Dell studio XPS Owner's manual

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
Dell
Consumer Client
Re-Image “How-To” Guide XPS
Notebook
Revision 3.5
Aug 3th , 2016

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
Contents
1 Overview.......................................................................................................................................................3
2 “How To”......................................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Supported Operating Systems ................................................................................................................4
2.2 XPS New Features & Image Impact ......................................................................................................5
2.3 Latest Drivers / Applications and Utilities.............................................................................................6
2.4 Important Information...............................................................................................................................7
2.4.1 Updating the Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB15 driver set.....................................................................7
2.4.2 Updating the Graphics drivers for your computer...........................................................................8
2.5 Installation Sequence.............................................................................................................................9
2.6 BIOS......................................................................................................................................................11
2.7 Recommended Drivers / Applications Installation Order ......................................................................15
Appendix A - .NET Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 20
Appendix B - Enable Intel Smart Response Technology Guidelines ...................................................................21
Appendix C – BIOS SATA Mode Selection........................................................................................................ .22
Appendix D – Upgrade to Win10 from Win7/8.1................................................................................................ .24
Appendix E – Dell Dock WD15 Support............................................................................................................... .25
Appendix F – Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB15 Support............................................................................................ ..27
Appendix G – FAQs.............................................................................................................................................. 29

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
1 Overview
The purpose of this document is to detail the required steps for reimaging XPS notebooks.
Dell XPS notebooks systems ship with Microsoft operating systems (see Chapter 2.1 for detail). These
images include the Dell recommended software stack and settings, drivers, and applications which are
tested and validated with the system.
Drivers and applications must be installed on Dell XPS systems in a prescribed order to ensure optimal
performance. Failure to install drivers and applications as detailed in this document may result in
undesirable performance.
Dell provides drivers and applications that are not included in Microsoft Operating Systems. These drivers
are required to enable the new technologies and features of Dell XPS products, including the support on
NVMe PCIe SSD. Reinstalled images should be built from a clean hand installed OS load and following
the steps in this guide. Dell does not recommend starting from an image built on previous generations of
products or other computer systems.
Dell recommends ensuring BIOS settings (including SATA configurations modes) are correctly set and
using the latest device drivers and applications when imaging their systems.
This “How-To” guide applies to the following XPS systems:

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
2 “How-To”
2.1 Supported Operating Systems
The following Microsoft operating systems have been validated for use on notebook computers:
Windows 7 64-Bit: Validated on XPS-15-9550
Windows 8.1 64-Bit: Validated on XPS-15-9550
Windows 10 64-Bit: Validated on XPS-15-9550

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
2.2 XPS New Features & Image Impact
Dell XPS systems feature new hardware technologies which require a new software stack, drivers, and / or
applications. These products are not compatible with previous images built or installed on none XPS Dell
products. Images between different XPS models are also not compatible
Among these new hardware and technologies are:
2.2.1 New Features Offered on XPS systems, All Generations:
Note: Not all features are available on all systems
oNew BIOS architecture – XPS
oChipset
Intel Core i3 Dual Core, i5 Quad Core & i7 Quad Core CPUs that include updated integrated graphics
oIntel Turbo Boost (i5 & i7)
oNVMe PCIe SSD
o Intel RST (Rapid Storage Technology)
o Integrated Graphic(Intel)
o Discrete Graphic (Nvidia)for MS Hybrid(Win8.1/Win10)
oWireless LAN
oBluetooth
oWebcam
oTypeC USB
oUSB3.1
oThunderbolt Controller (Alpine Ridge)
oUSB 3.0
oPrecision Touchpad(Win10) and P/S2 Touchpad(Win8.1)
oDell DCPM
oTouch Screen
oWiDi display
oDock Support - Dell Dock WD15. Refer to Appendix E

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
2.3 Latest Drivers / Applications and Utilities
Dell recommends always obtaining the latest and most updated BIOS, drivers, firmware, and applications.
Dell validated and tested drivers and applications are located on Dell’s support web
site http://support.dell.com/
oEnter the Service Tag or select the product model and the model number
oSelect Operating System (32-Bit or 64-Bit version must be selected)
oChoose drivers and downloads
Note:Dell recommends that better update latest BIOS,Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver,Intel(R)
Thunderbolt 3 firmware utility first.
Customer can download them under BIOS/Chipset option of below link:
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/xps-15-9550-laptop/drivers
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/New-15-5000-laptop/drivers

