Dell Vostro 1700

This is a guide to running Linux with the Dell Vostro 1700 laptop.

This guide is intended to provide you details on how well this laptop works with Linux and which modules you need to configure. For details on how to actually install and configure the required modules have a look at our guides section for distribution specific instructions.

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The NVIDIA Geforce 8400M being used by the the Vostro 1700 needs the proprietary NVIDIA driver to function properly. A few Linux distributions (such as Ubuntu 7.10) provide this driver but for other you will need to install manually.

A few models of the Vostro 1700 use the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100. It is likely that this controller works just fine but if anybody can provide confirmation that would be great.

A few models also come with the Dell Wireless 1390 controller which basically is a Broadcom controller. This will likely need ndiswrapper to function. If you about to order this laptop try and get it with the Intel controller as its drivers are much better.

For sound support you will probably need to update to the latest version of the development ALSA modules (at least version 1.0.16rc2). Once these updated drivers make it into the kernel this step wont be necessary. Most distributions require this step.

A Linux distribution with at least kernel 2.6.22 is recommended for best hardware support.

There are few steps which are required to get the Dell Vostro 1700 working under Linux. Some Linux knowledge will be required for the ALSA and NVIDIA driver installation.