Windows XP Install didn't detect devices.

Question

I have a Dimension 8400 that lost the hard drive. When I tried to install XP on the new drive it didn't detect any of my devices, nic, video, sound, etc. I looked at Device Manager and all of the devices have a yellow '?' next to them. If I uninstall the device and reboot it detects it but the Add Hardware Wizard chokes on the driver install. Any help would be appreciated.

simpswr · Answer

Click in the Drivers and Downloads button in the left column of this page . . navigate to the drivers for your pc

OrdinaryMAN · Answer

So a driver is a piece of software that let's windows communicate to the hardware devices inside the system. Now unless windows has a native driver then you don't have to do anything. Like for instance sometimes the NIC (Network Interface Card) is native.

Here's a link that you might want to read to clarify your perception on drivers vs. plug n play devices

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&dl=false&l=en&s=gen&docid=33BC41556F5D37B7E040A68F5B286D66&doclang=en&cs=

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You'd be surprised to see how much info you can find from www.support.dell.com. I.E. guides for removing/installing parts, drivers, manuals for all specification needs, KB articles, etc. So before you post try searching the site to find the answer you are looking for.

dave51_2fe887 · Answer

It did detect them. It just didn't have the correct divers to install. Go to 'drivers and downloads' as suggested. Install Chipset drivers FIRST then video,sound,network adapter and so one.

mike1952 · Answer

My real question is why didn't XP detect the devices? They're supposedly plug'n'play.

Windows General

Windows XP Install didn't detect devices.

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