Windows 7 on Inspiron 1720

Thank you for your fast and informative response :)

I first will try the x86 clean install Windows 7. Later I will try the x64 install.

Have a nice day!

zx81

Hello All...

I'm sure it has been posted elsewhere in the forum, but I didn't see it here.  I found the appropriate video drivers for the 8600M GT on the nVidia website as follows:

32-bit Windows 7: http://www.nvidia.com/object/notebook_winvista_win7_186.81_whql.html

64-bit Windows 7: http://www.nvidia.com/object/win7_winvista_64bit_191.07_whql.html

I installed the 32-bit version of Windows 7 on the Dell Inspiron 1720 without any issues so far.  The upgrade option with a clean install was a little bit of a pain.  I wanted to keep the original drive intact until I determined if everything would work.  It installed just fine with the clean hard drive but I couldn't get it to activate.  It said I could only upgrade with this key.  I did some searching and found out that I needed something on the drive before I did it (even if you are doing a clean install).  As I had already had this un-activated Win7 installed, I choose to try re-installing from this point using the key.  I was surprise to find that it worked right through my issue of activation.  During the second install, I told it to delete the hard drive for a clean install.  I guess M$ just wanted to make it a nuisance thing as they are not apparently looking very deep at the previous installation.

For better or worse, I choose to install the 32-bit version because Dell isn't supporting Windows 7 on the Inspiron 1720.  I figured that I could always get the 32-bit Vista drivers to work that are on the Dell website.

I am terribly concern with hardware manufactures continually dropping software support way before the life expectancy of the hardware to consumers.  I have seen it done with Apple, HP, Dell, and many others.  I have a Gen5.5 Video ipod that I am positive could support the newer software enhancements found on later models.  I bought this Inspiron 1720 about a year ago, so “End of Life” to Dell must be just as soon as they bring out a newer model.  They have their marketing reasons for doing all this to us, but I think that I am going to start really paying attention and giving more of my business to companies that completely support their equipment for a longer period of time.  I don’t know who they are yet; but when they figure out how much business they can draw-in by doing this, they will become number 1 in our hearts and against their competitors.  Oh; another point here, why should I buy a 4 year warrantee if I have to replace the PC every year or so to keep up with the software support.  Hmmm...  Maybe I should stick that money in the bank for the next PC purchase.  Silly me for buying it!  ;-)  I won't do that again.  Maybe only 1yr and 2yr at the most for me from now on.

I am curious if anyone finds a reason that they need to install any other drivers for the Inspiron 1720 other than the video driver.  For example, I don't really know yet if the web-cam is working.  I see it listed but I don't know if it works.  I don't want to install any Vista drivers and/or applications that I don't need.

Thanks...

I actually made an account to answer your question. I had exactly the same problem and it drove me nuts. You cand simply solve your problem by inserting the drivers cd on that window after the installation begins. It says something like ''Load Drivers'' in it, i`m not sure, been a while. Vista/Win 7 need tha SATA drivers from there. Just pop in the cd, select Load Drivers, accept the one loaded and there your go, proceed installing. Hope this helps

Hey Guys, I posted earlier, about installing Win7 on my Dell 1720, 32bit.  Here is what I have been doing, and so far, I haven't had any problems at all.  Really smooth, and I have zero complaints.

I loaded Win7 home edition full version into the drive, told it to wipe everything and fresh clean install. After that, I used all the most recent divers from dell for the 1720 on their website.  I got my scroll function back on trackpad, got a few dell programs I used to have back, and everything works just like it used to, just with windows7 and so much faster.  I feel like this is the machine i should have had when I opened it from the box.

The most recent drivers for 1720 can be found here:

http://search.dell.com/results.aspx?spf=Inspiron&ssysid=INS_PNT_PM_1720&ssysn=1720&s=gen&c=ca&l=en&cs=&ec=&ira=False&cat=sup&subcat=dyd&rf=all&evl=&nk=f&k=1720+laptop&p=1&nf=&rpp=12&sort=K&%7Esrd=False&ipsys=False&advsrch=False&p=1

Sorry for the late response but we are on different timezones. Way different timezones (11:10 AM here now). You insert the windows installation disk, boot from it, proceed installation and you will see a blank window with a Load Drivers button. You take out the windows disk, put the drivers disk in and load the needed drivers from there ( it finds the drivers automatically). After that, put the windows installation disk back and continue installing. I`m pretty sure i did this steps last time. Give it a try.

Geronim007, still no luck on getting the laptop up and running again.  .  I'll try a few more time this weekend to be sure.  I'll also re-read the replies I've received on this forum to ensure I'm doing all the right moves.  Hell if all else fails I'll have to take it in and let a "Geek" (..and I say it with love), look at it for me.  Enjoy the weekend!

Situation Update - Well after attempting to right the wrong that my computer has at the moment, I came to the conclusion I lackde the knowledge to do anymore than I already have.  So, I took it to a local computer repair shop to be corrected. 

Thanks again for all the information and support.  Will use this site more in the future and reccommend it to others too.  Cheers!