missing network driver(s)? unable to create internet connection

Question

I reformatted my PC (windows xp/ Dimension 5150) wired connection I've reformatted windows xp never having this problem before. I finished reformatting went to go onto the web to update my drivers however I cant connect. Yes all things worked on it had it for 5 years worked fine , Reformatted I Cant even create a new connection. When I try to set up a new connection it either lets me finish and nothing happens or just wont let me. The reformatting took great I did it twice incase there was an easy way to get out of this. Sadly there wasnt. I tried to go onto the Dell.ca website (being canadian) to find the driver and trasnfer it over to my PC. This didnt work. I cant set up a connection manually and it doesnt find the driver I need on the windows disk I got from dell.   I have reformatted other PC's with XP on it and never had this problem before. I tried to download the driver(s) from dell.ca but it wouldnt take because I wasnt using 'that' PC. (using a laptop with external hard drive to transfer files)   Could someone please help me?

PudgyOne · Answer

Aidendale,

Did you install the desktop/notebook utility and the chipset drivers first? If not, the rest of the drivers will fail to install. How to Download and Install Drivers in the Correct Order

Rick

Aidendale · Answer

This I did not do , Even reading this it's some what greek to me.

I'm guessing the reason on my other computers it worked before was someone else reformatted them before me.

Would you happen to have a step by step (more novice friendly) guide?

Thank you for the help so far :)

PudgyOne · Answer

Aidendale,   Restoring Your Computer´s Software to the Factory Settings     Rick

Aidendale · Answer

The first one made little sense to me

The second one , I cant do since its been reformatted there is nothing to save from.(that I need)

I actually didnt want to reformat , I was trying to do a system restore point but that and all other things refused to open. So I reformatted.

Am I missing something in these steps because the second page you sent me is telling me to back up (whats not there) , Its already been reformatted and no backups were made. Because I was unaware of that process.

PudgyOne · Answer

Aidendale,   How To Restore or Reinstall Microsoft® Windows® on a Dell™ Computer     Rick

Aidendale · Answer

Thank you so much for your help. I made sure to make note of all pages to prevent future stupidity on my behalf  ;)   Thank you for your time , patience and answers.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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