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
2.4 Important Information
You must update your computer’s BIOS and the Dell Docking Station drivers to the latest versions
available at www.dell.com/support before using the docking station. Older BIOS versions and drivers
could result in the docking station not being recognized by your computer or not functioning optimally.
NOTE: Please see Display Resolution Table for more information on maximum resolution capacity.
2.4.1 Dell Dock (WD15) and Dell Thunderbolt Dock (TB15) Driver Set
– Applies to 7th generation Latitude E-Family & Mobile Precision only
To fully support new generation Dell Dock and Dell Thunderbolt Dock, DELL highly recommend
installing the following BIOS/Drivers step by step on 64 bit Windows OS
1. Flash the latest BIOS available to the system. This is posted on Dell’s driver & downloads
support web site (dell.com/support) under the “BIOS” section. Restart system before next step.
2. Install Intel(R) Thunderbolt Controller Driver available to the system. This is posted on Dell’s
driver & downloads support web site (dell.com/support) under the “Chipset” section. Restart
system before next step.
3. Install Intel(R) Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available to the system. This is posted on
Dell’s driver & downloads support web site (dell.com/support) under the “Docks/Stands”
section. Restart system before next step.
4. For Dell Thunderbolt Dock only, install ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller Driver
for Dell Thunderbolt Dock available to the system. This is posted on Dell’s driver & downloads
support web site (dell.com/support) under the “Docks/Stands” section. Restart system before
next step.
5. Install Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for Dell Thunderbolt Dock and Dell
Dock available to the system. This is posted on Dell’s driver & downloads support web site
(dell.com/support) under the “Docks/Stands” section. Restart system before next step.
6. Install Realtek USB Audio Driver for Dell Wireless Dock, Dell Thunderbolt Dock, and Dell
Dock available to the system. This is posted on Dell’s driver & downloads support web site
(dell.com/support) under the “Docks/Stands” section. Restart system before next step.
7. For Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 OS only, install Patch for the USB audio/mouse issue on Dell
Thunderbolt Dock and Dell Dock available to the system. This is posted on Dell’s driver &
downloads support web site (dell.com/support) under the “Docks/Stands” section. Restart system.
NOTE: The Dock is not required to be connected to system during driver installation.
Rebooting the system after connecting the dock the first time is recommended.
NOTE: Graphic driver should be also installed by following section 2.7.5

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
2.4.2 Updating the Graphics drivers for your computer
The Microsoft Windows operating systems include the VGA graphics drivers only. Therefore, for optimum
graphics performance, it is recommended that Dell graphics drivers applicable for your computer be
installed from dell.com/support under the “Video” section.
NOTE:
1. For nVidia Discrete Graphics solutions on the Latitude E-Family and Mobile Precision 3rd
Generation and above computers:
a. First, install the Intel Media Adapter Graphics Driver applicable to your computer.
b. Second, install the nVidia Discrete Graphics Driver applicable to your computer.
2. For AMD Discrete Graphics solutions on the Latitude E-Family and Mobile Precision 5th
Generation and above computers:
a. First, install the Intel Media Adapter Graphics driver applicable to your computer.
b. Second, install the AMD Discrete Graphics driver applicable to your computer.
NOTE: Both 2nd and 3rd Generation Intel Core CPUs are available on the 4th Generation Latitude
E-Family and Mobile Precision computers. Please re-install the graphics drivers when you exchange
a 2nd Generation CPU for a 3rd Generation CPU, and vice versa.
NOTE: Both 3rd and 4th Generation Intel Core CPUs are available on the 5th Generation Latitude E-
Family and Mobile Precision computers, except for the Dell Latitude 3440/3540 computers. Please
re-install the graphics drivers when you exchange a 3rd Generation CPU for a 4th Generation CPU,
and vice versa.

