Would Another XP Install Help this problem:

Question

Last week I did a clean install of Windows XP Media Edition 2005 on an XPS 410 that belongs to a relative.  I have ended up with several problems, none of which makes it unusable. I am wondering if I do another install, this time without formatting the hard drive, it might correct some issues.  Those issues are:   1)  Even though the date and time is right in the tray, it shows 3 hours later when sending an email from Outlook Express.  I have not been able to fix this.  I suspect Internet Explorer thinks we are in another time zone.  I do not remember being asked when it was loaded so must have just missed it.   2)  There are missing drivers for the Ethernet Controller (not being used anyhow) and an 'Unknown device'.  I cannot imagine what that is.  But the yellow shows in the Device Manager!   3)  The drive letters are showing in a way I have never seen before.  There are 2 CD/DVD drives; originally they were 'D' and 'E'.  Now they are 'H' and 'I'.  D, E, F, G, and J are being used for 'Removable Drives'.  I have found a link explaining how to change the drive letters but would like to know, if possible, if I should first move those Removable Drives to other letters - such as K,L,M,N,and O first so as to not mess up something.  I don't know what the removable drives are UNLESS it is, somehow, related to the Media Reader (13 in 1 Media Card Reader) .  In device manager this item is shown as a Floppy Drive.   4)  When inserting a CD or DVD in either of the drives they sometimes just don't get recognized.  Even when I go into My Computer.  I have been able to use both of them, however, to load software and data files.  The problem was getting worse just before I left it.  So it is possible when I return, things will be either better or, Heaven forbid, worse.    I have to drive several miles to get to this computer and would like to get as many answers as possible before I go at it again.   So, does anyone want to give me their opinion on what to do.  Do you think re-installing windows would fix most of the problems?  I actually have never loaded windows that way before - always did clean installs.  And I certainly am not even close to being an expert on any of this!    Thanks in advance for any and all help offered.

Rebel9 · Answer

Did you install ALL of the required drivers and software (including the Desktop System Software)? Did you install them in this order? Those extra drives ARE the 13 in 1 Media Card Reader but they should be identified in Device Manager as USB Devices (under disk drives). This should not display as a floppy drive.

MRF4700 · Answer

An important question to ask is after the clean install of Win XP MCE, did you install the Dell device drivers in the proper order? See driver installation order?   Also, you should disconnect all peripheral devices(printers, scanners, cameras, etc.)from the computer prior to reinstalling the OS...

Rebel9 · Answer

Sorry - I thought that's what I asked in my previous post ???

Rysma · Answer

4)  When inserting a CD or DVD in either of the drives they sometimes just don't get recognized.  Even when I go into My Computer.  I have been able to use both of them, however, to load software and data files.  The problem was getting worse just before I left it.  So it is possible when I return, things will be either better or, Heaven forbid, worse.    Are the cds and dvd  burnt discs?  try enabaling dla - in my computer right click on your cd/dvd drive and check use with dla. sometimes you actually get a box with a dla tab.. click on that and enable it.  If the discs were made/burnt with dla enabled they will only be read if you have dla enabled.

bessie · Answer

Can you tell me how to fix this?   This question is for rebel9 with regard to the media reader situation. Message Edited by Bessie on 09-26-2007 08:27 AM

Rebel9 · Answer

Please read my previous post. You haven't answered those questions.

bessie · Answer

Obviously I did not install the drivers in the proper order. As you can tell, I am certainly no expert on these things. The only reason I took on this project is (1) she needed it done and (2) I had previously run clean installs 5 times sucessfully on 3 different Dimensions computers. Obviously I messed up on this one. The others gave me no problems such as this.

And I did disconnect the printer and cable modem. Possibly there were more I should have disconnected? The camera, of course, was not connected either. Never keep it connected anyhow unless downloading.

Message Edited by Bessie on 09-26-2007 11:53 AM

bessie · Answer

Rebel9,

Thanks. I am going to need it! It probably will be Friday or Saturday when I get over there to do it.

Message Edited by Bessie on 09-26-2007 01:48 PM

Message Edited by Bessie on 09-26-2007 01:48 PM

Rebel9 · Answer

'Obviously I did not install the drivers in the proper order'   OK then - that's your first step. Reinstall ALL of the drivers and the required software from the Dell site. It's important to install the Desktop System Software first. I think you'll find that once you reinstall what is indicated, other things will fall into place. Good Luck.

Rebel9 · Answer

Let us know how it goes. If you have anymore problems, we'll try to be of help.

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