It is possible that you have either a 3COM card or an Intel network adapter.  It is alsoIn either case, you would probably have to get the Windows XP drivers from the manufacturer's web site (3COM or Intel).  But, first you need to know which adapter you have.  You may be able to figure out by going to the following site, entering the Service Tag Number for your computer and then clicking on the Original System Configuration tab.

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/my_systems_info/details?c=us&cs=RC980615&l=en&s=eep 

Note that it is also possible the the computer did not ship from Dell with a network adapter and the original owner could have added one.  If this is the case, you may have to open the case, pull the card, and examine it for clues as to what it is.

Steve

Hi,

As per the link here the system has a 3Com 3c905c integrated network controller. The exact driver for XP is located here.

Rgds

Chris

I got home and in trying to install I realise that the problem is not with the network driver - but is with the network controller. So I have reposted the message under the topic "Missing Network Controller" so as to refocus on the topic. From what I see in the screenshot below, the Network Driver is there okay but the Network Controller is what was accidentally uninstalled and the computer cannot find it anywhere to install no matter what I try

Do you have more than one physical network adapter in the computer.  The 3COM controller is the network adapter integrated on the motherboard and it looks like it is installed.  Is it possible that you have a PCI card network adapter (ethernet or wireless) physcially present?  Have you opened the case to check?

Steve