Always, always include the model PC in your posts. :(

The correct order for installation is:
XP
Dell System Software (either 'Desktop' or 'Laptop', not required on some systems)
Chipset driver
Video driver
Audio driver
Network driver
etc.

All available for download, starting here:
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen

Ron

Sorry, Ron. It's a Dimension 2400. I can download the drivers on my machine and put them on a disc. Unfortunately, when I put the disc in the drive on the 2400 it doesn't see the disc. Since the network driver is not yet installed I can't download the drivers directly to the 2400. Kind of a catch 22. Suggestions? And thanks for taking the time to help. I'm hoping to get this machine back to it's owner soon. Ed

Seems odd that optical drive recognizes some CDs but not others. Disconnect all peripherals except mouse, monitor, keyboard, and unplug from any network connections. Then try booting in Safe Mode (F8 before XP starts to load) and see if it'll read the CD you burned. And if it has more than one optical drive, try the other drive.

If not, could you put the drivers on a USB memory stick or floppy disk?

Ron

I've made significant progress. As suggested, I used a thumb drive and was able to install the drivers. I can now access the web via the newly rebuilt machine and download anything else that I need. I also found out why the optical drive on the Dell failed to recognize the driver disc that Dell sent. The driver disc is a DVD. The drive is a CDRW only and does not recognize ANY DVD!!!! You would think that the fine folks at Dell would have known that since they were provided with the service tag, or at least asked. Since it was not my machine and it was basically inoperable when it was brought to me I assumed the drive would handle the discs that Dell provided. That's the last time I'll make that assumption. Anyway, thanks to Ron for your patience and assistance. It was your thumb drive suggestion that turned the corner for me. I was so focused on why I couldn't access the disc I wasn't even looking for alternatives to load the drivers. Thanks again. I, and my friend to whom the pc belongs, truly appreciate everything.

A DVD instead of CD? Duh!

Glad you figured it out and got things running. You might want to contact Dell again and tell 'em you need a CD instead of the DVD they sent. Some times you have to be explicit about what you need and not assume they understand English. ;)

Ron