Dual Boot Vista and XP Pro - network driver problems

Question

I have a new Dell Inspiron 531S desktop with and AMD 64 X2 processor and Vista factory installed. Unfortunately, a piece of software critical to my work does not run reliabily on Vista. I purchased a copy of XP Professional, and installed it on its own partition. I've set it up so I can boot either into Vista or XP. The only problem is that when I boot into XP, the system does not recognize my network adapter (the Device Manager shows a big yellow ? under Network adapter) -- so I can't connect to the Internet.   I've searched everywhere for drivers to find the necessary drivers, but have had no luck. My network adapter is an NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller. I also have a Broadcom 802.11g Network Adapter (wireless) card installed. XP doesn't recognize that device either in XP. But I can direct connect (ethernet) to my cable modem, so finding the correct XP driver for that NIC is my priority.   Can anyone suggest where I might go/look/query? Many thanks!

kv3blue · Answer

Hi. I have a Dell 531s (530s is similar) Inspiron Slim PC. I need the 'Internal PCI 802.11g Wireless Network Card ', which was not opt in my pc. I have tried to ask Dell for a part number, but they can't seem to find it, but it is a $30 option if I build one at their website. If anyone has a Dell 530s or 531s, please look inside  your pc's wirless card for a part number.  I know it may sounds hard for some, but its quite easy. Just remove 2 screws that sticks way out at the rear of the pc on the flatside, slide back and remove the large white cover, and look inside. It might be easier to remove the long matel bar to view the numbers also, just lift up the small metal long c clip then the long bar.  the 531s and the 530s should be the same. Thanks. Vi Vien.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Dual Boot Vista and XP Pro - network driver problems

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