Problem downloading drivers from Dell.com

After losing several drivers after an XP re-install, I went to Dell.com for downloads. They give a list, showing which order the downloads should be done. The very first one is the Desktop System Software. The instructions state to save it on my desktop. However, it doesn't download the needed zip file, it downloads it as an application. When I double-click on it I get an error message that Windows cannot open the file (DellDriverDownloadManager.application) because it needs to know what program created it. I really need to download the other drivers, but I'm afraid to because the instructions say if they are not downloaded in the exact order stated they can cause problems with the pc.rolleyes

 

The Desktop System Software is not necessary for your computer to operate. It's just some of the junk they install to make it look like your getting a lot of valuable software.

The only thing that really matters is that the chipset drivers be installed first. The rest shouldn't matter at all.

Go here and enter your Service Tag number. It should list all of the drivers for your system.

 

The Dell driver site has been "reworked". Before going to Dell.com, clear your cookies and temp files (using CCleaner is the easiest way; install it, run it, click "Run Cleaner"). Then use the info provided by shnerdly above. When you click on a driver to download, you will get a window with two choices, use the second choice which says "Download via your internet browser" (screen shot attached below). This will give you the real files, and they will download to your default download location, and will be the standard Dell format: a .EXE file named something like R43859.EXE. A handy tip, most "unzipper" type programs like WinRAR, or my favorites TUGzip for 32bit systems, or 7zip for 64bit systems, will unzip these files so you don't necessarily have to use the Dell installers. This is handy if you're comfortable installing drivers via the Device Manager and pointing the wizard to the correct files. However, for most users, simply double-clicking the EXE files is much easier.