Can't find driver files

Question

I recently purchased a new Dimension 3000, which was incorrectly configured with XP-Home.  I called tech support who sent me a replacment CD for XP-Prof.  Since there were no instructions, I booted the machine from the CD, reformatted the Hard Drive and Installed the new OS.  Now I find that I have no drivers for the LAN card, and Windows thoughtfully asks if I would like to visit the Internet to find and install one.  Of course that is not possible without a functioning LAN card.   Is there a drivers CD that I should have received, or alternately where can I find updated driver files for a Dimension 3000 machine.   Thanks,

blucuttie522 · Answer

If you just purchase the computer recently, no disc for installing device drivers because there is a hidden partition on your computer where all the drivers are installed. Try to ran the PC Restore. Shutdown your computer and on Dell splash logo hold down CTRL then tap F11, just follow the instruction to restore your PC.

shesagordie · Answer

wwilliam50.   You can download the D3000 drivers from here and burn them to a CD   http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/devices.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=DIM_CEL_3000&category=0&os=WW1&osl=EN   Bev.

wwilliam50 · Answer

Thanks Bev, I've been there and got a LAN driver. Can't tell which of three video drivers that I should use. Tech support is sending me a complete self installing 'drivers' CD which needs to be immediately be used after Windows is installed. Apparently no hope of recreating the partitions which I am told are different for XP-Home vs XP-Pro in any event, and are part of a factory load setup and tracked from the time the PC is ordered.

Once installed, everything should work exactly as new, but without the extra partitions storing recovery software and drivers. Any new HD would come through with XP-Home on it.... as it was ordered. aaaaghh.

Be forwarned all, check that invoice, and keep checking any corrections till you see what you want!!! Never assume anything!!

shesagordie · Answer

wwilliam50.   When I receive a new Dell computer, have always checked to see if the operating system is the one ordered and that all the software CDs are shipped, the D8400 just received had XP Professional.    I've noticed that the owner's manual is now on the hard drive with an icon on the desktop, very handy if the drive fails. I also, had to request the 'Applications' and 'Drivers & Utilities' CDs. These were shipped free of charge, guess we are caught up in Dell's MRI, [Media Reduction Initiative].   Bev. Message Edited by shesagordie on 02-17-2005 06:03 PM

Storage, Drives & Media

Can't find driver files

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