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
2.5 Installation Sequence
The list below is a general overview of drivers and applications that must be installed on Dell XPS systems in a
prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Actual system configurations may vary.
Note: Dell Alienware, Inspiron, Studio, XPS and Vostro Laptops may have different installation sequence.
Please refer to Dell Support Website for these Laptops.
2.5.1 Installation Sequence Overview

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
2.5.2 Installation Sequence & Features at a Glance:
2.5.2.1 BIOS, Drivers and Firmw are:
oBIOS
oIntel Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers.
oDell Desktop System Software - A compilation of critical Microsoft QFEs updates
oMedia Memory Card / SmartCard controller - Enables and enhances the Media Memory / SmartCard
controller
oIntel Storage:
1. Intel Rapid Storage Technology.
oAudio - Enables and enhances the audio controller
oGraphics-Intel:
1. Enhances and optimizes video performance
2. Enables & provides additional functionality that are not included in MS native VGA
driver
User customizable Power Management features
Portability & behavioral profiles
Multiple monitor support
oGraphics-NVIDIA: (Discrete Sku)
1. Enhances and optimizes video performance
2. Better power management by switch between iGPU and dGPU based on user’s usage.
oIntegrated Wired Network Controller & Intel PROSet Utility / Application - Enables and enhances
the network controller
oNetworking & Communication
1. Wireless Local Area Network Adapters (WLAN) - Enables and enhances the Wireless
LAN network adapter
2. Bluetooth (BT) - Enables and enhances the Bluetooth Adapter
oTouch Pad - Enhances the pointing device features
oIntel Thunderbolt controller driver –Enable Thunderbolt function
oUSB 3.0
oUSB 3.1(Win7 only) – Enable USB3.1 performance via TypeC USB
oFreeFall Sensor(OS installed on HDD sku) – Protect Data while any freefall event.

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
2.6 BIOS
Dell recommends flashing the latest BIOS available to the system. This is posted on Dell’s driver &
downloads support web site (support.dell.com) under the “BIOS” section.
Some of the BIOS settings are critical to Operating System performance and installation. These are as follows:
Settings System Configuration SATA Operation
Disabled: SATA Controllers are hidden
AHCI, SATA bus is configured for AHCI mode (Advanced Disk Operation mode) which
offers faster performance, eSATA support, and increased battery life. This mode requires
an additional storage driver.
RAID On, SATA bus is configured to RAID mode (Redundant Array of Independent
Disks). This mode requires an additional storage driver. It’s default setting for shipment
on Dell-XPS-9550.
oIf AHCI mode is selected, System may occur blue screen and it is not recommend to set it for this
platform
oIf RAID mode is selected, Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver should be pre-loaded on PCIe SSD
SKU if the PCIe SSD can’t be seen while re-install OS. See section “2.6.4 Intel Storage” of this
document
oMust keep the SATA mode setting the same as choose while building Operating system. If the mode
change from original selection will cause Blue screen-INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE and can’t boot
to OS until change the mode back. Refer to Appendix C- BIOS SATA mode selection
Settings General Advanced Boot Options Enable Legacy Option ROMs
oIf OS installed with Legacy Mode, system may occur un-expected behavior and it is not
recommended to install OS with Legacy Mode

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
TPM Security:
These options enable and configure the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). If TPM is to be deployed,
TPM must be enabled in the BIOS Setup program
2. Security TPM Security
TPM Security:
Disabled : The BIOS will not turn on the TPM during POST.
The TPM will be non-functional and invisible to the Operating System
Enabled(Default): The BIOS will turn the TPM during POST so that it can be
used by the Operating System
PPI Bypass for Enable Commands = This option controls the TPM Physical Presence
Interface(PPI). When enabled, this setting will allow the OS to skip BIOS PPI user prompts
when issuing TPM PPI enable and activate commands.
PPI Bypass for disable Commands = This option controls the TPM Physical Presence
Interface(PPI). When enabled, this setting will allow the OS to skip BIOS PPI user prompts
when issuing TPM PPI disable and deactivate commands.
Clear = The BIOS clears the information stored in the TPM

