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cmomah

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18 years ago

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cmomah

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May 22nd, 2008 00:00

Unable to find "Network Controller" message

I accidentally uninstalled the Network Driver for my computer and now can't seem to find the right driver to install 

 

I own a Dell Optiplex GX110. This is an older machine that probably had Windows 98 (or ME or NT) installed originally. At the time I purchased it - as a used computer - it had Windows XP Professional as the operating system.

 

A few days ago, I accidentally uninstalled the Network Driver (don't know what it is called) so I went to the support.dell.com to look for a Network Driver. The only options available to me were drivers for NT or Windows 98/ME. But my computer uses Windows XP Pro now and I don't know the right driver for this OS

 

When I attempt to install the Network Driver I get from the site (3Com Driver: 3c905C Integrated Network Card??), the normal installation wizard never shows up so I can't install it - apparently bcos it's the wrong driver

Any ideas how I can find the correct driver for Windows XP Pro for my DELL? Thanks

 

 

  • volcano11

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    Posted May 22nd, 2008 03:00

    It is possible that you have either a 3COM card or an Intel network adapter.  It is alsoIn either case, you would probably have to get the Windows XP drivers from the manufacturer's web site (3COM or Intel).  But, first you need to know which adapter you have.  You may be able to figure out by going to the following site, entering the Service Tag Number for your computer and then clicking on the Original System Configuration tab.

     

    http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/my_systems_info/details?c=us&cs=RC980615&l=en&s=eep 

     

    Note that it is also possible the the computer did not ship from Dell with a network adapter and the original owner could have added one.  If this is the case, you may have to open the case, pull the card, and examine it for clues as to what it is.

     

    Steve

  • best-try

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    Posted May 22nd, 2008 04:00

    Hi,

     

    As per the link here the system has a 3Com 3c905c integrated network controller. The exact driver for XP is located here.

     

    Rgds

    Chris

  • cmomah

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    Posted May 23rd, 2008 01:00

    Thanks to the both of you. I will give it a try
  • cmomah

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    Posted May 23rd, 2008 01:00

    Thanks Steve
  • cmomah

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    Posted May 23rd, 2008 16:00

    I got home and in trying to install I realise that the problem is not with the network driver - but is with the network controller. So I have reposted the message under the topic "Missing Network Controller" so as to refocus on the topic. From what I see in the screenshot below, the Network Driver is there okay but the Network Controller is what was accidentally uninstalled and the computer cannot find it anywhere to install no matter what I try

     

    Missing Network Controller

  • volcano11

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    Posted May 23rd, 2008 16:00

    Do you have more than one physical network adapter in the computer.  The 3COM controller is the network adapter integrated on the motherboard and it looks like it is installed.  Is it possible that you have a PCI card network adapter (ethernet or wireless) physcially present?  Have you opened the case to check?

     

    Steve

  • cmomah

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    Posted May 23rd, 2008 23:00

    I'll check when I get home tonight