If you go to http://support.dell.com and enter your Service Tag, it should narrow things down to drivers for your specific configuration. There is a document somewhere that outlines how to reinstall and the order, but the most important thing is that you install these first:
After they are installed, then you can install other devices, as configured. Like I said, entering your ST could eliminate the irrelevant drivers for your computer, but if you have questions about which ones you need, just go to Device Manager (right-click My Computer, Manage) to see which devices are showing warning symbols. If the description of the device is not enough, then you can right-click on it, Properties, Details tab, change dropdown to Hardware Ids and look up (or post here) the VEN and DEV ID's on PCIDatabase.com. I would start with these drivers, as they are pretty much universally needed for all 8600's:
theflash1932 beat me to your post. He has listed the drivers and links. The desktop/notebook system utility and the chipset drivers need installed first or the rest of the drivers will fail to install. How to Download and Install Drivers in the Correct Order
Go to device manager and look for yellow exclaimination marks or red x's. These devices still need drivers.
If yo go to Drivers & Downloads click on warranty status, enter your service tag number, then click on origional configuration, you can see what came with the computer, so you can download the proper drivers for your wireless adapter.
Download and install in order from the links that theflash1932 gave you. Look in the device manager and see if there are any yellow exclaimination marks or red x's
When I go to the drivers and downloads page and enter my service tag, etc, a list of 13 sections and 78 files comes up for All Inspiron 8600. Do I need to install all 78 files? Am I understanding that I need to install desktop/notebook system utility and the chipset drivers first and then install all of the remaining 76 files? Once again, the article referenced above about how to download and install drivers in the correct order has only 13 drivers listed and based on my service tag, etc. there are 78 files.
When I went to the device manager (right click on My Computer, manage) and clicked on device manager, just a list of devices appeared (batteries,computer, disk drives, display adapters, etc). There were no red x's or yellow !'s or any mark that would lead me to believe that any drivers were needed. Would these warnings appear next to the devices or do I need to click on each device and look somewhere else to see if a driver is needed.
Sorry if I seem ignorant, I'm just way outside of my comfort level/competency when computers are involved...
No, you don't all 78 files. You only need to download and install the ones you need - I know that's not helpful, but your system doesn't have all the devices listed on that page, nor do you have a need for all the application and utilities linked there. For example, your video is either ATI or nVidia, but not both. Also, your system may or may not have a modem.
If you don't have any yellow marks in Device Manager (you don't have to expand any of the sections ... they will automatically show in their own section when you open Device Manager), then you don't need to worry about anything else.
Even so, I would install the Notebook System Software, Chipset, Network, Audio, and Video drivers even if they don't show up in Device Manager with a warning. Windows may have generic drivers for those devices, but you may eventually run into problems with them not working properly if you don't use the right driver.
So, do the four drivers I sent you links for, then install the correct video driver. Go to Display in Device Manager and get the VEN and DEV ID's (as instructed in my first post), so we know which driver you need (ATI or nVidia).
I downloaded and installed the first 3 links but the 4th one, the network driver didn't install. I got an error message "Cannot start application". I also checked the device manager for more warnings and found none. I have nVidia Geforce FX Go5200, according to Display in device manager.
I followed theflash1932 links and checked device manager for warnings and found none. Thanks for staying with me. I still need your expertise on the printer side when this driver issue is resolved. btw, how will I know when to leave the drivers alone and focus on the printer?
Go to Drivers & Downloads in the right column you'll see warranty status. Enter your service tag number there and then click on original configuration. There it will tell yo which wireless adapter you have.
If you still get the error message, we might have to do a XP Repair.
downloaded and installed the above drivers: received an error on Dell Wireless 1370 WLAN MiniPCI Card "error "Setup1576" has occured and setup cannot continue". During the 3rd one received an error during install "adapter problem:driver is not installed," but it continued.
My printer is a Dell 942 All in One,and I don't think I have virus protection or a firewall. How can I check to be sure? The problem with the printer is that the Dell All in One Print Center disappeared. I followed your directions to run the patch, remove the printer, and reinstall. Now the menue returns, but I get a runtime error...
you had the right adapter downloads above. The warranty status page confirmed both the broadcom 440x and Intel Pro/Wireless2200BG. I downloaded both again, and received the same error about "adapter problem: driver is not installed".
