Over the life of a notebook system, the need to install system software or drivers may become necessary. Installing new operating systems or troubleshooting system problems are common reasons to install or update system software.

When possible, system software should be obtained from the original manufacturer of the notebook system. Notebook hardware and software is customized and validated to work with a specific model of notebook. For this reason, only the original manufacturer can provide all the required software for the system.

Intel® Software and Drivers
If software or driver updates are not available from the original manufacturer of the notebook, Intel reference drivers may be used. Reference drivers are tested on generic Intel hardware only and have not been confirmed to work on specific notebook models and configurations from system manufacturers. Operating system updates may also be required to ensure the Intel reference drivers install successfully.

• If you wish to use Intel reference drivers and software to update your system, the following installation order should be followed.

• Operating System Service Packs
  Intel software and drivers have been validated and are only fully supported on operating systems updated with the required service packs.

• Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility
  The Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility enables features of the chipset that are built into the motherboard. This utility must be installed FIRST in order for the operating system to accurately use the features built into the chipset. If this utility is not installed, the operating system may not know what chipset is being used and may not run to full potential.

  Many operating systems will already contain the information necessary to recognize Intel chipsets and therefore this update is not necessary. Refer to the Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility Support Web site to determine whether the utility is required for your specific chipset and operating system combination.

• Microsoft DirectX
  Neglecting to update DirectX can reduce your system performance. Refer to the DirectX* Information and Downloads* area on Microsoft's Web site.

• Graphics Driver
  For additional information or to download the latest driver, refer to Intel® Graphics Driver support.

• Wireless LAN Drivers
  The Intel® PRO/Wireless LAN Drivers support the Intel PRO/Wireless series of WLAN adapters. Without these drivers the WLAN adapter will not function. For additional information, refer to support.intel.com for your particular adapter.

• Intel® PROSet Utility
  The Intel PROSet Utility is a software suite that allows configuration and monitoring of your Intel networking adapters. Advanced features of the Intel WLAN adapters are supported. For additional information, refer to support.intel.com for your particular adapter.

This applies to:

Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology