Getting Windows XP to Recognize Hardware?

Question

I have an older Dell desktop that runs Windows XP. After encountering some errors I decided to reformat the hard drive and reload Windows. It boots from the hard drive but the monitor setting is at 480X640. If I go to the control panel to change it, the properties box is greyed out. I cannot change any of the settings. Then Windows asks if I want it to fix the problem. Naturally it wants access to the internet. Lo and behold, the hardware for internet access is not configured. When trying to fix that again internet access is necessary. So anyone got any good ideas of how to force Windows to fix the issues on its own without internet access. When I go home I'll unplug and then plug in the monitor and see if I can fix that issue. But what about needing drivers that I can get over the internet but I do not have access to the internet cause I lack the drivers?

Answer 1

Well let me think.



Here's the problem. Before you reformatted the hard drive you should have run a program like "Driver Genius" which would have saved all of your drivers.



Personally, I have several 3COM USB Network Ethernet Adapters (3C460B) adapters which I use for just this type of occasion. It allows me to connect up to the internet and download the drivers that I need when reinstalling an older system.



At this point you need to do this:



First, you need to know what network card you have.

If you have a separate network card (pci) you may have to pull it out and write down the information from the card and then do a search via google for drivers.

If you have an onboard network adapter, you need to look closely at the motherboard and write down that name and do a search for those drivers.

Since you have a Dell, you can go to that companies website and search using the make & model number to locate the driver, as long as the network card came installed from the factory.

Answer 2

All your drivers are on the Windows XP CD. As a last resort...you can always try reformatting your Hard drive again and do a fresh install of your Windows XP CD, I can't see why it would not work, unless it's your actual, monitor that maybe has gone bad.

Or...

Use Windows XP's System Recovery feature, that tends to work real well, you can even try to boot into Safe mode first, to rule in or out your Monitor and or Network card etc... problems, because it just will use the most basic drivers and if they don't work there, then call back dell and get a new CD or whichever.



Always, remember when possible, CHECK IN DEVICE MANAGER, to see that you have a monitor, Network card driver or not and if they are working properly or not, usually if not you will see, it's got a yellow triangle with an ! point inside of it that will confirm a driver or hardware problem.



Unfortunately,... these days they assume everyone always has internet access, even when their internet access is not working!!! It's truly ridiculous too....I can't tell you how many times,... I have had connection problems and the only help available was "please see online &^(&& .com for help" what morons! Good luck.

Answer 3

The cable falling out of the ethernet port, on it rather is very own, has no longer something to do alongside with your subject. The cable and the OS have not got something to do with one yet another, if the cable in basic terms falls out, then the gadget will in basic terms sign up a disconnect on the community media. you are able to attempt forcing the gadget to apply the main appropriate driving force. bypass to the gadget supervisor, and click on the object. Then click replace driving force, and tell it you have chose to head with between a checklist of drivers. From there navigate to the place you have the driving force record at, and attempt to rigidity it to paintings. Dont' undertaking if domicile windows warns you that the driving force is incorrect. whether if domicile windows keeps "dropping" the gadget or driving force, there may well be a topic with the integrated gadget. Onboard gadgets are notoriously undesirable. if so the superb element to do could be to get yet another ethernet card or usb gadget and use that.

Answer 4

You had the XP CD but don't have drivers. Shoot, that might take a while. I think you can get a replacement from Dell. Patience is a virtue. The first one might be free; have your service tag number from the sticker in back.