Since the is a Dell computer, to do a XP Operating system repair, you usually don't lose any files and folders but I make that statement in case something goes wrong, you have the files and folders. Just think, if the hard drive or computer failed today, would you have the files and folders that you feel are important?
The procedire is simple. Follow the procedure I have listed above. The longest part of the procedure is getting the Windows Updates.
The only reason the printer will not install is that it's blocked with virus protection and/or firewall. Not in this case. Malware or a corrupt system is second. Since XP is the easiest to repair, on a Dell computer, I would suggest that route. If you did the above procedure on a Compaq or HP computer, everything gets wiped and you lose everything.
The only thing you might have to change...
Restart the computer and press F2 to enter the BIOS. Look for boot sequence. The order should be...
CD/DVD Rom
HDD Hard Drive
removable devices
network
Save changes and exit.
With all external devices disconnected,
Insert the Windows XP disk and restart the computer. like the printer, external hard drives, etc.
Press any key to boot from cd
choose install
do the agreement
now choose repair. Leave the disk in until you see the Wecome Screen. Just make sure to get Windows Updates and make sure your virus protection is working.
theflash1932
9 Legend
•
16.3K Posts
0
June 21st, 2011 09:00
If you go to http://support.dell.com and enter your Service Tag, it should narrow things down to drivers for your specific configuration. There is a document somewhere that outlines how to reinstall and the order, but the most important thing is that you install these first:
Notebook System Software:
support.dell.com/.../download.aspx
Chipset:
support.dell.com/.../download.aspx
After they are installed, then you can install other devices, as configured. Like I said, entering your ST could eliminate the irrelevant drivers for your computer, but if you have questions about which ones you need, just go to Device Manager (right-click My Computer, Manage) to see which devices are showing warning symbols. If the description of the device is not enough, then you can right-click on it, Properties, Details tab, change dropdown to Hardware Ids and look up (or post here) the VEN and DEV ID's on PCIDatabase.com. I would start with these drivers, as they are pretty much universally needed for all 8600's:
Audio:
support.dell.com/.../download.aspx
Network:
support.dell.com/.../download.aspx
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
June 21st, 2011 10:00
Micah,
theflash1932 beat me to your post. He has listed the drivers and links. The desktop/notebook system utility and the chipset drivers need installed first or the rest of the drivers will fail to install. How to Download and Install Drivers in the Correct Order
Go to device manager and look for yellow exclaimination marks or red x's. These devices still need drivers.
If yo go to Drivers & Downloads click on warranty status, enter your service tag number, then click on origional configuration, you can see what came with the computer, so you can download the proper drivers for your wireless adapter.
Rick
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
June 21st, 2011 11:00
Micah,
Download and install in order from the links that theflash1932 gave you. Look in the device manager and see if there are any yellow exclaimination marks or red x's
Post back if you need anything.
Rick
MicahKelly
12 Posts
0
June 21st, 2011 11:00
When I go to the drivers and downloads page and enter my service tag, etc, a list of 13 sections and 78 files comes up for All Inspiron 8600. Do I need to install all 78 files? Am I understanding that I need to install desktop/notebook system utility and the chipset drivers first and then install all of the remaining 76 files? Once again, the article referenced above about how to download and install drivers in the correct order has only 13 drivers listed and based on my service tag, etc. there are 78 files.
When I went to the device manager (right click on My Computer, manage) and clicked on device manager, just a list of devices appeared (batteries,computer, disk drives, display adapters, etc). There were no red x's or yellow !'s or any mark that would lead me to believe that any drivers were needed. Would these warnings appear next to the devices or do I need to click on each device and look somewhere else to see if a driver is needed.
Sorry if I seem ignorant, I'm just way outside of my comfort level/competency when computers are involved...
Thanks,
Micah
theflash1932
9 Legend
•
16.3K Posts
0
June 21st, 2011 11:00
No, you don't all 78 files. You only need to download and install the ones you need - I know that's not helpful, but your system doesn't have all the devices listed on that page, nor do you have a need for all the application and utilities linked there. For example, your video is either ATI or nVidia, but not both. Also, your system may or may not have a modem.
