finding the right network driver for Optiplex GX260

There are 2 versions. 1 with 3com and 1 with INTEL nic.

You MUST INSTALL THE CHIPSET DRIVERS FIRST.

*********************************************************
*  Product: Intel(R) Chipset Software Installation Utility
*  Release: Production Version
*  Version: 6.3.0.1007
*  Date: November 24, 2004
*********************************************************
ftp://aiedownload.intel.com/df-support/8178/eng/infinst_enu.exe
ftp://aiedownload.intel.com/df-support/8178/eng/releasenotes.htm

The Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility contains support for the following Intel Chipsets:

Intel® 810 Chipset
Intel® 810E Chipset
Intel® 810E2 Chipset
Intel® 815 Chipset
Intel® 815E Chipset
Intel® 815EM Chipset
Intel® 815EP Chipset
Intel® 815P Chipset
Intel® 815G Chipset
Intel® 815EG Chipset
Intel® 820 Chipset
Intel® 820E Chipset
Intel® 830M Chipset
Intel® 830MG Chipset
Intel® 830MP Chipset
Intel® 840 Chipset
Intel® 845 Chipset
Intel® 845E Chipset
Intel® 845G Chipset
Intel® 845GE Chipset
Intel® 845GL Chipset
Intel® 845GV Chipset
Intel® 845MZ Chipset
Intel® 845PE Chipset
Intel® 848P Chipset
Intel® 850 Chipset
Intel® 850E Chipset
Intel® 852GM Chipset
Intel® 852GME Chipset
Intel® 852GMV Chipset
Intel® 852PM Chipset
Intel® 855GM Chipset
Intel® 855GME Chipset
Intel® 855PM Chipset
Intel® 860 Chipset
Intel® 865G Chipset
Intel® 865GV Chipset
Intel® 865P Chipset
Intel® 865PE Chipset
Intel® 875P Chipset
Intel® 910GL Express Chipset
Intel® 915G Express Chipset
Intel® 915GV Express Chipset
Intel® 915P Express Chipset
Intel® 925X Express Chipset
Intel® 925XE Express Chipset
Intel® 6300ESB Controller
Intel® E7205 Chipset
Intel® E7210 Chipset
Intel® E7220 Chipset
Intel® E7320 Chipset
Intel® E7500 Chipset
Intel® E7501 Chipset
Intel® E7505 Chipset
Intel® E7520 Chipset
Intel® E7525 Chipset
Mobile Intel® 910GML Express Chipset
Mobile Intel® 915GM Express Chipset
Mobile Intel® 915GMS Express Chipset
Mobile Intel® 915PM Express Chipset

Supported Operating Systems

The Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility is validated on the following Microsoft operating systems. 

Microsoft Windows* 2000
Microsoft Windows* XP
Microsoft Windows Server* 2003

I'm installing GX260 drivers with a clean install of Windows 2000.  Installing chipset, then video, then audio proceeds as expected - with the Read Me file coming up and proceeding through an automated install routine

For the network drivers, the instructions are to go through device manager, select 'have disk' and point it to the extracted divers folder.  The Resource CD identifies my onboard NIC as "Intel 8254x 1000 Integrated Network" but the list presented when I select 'have disk' has many options.  When I select the first ("Intel 82542-based Gigabit Adapter"), I get the warning that Windows can't confirm that the driver I selected will work with my hardware.

I don't want to have to install and uninstall a bunch of driver attempts in order to get to the right one.  Can someone confirm which choice is the best option and whether I should simply ignore any compatibility warning messages?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi SVJeff,

Please click on the link http://dell.to/1epM2kJ and download the Intel 8254x 1000 Integrated Network drivers. Install the drivers following the onscreen instructions. Hope this helps.

Please reply if you have any questions.