Ethernet and New Operating System Install

apprentice · 03-31-2007, 01:31 AM

Currently have Dell Latitude Laptop, C600, 10/100 Ethernet, PIII, Windows 2000 Professional is op system.

My question is, I am going to be installing Windows XP Pro. I am not doing an upgrade but starting from scratch. I have 10/100 Ethernet which is how I get online via broadba using cl**rwire. If I install this new operating system, will I be able to get online again without having to reload anything regarding this "ethernet." Have looked tirelessly online to see if I need to reload drivers, etc., or if it is not necessary. Found one comment which said "no" but wanted to check for sure. In a perfect world, it would be a seamless transition. Thanks for your time.

meanman · 03-31-2007, 10:51 AM

i think if you install a fresh o/s you will need all the drivers for your mobo including ethernet and audio so i would see if there is a downloadable driver package for your laptop on there website.

Crypto · 03-31-2007, 01:31 PM

More than likely Windows will have the driver needed for your Network Card, but you'll still need to configure it again to connect to the internet. Useually all you need to do is run the network setup wizard. I think some setup CD's offer this option during the setup process.

With all that said, go to DellSupport.com and look up all the drivers for your model. Save them to a CD and install them after you install windows.

AdmnPower · 03-31-2007, 06:52 PM

It all depends on how common the ethernet adapter in your computer is. If it's common windows xp will have drivers for it, if it's not then it's less likely to have drivers. In addition the network setup will probably be right by default once you get it installed. This is because the typical settings are set to obtain an IP address automatically and usually by default your cable modem or dsl router are set to automatically give an IP address to any computer that connects. There for no configuration would be needed if this were the case.

apprentice · 03-31-2007, 11:14 PM

Appreciate the advice. Have a great weekend.

03-31-2007, 01:31 AM	#1 (permalink)
apprentice New Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2	Ethernet and New Operating System Install Currently have Dell Latitude Laptop, C600, 10/100 Ethernet, PIII, Windows 2000 Professional is op system. My question is, I am going to be installing Windows XP Pro. I am not doing an upgrade but starting from scratch. I have 10/100 Ethernet which is how I get online via broadba using cl**rwire. If I install this new operating system, will I be able to get online again without having to reload anything regarding this "ethernet." Have looked tirelessly online to see if I need to reload drivers, etc., or if it is not necessary. Found one comment which said "no" but wanted to check for sure. In a perfect world, it would be a seamless transition. Thanks for your time.

03-31-2007, 01:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
Crypto Gold Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 321	More than likely Windows will have the driver needed for your Network Card, but you'll still need to configure it again to connect to the internet. Useually all you need to do is run the network setup wizard. I think some setup CD's offer this option during the setup process. With all that said, go to DellSupport.com and look up all the drivers for your model. Save them to a CD and install them after you install windows. __________________ TCPROIMAGES

03-31-2007, 06:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
AdmnPower VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Indiana, USA Posts: 1,163	It all depends on how common the ethernet adapter in your computer is. If it's common windows xp will have drivers for it, if it's not then it's less likely to have drivers. In addition the network setup will probably be right by default once you get it installed. This is because the typical settings are set to obtain an IP address automatically and usually by default your cable modem or dsl router are set to automatically give an IP address to any computer that connects. There for no configuration would be needed if this were the case. __________________ Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4 ghz 4 gig DDR 2 800 Sapphire Radeon 3870 X2 250 gig Seagate Barracuda Windows Vista

03-31-2007, 11:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
apprentice New Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2	Thanks for the help Appreciate the advice. Have a great weekend.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

03-31-2007, 10:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
meanman Diamond Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: england Posts: 1,719	i think if you install a fresh o/s you will need all the drivers for your mobo including ethernet and audio so i would see if there is a downloadable driver package for your laptop on there website.