We believed our Dell Dimension 2350 factory installed HD died. (60GB Ultra ATA/100 HD 7200 RPM). We replaced it with a new Western Digital HD, 7200 RPM, 120 GB, 8 MB Cache. We used the Dell Operating System Reinstallation CD (Wind. XP Home Edition including Service Pack 1) to format the new HD and install the OS. We can no longer get online. We used to get online through Linksys, cable connection. (I'm using a laptop directly connected to the router now, so we know it's not an issue with the router). We have bunches of question marks listed next the the "other device" listing, which includes: Ethernet Controller, Multimedia Audio Controller, PCI Simple Communications Controller, SM Bus Controller, and Video Controller (VGA Compatible). I'm assuming we need to find drivers for these devices. However, when reviewing the list of drivers provided by Dell online, none of the Item descriptions listed on my purchase invoice match the downloadable drivers. For example, my invoice lists an "Integrated 10/100 Ethernet, but that name is not listed on Dell's driver download web site. Our second CD Drive does not work. Our monitor's display resolution is at the lowest possible, with no options to choose to change it. And I'm scared the list goes on.... UGH!! Any advice, suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!
Dell is very good about placing the drivers for your system (See the tage on the box) in one place online. Go to work or somewhere and get a cd burnt of the drivers on your support page.
Thank you Ken and David, I appreciate your response. Luckily, my husband talked a knowledgeable neighbor into helping us. We installed the Resource CD that Dell provided, but were unaware (until neighbor helped) that we had to install drivers one at a time. We're back online and (fingers crossed) so far so good. Since we're starting all over again, adding software, hardware and re-establishing our home network, I may be back with more questions.
4th posting attempt, sorry if duplicate! Wow Ken, I am clueless! My husband formatted the new HD with the Windows XP CD. He did not use the CD that came with the Hard Drive. The software advertises "that it makes drive installation, partitioning, formatting and drive copy simple." My husband was told by his IT guy at work that he wouldn't need that software. When I asked hubby if partioning was the same as formatting, he said yes. :roll: Can you please tell me (in DUMMY terms) what partitioning is? Does it mean it takes a chunk of the HD and separates it with another drive name (like F?) to use solely for the OS? Have we screwed up the HD by formatting it with the XP CD? Is there a way to check, and if so, is there a way to fix or partition it later? I appreciate your suggestions and advice.
Get the service number off the back of the machine and go to support.dell.com and put your number in. It will list your machines configuration and will allow you to download the drivers for your hardware. You will have to do that of course with your laptop then burn to cd for your other machine.
