System configuration file from Dell

Question

Hi guys (and gals),   I have a Dell L500r Dimension, Pentium-3 with 128MB Ram, Windows 98SE, Has a sound card and a NIC card in the backplane, so I assume (I know, I know) that they are NOT integrated sound and NIC?  I have not opened up the case to actually look at them.   The kids really messed it up, I tried to use zzbat to restore to factory configuration but it tells me the restore file is bad.  I have a second identical PC that was ordered at same time as first one.  Can I take the restore file from it and copy it to the first PC and restore from that file?   If so -- where can I find the restore (to factory configuration) file on the second PC and what is its name??   Thank you VERY much for your help in this!!!   Sincerely, Bob Nelson

Denny Denham · Answer

robtnelson,

Unfortunately I don't believe you can do what you propose. Even if you could locate the image file on the second PC (it is hidden, and I've never seen any procedure by which it could be located) the odds are that it would be corrupted as well, since the image is only designed for use within the first few weeks of use.

The reisntall guide for your system is here. If the sound card and NIC were not separate purchases and installed after the purchase of the computer, these instructions should allow you to do a complete reinstallation.

robtnelson · Answer

Denny,

Thanks for your quick reply.

In looking at the back of the PC, the ports for the NIC and the Sound 'card' are in the same place as where you would addin an additional card, they take up a space where those removeable pieces of metal are in the back plane. That is why I assumed they were true cards and not integrated! I have not opened case to actualy look at them. Am I correct in that they would look the same on the back of the PC regardless if they were add-in cards or integrated on the motherboard??

I found the original Win98 floppy boot disk and the Dell resource CD that came with PC.

I re-formatted the HDD and installed Win98 but it had a problem

When it boots up it says it cannot find 2 VXD files: VNETBIOS.VXD and NDISWAN.VXD. Do you have any idea what these are for and how I can install them if System needs them? Are they on Win-98 CD?

Also, under Device Manager - Oher Devices, it has problem (noted with question mark) for these devices:

PCI Communications Device

PCI Ethernet Controller

PCI MultiMedia Audio

Unknown Device

Can you confirm to me what these are (especially the last one) and what I do about them.

I assume I find the drivers on the web site (or on the resource CD?).

THANKS VERY much for your response!

You are truly one talented person.

Sincerely,

Bob Nelson

Flooby · Answer

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;166832 See this regarding the error message.  Also, once you reinstall the operating system, you must reinstall the device drivers, which is why things aren't looking right in Device Manager.  Use the Product Support button (above left) - Downloads sub-link, and enter the necessary system information.  You can then view/downlaod all available drivers for your system.  I'd also recommend reviewing the Reinstall Guides for your model (also accessible via the Product Support button) for the proper method of reinstalling the OS and drivers.

Windows General

System configuration file from Dell

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