio can continue to be provided off the driver and downloads page but there should be a link to my Dell downloads at the bottom of the drivers and downloads page.
Next there is a correct order to install drivers and some you may not even want to install such as DVD firmware and BIOs updates. All the drivers should be listed in this correct order, as failure to do so can cause some system instability particularly in Windows XP.
Next Dell have slipped up on many newer Service Tags. I will take my own system for example, going to the drivers and downloads page what do I get?

I get 3 drivers: 1 Network Driver, R283152 and 2 video, R280233 and R293982. Oh wait but I only have 1 graphics card. R293982 doesn't apply to my system... Bug 1. Okay so I get one driver that doesn't apply to my system.
Now lets see what I should have, I go and select All files for XPS 8300.
Oh but I press the down arrow to maximise any of the fields. It immediately within seconds automatically minimises. Bug 2.
Select a different product, this time entering no Service Tag. I have a large list of drivers, I know exactly what I want but other users may not. Lets see what critical ones I need:
R284362,
R284334, R284354, R280233
, R281588, R282233, R283152
, R282239.
Not to mention the BIOs wasn't listed and the preinstalled Skype (latter isn't so important). Bug 3, so had I went in blind inputting my tag downloaded the 3 drivers listed. I would find that I would be missing 6 critical drivers and would attempt installing a driver that wouldn't install. Bug 3.
I used to praise Dell for having one of the best, easy to use sites that seemed pretty seemless but the standards have slipped, with the Service Tag listing the drivers. I want this fixed. Also it is not just me, I have had a few friends with the same problems. Also I have found many people n the forum unsure of what to install because of this.
So in conclusion Dell need to bring everything together...
Make sure the Service Tags are giving the right driver set and order things in a recommended install order.
Finally they need to fix the other minor bugs, such as logging into the forum making the Drivers and Download Page give an error.
Users expect a seamless experience downloading the drivers and it used to be so but is no longer.
I use the forums and the Dell website alot and I know my way and how to obtain what I need but this is not always true for the average user.
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May 6, 2012 Comment Link
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Posted By: wondergeek
I agree, but I would like to add that Dell should improve the performance of their driver site. I work at a University in the IT department and trying to download drivers for our computers is painfully slow. We have a 45Mb connection. Also, I personally have an older Dell computer and when I punch in the Service Tag, it says it cannot find it.