If you don't have any yellow marks in Device Manager (you don't have to expand any of the sections ... they will automatically show in their own section when you open Device Manager), then you don't need to worry about anything else.
Even so, I would install the Notebook System Software, Chipset, Network, Audio, and Video drivers even if they don't show up in Device Manager with a warning. Windows may have generic drivers for those devices, but you may eventually run into problems with them not working properly if you don't use the right driver.
So, do the four drivers I sent you links for, then install the correct video driver. Go to Display in Device Manager and get the VEN and DEV ID's (as instructed in my first post), so we know which driver you need (ATI or nVidia).
MicahKelly
12 Posts
0
June 21st, 2011 12:00
I downloaded and installed the first 3 links but the 4th one, the network driver didn't install. I got an error message "Cannot start application". I also checked the device manager for more warnings and found none. I have nVidia Geforce FX Go5200, according to Display in device manager.
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
June 21st, 2011 12:00
Micah,
Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller
Dell Wireless 1370 WLAN MiniPCI Card
Intel (R) PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection
Dell QuickSet
Rick
MicahKelly
12 Posts
0
June 21st, 2011 12:00
I followed theflash1932 links and checked device manager for warnings and found none. Thanks for staying with me. I still need your expertise on the printer side when this driver issue is resolved. btw, how will I know when to leave the drivers alone and focus on the printer?
Micah
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
June 21st, 2011 12:00
Micah,
I can help you here with the printer.
Make and model of the printer, again, please.
Virus protection and firewall.
Rick
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
June 21st, 2011 13:00
Micah,
Go to Drivers & Downloads in the right column you'll see warranty status. Enter your service tag number there and then click on original configuration. There it will tell yo which wireless adapter you have.
If you still get the error message, we might have to do a XP Repair.
Rick
MicahKelly
12 Posts
0
June 21st, 2011 13:00
downloaded and installed the above drivers: received an error on Dell Wireless 1370 WLAN MiniPCI Card "error "Setup1576" has occured and setup cannot continue". During the 3rd one received an error during install "adapter problem:driver is not installed," but it continued.
My printer is a Dell 942 All in One,and I don't think I have virus protection or a firewall. How can I check to be sure? The problem with the printer is that the Dell All in One Print Center disappeared. I followed your directions to run the patch, remove the printer, and reinstall. Now the menue returns, but I get a runtime error...
MicahKelly
12 Posts
0
June 21st, 2011 15:00
you had the right adapter downloads above. The warranty status page confirmed both the broadcom 440x and Intel Pro/Wireless2200BG. I downloaded both again, and received the same error about "adapter problem: driver is not installed".
MicahKelly
12 Posts
0
June 22nd, 2011 10:00
Are you able to help with the XP repair mentioned in an above post? Do you think it will resolve the issues with the printer?
Thanks,
Micah
PudgyOne
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
June 22nd, 2011 10:00
Micah,
Since the is a Dell computer, to do a XP Operating system repair, you usually don't lose any files and folders but I make that statement in case something goes wrong, you have the files and folders. Just think, if the hard drive or computer failed today, would you have the files and folders that you feel are important?
The procedire is simple. Follow the procedure I have listed above. The longest part of the procedure is getting the Windows Updates.
The only reason the printer will not install is that it's blocked with virus protection and/or firewall. Not in this case. Malware or a corrupt system is second. Since XP is the easiest to repair, on a Dell computer, I would suggest that route. If you did the above procedure on a Compaq or HP computer, everything gets wiped and you lose everything.
The only thing you might have to change...
Restart the computer and press F2 to enter the BIOS. Look for boot sequence. The order should be...
CD/DVD Rom
HDD Hard Drive
removable devices
network
Save changes and exit.
With all external devices disconnected,
Insert the Windows XP disk and restart the computer. like the printer, external hard drives, etc.
Press any key to boot from cd
choose install
do the agreement
now choose repair. Leave the disk in until you see the Wecome Screen. Just make sure to get Windows Updates and make sure your virus protection is working.
The printer should install with the instructions.
Rick
MicahKelly
12 Posts
0
June 22nd, 2011 15:00
ok, thanks. I thought there was something I needed to do before that. Stay tuned...