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General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Max on June 15, 2009, 10:13:49 AM

Title: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: Max on June 15, 2009, 10:13:49 AM

After a clean installation of WinXP Home SP2 on a Dell Dimension 4700, I can't establish a DSL connection. I've checked the integrity of the LAN cable and am running it from the DSL modem to the mobo input jack. A call to my ISP solved nothing.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: Denholm on June 15, 2009, 11:02:02 AM

Did you install the drivers for your Networking port?

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: Max on June 15, 2009, 11:16:35 AM

The only thing installed is WinXP. I can't find the Dell drivers/utility CD. My goal was to go online and do a Windows Update but since I can't get online....what do I do?  :uhoh

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on June 15, 2009, 11:19:02 AM

Quote from: Max on June 15, 2009, 11:16:35 AM

The only thing installed is WinXP. I can't find the Dell drivers/utility CD. My goal was to go online and do a Windows Update but since I can't get online....what do I do?  :uhoh

Go to Dell website and download all the drivers for the computer. And perhaps next time not buy a branded computer.

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: BaldEagl on June 15, 2009, 11:48:29 AM

First of all, when you boot up go into the BIOS and make sure you're LAN port is enabled.  Then after it boots right click My Computer/Properties and click the Hardware tab.  Select Device Manager.  Locate your network adapter and right click.  Select update drivers and let XP see if it has drivers that will at least get it operational.

Next time make sure you have all your updated drivers on a disc before you do a fresh OS install.

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on June 15, 2009, 01:42:31 PM

If the computer had a working network earlyer it's highly unlikely going to BIOS will do anything but further damage.

Keep in mind you need to install all of the drivers Dell offers for the computer (that means _drivers_ NOT software that comes with the Dells).

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: Getback on June 15, 2009, 02:07:23 PM

Quote from: Denholm on June 15, 2009, 11:02:02 AM

Did you install the drivers for your Networking port?

Ditto!

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: Wedge1126 on June 15, 2009, 04:26:43 PM

Look for the sticker on your computer with your Service Tag. Write this down.

Using another computer with a functional internet connection, goto http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen

Enter your Service Tag and download your network drivers to USB drive or something.

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: Max on June 15, 2009, 04:43:09 PM

Thanks for all the tips. I downloaded Dell network drivers via another computer and am back in business.

So if and when I do a clean XP install again...make a back up copy of the divers folder?

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: MrRiplEy[H] on June 15, 2009, 09:49:55 PM

Quote from: Max on June 15, 2009, 04:43:09 PM

Thanks for all the tips. I downloaded Dell network drivers via another computer and am back in business.

So if and when I do a clean XP install again...make a back up copy of the divers folder?

Save the drivers that you downloaded to an external USB disk for future use. Network driver of course most important so you can connect and download more if necessary.

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: stran on June 15, 2009, 11:00:54 PM

damn XP's networking  :lol

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: OOZ662 on June 16, 2009, 12:22:22 AM

Backing up the "driver" folder would cause a lot of headache. Back up the installers instead.

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: Getback on June 16, 2009, 07:18:33 AM

I believe with a dell you can go to their support site and get back ups.

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&ServiceTag=&SystemID=DIM_P4_4700&os=WW1&osl=en&catid=&impid

Download the drivers from here. I believe it would be the chipset drivers.

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: Denholm on June 16, 2009, 10:24:05 AM

I believe he downloaded his networking drivers from there already, so he would know where to find the installer.

Title: Re: Where's my internet connection?
Post by: Getback on June 16, 2009, 10:58:11 AM

Quote from: Denholm on June 16, 2009, 10:24:05 AM

I believe he downloaded his networking drivers from there already, so he would know where to find the installer.

Ah rgr, here I was thinking I was being smart. Misread his post.