windows fresh install

[bluesbadblood]

hey guys

i formatted my pc which had xp on it...i need some info about wat i need to install bak into the computer.like the basic stuff like sound drives..wat r all the things i need to install ?? its a dell 8400 desktop.its my first time formattin a desktop soo any suggestions r appreciated.thanks

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

It's always a good idea to take inventory of your Device Manager before you format your HD. This way you know exactly what devices and drivers are needed.

But basically the Windows XP installer will detect most devices, and automatically install the default drivers. With each Dell machine you also get a CD with additional drivers that may be required.

Once the install is complete, run http://www.update.microsoft.com/; this will install all Windows updates as well as newer device drivers.

[bluesbadblood]

It's always a good idea to take inventory of your Device Manager before you format your HD. This way you know exactly what devices and drivers are needed.

But basically the Windows XP installer will detect most devices, and automatically install the default drivers. With each Dell machine you also get a CD with additional drivers that may be required.

Once the install is complete, run http://www.update.microsoft.com/; this will install all Windows updates as well as newer device drivers.

thanks for ur suggestions.. but i know its noobish but how do i get to start the internet now..i put in my netgear cd but it says the network adapter is not responding..wat do i do here ?

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

What is your network adapter? Open Device Manager, and check your network adapter - does it have the name of your network adapter? Is the driver correctly installed? (or does it have a yellow exclamation mark, or red 'x' on it)?

[bluesbadblood]

hi i hav ethernet controller,multimedia audio controller, SM Bus Controller, Video Contoller, Video Controller (VGA Compatible ) these in yellow question mark..thats how they r indicated under other devices in DEvice MANager...where do i find these drivers..i got a link but not sure as to follow it or not.....

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/...tid=&impid=

if i have to follow wat r the ones i need to download/......oh andi cant find any network adapter.

[Boris]

Start off with this one - the chipset drivers

ftp://ftp.us.dell.com/chipset/R91894.EXE

and after you've tried that, we'll see what is left :)

[bluesbadblood]

hey boris...wats the one u gave for ??? my internet in desktop is now workin.

[Boris]

It was what makes most of your onboard stuff work :)

Now ......... in Device Manager what items still have a yellow exclamation mark ?

[bluesbadblood]

hey boris..after runnin the one u gav , still hav multimedia audio controller, video controller and video controller (VGA Compatible) in yellow question marks.u know wat else to do ?

[Boris]

Try this for your multimedia audio controller ?

ftp://ftp.us.dell.com/audio/R94481.EXE

Post back if that works, ............... and then we'll move on to your video controllers :)

[bluesbadblood]

okay , ill do that and let u know

[Boris]

Do you know whether you have

nVidia

or

ATI

graphics on your PC ?

[bluesbadblood]

hey yea the multimedia audio controller question mark sign is gone now..audio is workin. so now video ?

[Boris]

Do you know whether you have

nVidia

or

ATI

graphics on your PC ?

Any idea ?

[bluesbadblood]

i hav ATI X300

[Boris]

This one should fix your video (hopefully)

ftp://ftp.us.dell.com/video/R119713.EXE

Post back to let me know if it works.

You'll probably need to do a reboot after you've installed it ?

Please remember to copy all these driver files you've downloaded to a CD or pen drive and keep it with your XP disc so you have them ready for the next time you re-install. :)

[bluesbadblood]

ok..yea i ll save them to a cd..thanks for ue help..will let u know if it worrks