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
2.7 Recommended Drivers / Applications Installation Order
For best results, Dell recommends installing drivers / applications in the following order:
2.7.1 Intel Mobile Chipset Software Installation Utility
oMicrosoft Operating Systems might not include the updated Intel Chipset Mobile driver for Dell
notebooks , Ultrabook . The Intel Mobile Chipset driver is available on Dell’s driver & downloads
support web site (support.dell.com) under the “Chipset” section
2.7.2 Critical Microsoft QFEs
oDell recommends installing all of the latest available fixes specific to the systems
oPlease enable the Windows Update and connect to Internet once install the driver of Integrated Wired or
Wireless Network Controller. (see more detail in chapter 2.6.10)
2.7.3 Media Memory Card Controller
oMicrosoft Operating Systems do not include the Memory Card controller driver. Install the following
driver provided by Dell:
Realtek driver is available on Dell’s driver &
downloads support web site (support.dell.com) found under the “Chipset” section
2.7.4 Intel Storage - Intel Rapid Storage Technology
oThe Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) driver is required to be installed on Operating
Systems in AHCI mode or RAID mode(Default)
oThe Intel IRST application must also be installed
oThe SATA operation modes are configured in the BIOS. Refer to the BIOS section 2.5
oIf the SATA mode is configured in RAID mode, the IRST driver must be installed during the initial
Operating System installation stages on PCIe SSD sku. The IRST driver is only available from Dell
-If SATA configuration mode in the BIOS is set to AHCI/RAID, install the Dell IRST driver and
application available on Dell’s driver & downloads support web site (support.dell.com) under the “Serial
ATA” section

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
-Follow these steps to install the IRST driver:
1. For “AHCI mode” or “RAID On mode with non-PCIe storage”.
Installing the Intel IRST driver after the installation of theOperating System
Boot to the Operating System DVD or Boot from PXE , then start the OS installation
After completing the OS installation, insert the Dell RDVD
Select the IRST driver and follow the installation procedure
Note: the latest IRST driver can also be obtained from support.dell.com under the “SATA Drivers” section
2. For “RAID On mode with PCIe storage”.
Installing the Intel IRST driver in OS installation stage
Download Intel Rapid Storage driver from support.dell.com.
Execute the .exe package and extract the file to folder.
Copy the folder “f6flpy-x64” to one USB key.
Boot to the Operating System DVD or Boot from PXE , then start the OS
installation
Choose “Load driver” in this step
Plug in USB Key which includes folder “f6flpy-x64” and click Browse
Choose the folder “f6flpy-x64” and press OK. Then next to complete the OS

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
installation as normal steps
After complete OS installation, still need to install Intel RST driver via .exe to
install its application.
2.7.5 Gr aphics :
oMicrosoft Operating Systems include the VGA graphics drivers only. Therefore for optimum graphics
performance, Dell recommends installing the Dell graphics driver applicable to their system available on
Dell’s driver & downloads support web site (support.dell.com) under the “Video” section
oOn Discrete sku, Microsoft Operating Systems does not include the NVIDIA graphics drivers so need to
install NVIDIA driver available on Dell’s driver & downloads support web site (support.dell.com) under
the “Video” section
2.7.6 Audio:
oMicrosoft Operating Systems do not include the Audio driver recommended by Dell. The HD Audio
driver is available on Dell’s driver & downloads support web site (support.dell.com) under the “Audio”
section
2.7.7 Dell Command Power Management – DCPM
oDCPM is a Dell developed application providing an advanced set of power management
configuring and alerting capabilities
Dell customized power plans and extensions
Battery Health Information
Advanced Charge mode
oThe DCPM Application is available on Dell’s driver & downloads support web site
(support.dell.com) under “System Utilities” section
2.7.8Wireless Local Network Adapters (WLAN)
oOperating Systems do not provide native device driver support for WLAN controllers featured in Dell
systems. To obtain wireless network functionality, install the Wireless LAN device driver applicable to
the WLAN devices installed in the notebook computer found under the “Network” section posted on
Dell’s driver & downloads support web site (support.dell.com). The installer also provides WLAN
application support which provides additional features including enterprise authentication enhancements
Note: With Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) you can quickly connect your laptop to your TV and
projector using the Intel® Centrino®wireless solution that’s already built into your laptop. Because
it’s based on Wi-Fi*, there are no cables between the laptop and TV/Projector. To obtain Wireless
Display(ONLY applied to Intel WLAN) functionality, install the Wireless Display Application

