Windows Server 2003 install

Question

I bought this system for testing. It's a Dimension 4700, but I want to install Windows Server 2003 on it. After the installation is complete the Device Manager reports a large number of unknown devices, including the network card.   Are there special drivers I need for this system (I don't see them on the driver download page) or is it just not compatible somehow with 2003?

f00sion · Answer

I have the exact same problem.. Just bought 3 dimension 3k systems for a new development environment and installed win2k on them.  I can not for the life of my find network drivers that will work.  Installed a bunch of different ones for the adapter from the site and they all look like they successfully installd but the connection always says that the ntwork cable is unplugged.  I also downloaded and tried to run the dell system drivers installation thing so that my usb would work but when I run it it says 'This computer does not support this operating system'.. In the download description it said it would work for 2k.. Since when does dell force you to use the single operating system that was shipped with the computer?   I am about to head to the local computer store and pick up 3 cheapo network cards just to get most of the functionality working..but thats annoying. Message Edited by f00sion on 05-18-2005 04:32 PM

fireberd · Answer

According to what I've seen on other posts about Server 2003, Dell does not support Server 2003 on the Dimension series.

You can check the commercial lines server PC's and see if there are any drivers that will work for the Dimension series. Dell does sell PC's designed for server applications that do support it.

lseltzer · Answer

>>According to what I've seen on other posts about Server 2003, Dell does not support Server 2003 on the Dimension series.    @*%^$%#   This was what I figured and feared.I think the NIC is the only device that really matters here. The video card doesn't matter for the server. I'll buy a supported el-cheapo NIC

oe3rgc · Answer

I had the same problem until I discovered that the 2003 server install deleted all the XP drivers. Just take the Dell drivers CD that came with the system and reinstall the XP drivers - they will work with Win 2003 server. Took me 2 days to figure out what the deal is!

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Windows Server 2003 install

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