Windows 7 and Dell GX520 computers
We are running Dell GX520 computers (2gig ram) and Windows 7 32 bit, and each time Windows updates the computers seem to have driver issues. With the previous updates the computers did not get to Log in they give a black screen with a pointer. we reloaded the operating systems and got then back up. Now we have a new problem after the latest updates were applied where the computers go into a continues restart loop. I have been told it is because Dell not not support this model computer with Windows 7.
Reply by Grant Laing from Blended IT Solutions on Tuesday, 30 October, 2012 - 17:21
Hi, yes, these machines are probably a bit old for windows 7, and it is probably either the network card or graphics driver that is causing the issue. The bets way to get around this issue would be to either go back to windows xp, or make an image of the dell machines with win 7 and only do the critical and recommended updates,and turn off the option for the driver updates to be applied. You could also try and use just the generic drivers in win7, to try and make them work. this will mean a bit of fiddling to get the right drivers of course. The only other thing to try is to update the bios on the machines to the latest version as sometimes this can help the OS read the hardware better as well. If you need anymore info or just want to discuss this further then feel free to send us an email.
Reply by n/a from Malloy Enterprises on Tuesday, 13 November, 2012 - 21:58
If you have a Windows Server anywhere on the network I'd also probably implement WSUS and, through WSUS, control the application of updates to the systems. Though the 'track record' for updating drivers (through Windows Update/Microsoft Update or WSUS) has been quite good in recent times I do not use automated mechanisms to do driver updates, preferring to do them only if there appears to be a need, and then manually.