Incorrect Drivers Adapaters on Resource CD after FORMAT

I will keep my hostility and anger at bay regarding the fact that I was sent a Inspirion Resource CD for my Dimension CPU and no recovery/system software. Instead, have a nice little CD postcard that points me to go online to download the necessary software. (never mind the fact that cannot go online and get the software which doesn't work once retrieved via another computer!!!)

The resource CD for laptops has no list of necessary drivers. Luckily, a friend in town loaned me their Dimension Resource CD so I could get the correct drivers installed and  go online and retrieve the other necessary components.

 

I formatted both partitions of my drive, installed Windows XP, jumped through hours of hoops to even get the machine to recognize my monitor and 32-bit color. System diagnostics CD ran a hardware scan and listed the hardware drivers needed. I extracted and installed the components in proper order, Chipset, etc...

 

Does not see my network card and obviously lists no ethernet/network adapters as was present before FORMAT.  Tried to install the Intel network card listed since the only other one listed was wireless and does not apply. To no avail--

 

I have read the other posts about how to recognize exact drivers to install, what order, etc. None of these measures work and I can't be on hold with Dell for an hour either.

 

Is there something I am overlooking here? Should I go to mfr. sites to get the drivers of each component once I painstakingly try to identify them?

 

I am not a user loser/newbie or other. I have Formatted hard drives on several different computers over several years. This is the first time I have formatted a Dell and am shocked to see the lack of ownership/power I have when it comes to selecting the necessary components and drivers. Typically, I like to format to get rid of junk, clean the cobwebs, and start new, do it twice yearly without heartache on HPs, and others.  This one was a real joy this past weekend.

 

Thank you,

Jennifer