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
found under the “Network” section posted on
Dell’s driver & downloads support web site (support.dell.com).
2.7.9 Touchpad
oMicrosoft Windows 10 Operating System includes the Touchpad drivers, users don’t need to install
additional Touchpad drivers. But need to install Intel Serial IO Driver for Precision Touchpad
enabled. Intel Serial IO driver is found under the “ System Utilities” section posted on Dell’s driver
& downloads support web site(support.dell.com)
oMicrosoft Windows 7 64-Bit Operating Systems do not include the Dell Touchpad drivers
oThe Microsoft Windows 7/8.1 native OS mouse driver only provides basic point and click
functionality. No advanced features are available with the native driver and this may provide a less
than optimal user experience
oFor Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, Dell recommends installing the appropriate Dell Touchpad
driver for the following user experience benefits:
1. The driver is tuned to the system characteristics to offer enhanced cursor
acceleration and precision
2. The driver provides the core palm rejection features
3. Access to additional features and control setting (varies with system) including:
Enhanced scrolling and tapping
Touch sensitivity control
Multi-Touch Gestures
Jog Shuttle control
oFor Windows 7/8.1, Dell Touchpad drivers are found under the “Input Device Drivers” section
posted on Dell’s driver & downloads support web site (support.dell.com

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
2.7.10Intel Thunderbolt Driver
Microsoft Operating Systems does not include the Thunderbolt driver. Install the Thunderbolt driver
available on Dell’s driver & downloads support web site (support.dell.com) under the “Chipset”
section
2.7.11 USB 3.0
Microsoft Windows 7 64-Bit Operating Systems does not include the USB 3.0 driver. Install the
USB 3.0 driver available on Dell’s driver &
downloads support web site (support.dell.com) under the “Chipset” section
Dell recommend to install USB 3.0 driver on Windows 8.1 64-Bit Operating Systems even it has
native driver already. Install the USB 3.0 driver available on Dell’s driver &
download
2.7.12 USB 3.1
Microsoft Windows 7 64-Bit Operating Systems does not include the USB 3.1 driver. Install the
USB 3.1 driver available on Dell’s driver &
downloads support web site (support.dell.com) under the “Chipset” section
2.7.13 FreeFall Sensor (For HDD sku)
Microsoft Operating Systems does not include the FreeFall Sensor driver. Install the FreeFall
Sensor driver available on Dell’s driver & downloads support web site (support.dell.com) under the
“System Utilities” section
2.7.14 Webcam
oMicrosoft Operating System includes the Webcam drivers, users don’t need to install additional
Webcam drivers.
oFor video capturing / streaming features, install webcam software available from a variety of third
party providers and as freeware

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
2.7.15 Windows Update
oDell recommends performing Microsoft Windows updates to ensure the latest security, reliability, and
compatibility updates are installed. These updates can be downloaded from
Windowsupdate.Microsoft.com
2.7.16 Intel® Responsiveness Technolo gies
oIntel® Smart Response Technology- Support HDD with 32GB SSD Configuration on XPS-9550.
1. Deliver SSD-Level performance with HDD storage capacity at lower BOM cost. Intelligent
Block-Based Caching improves system performance.
2. Deliver SSD-Level performance with HDD storage capacity at lower BOM cost. Intelligent
Install the "Intel Rapid Storage Driver" for ISRT support in Windows available on Dell’s
driver & downloads support web site (support.dell.com) under the “Serial ATA” section.
3. Refer to Appendix B - Enable Intel Smart Response Technology Guidelines for How to
enable.
Table of Storage configurations supported:
Boot Disk (below)/
Technology (right)
Smart Response
HDD only
Not supported
HDD + SSD
Supported
HDD + Msata
Supported
SSD only
Not supported (Note: SSD performance
achieved without Smart Response)
mSATA only
Not supported (Note: SSD performance
achieved without Smart Response)
Hybrid Drive
Supported on the 32GB flash version

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
Appendix

Dell XPS Notebook Reimage “How-To” Guide
Appendix A
.NET Framework Requirements
What is .NET Framework?
The .NET Framework is a software framework from Microsoft, which is bundled with Windows operating systems.
The .NET Framework is intended to be used by most applications created for the Microsoft Windows platform.