Yellow Question Marks - Ethernet Controller & USB Controller

Question

I have a dimension 4550 o/s Windows XP Professional 2002. I have never used the computer on the Internet but notice that there are yellow question marks next to the Ethernet Controller and USB Controller. I now need to use the computer on the internet and obviously need these to work. From researching on this website I have re-installed the Chipset Driver and it popped up 'found new hardware' for both. However, then when going into the 'found new hardware wizard' it asks to install the software. I have tried inserting the resource CD which came with the pc but doesn't find the required software. Also, I cant get onto the internet to find the required software. Any ideas please????

Philip_Yip · Accepted Answer

Firstly be aware that Windows XP reaches End of Life in April 2014 for more information see XP Service Pack 3 and Office 2003 End of Life April 2014. Continued use of Windows XP should be avoided.

Assuming you are wanting to connect the Windows XP to the internet you should at least install XP Service Pack 3: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=24

It is also recommended to install Microsoft Security Essentials: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/security-essentials-all-versions and its latest definition to minimise the risk of having an unpatched Windows XP installation: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971606 (32 Bit)

You will need to install Dell System Software: http://ftp.dell.com/utility/Dell_System-Software_A06_R288017.exe

Intel Chipset Device Software: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=20775

For the Network Controller and Video Device provide the hardware IDs as there are variants in this model. See Windows Reinstallation Guide/A Clean Install of Windows XP Step 12: http://philipyip.wordpress.com/dell-community-forums/

As mentioned above the drivers should be downloaded to a USB flash drive using another PC.

Philip_Yip · Accepted Answer

Thank you so much for your reply. I am just going through the steps now - hopefully it works!

Regarding the Network Controller and Video Device where do I find the hardware IDs?

See Windows Reinstallation Guide/A Clean Install of Windows XP Step 12: http://philipyip.wordpress.com/dell-community-forums/

There are steps here which will tell you how to locate the hardware IDs.

ieee488 · Answer

Also, I cant get onto the internet to find the required software. Any ideas please???? You are on the internet now aren't you to be able to post this question? Ever heard of USB flash drives?

gail-2010 · Answer

Thank you so much for your reply. I am just going through the steps now - hopefully it works! Regarding the Network Controller and Video Device where do I find the hardware IDs?

gail-2010 · Answer

Thank you again... :)

The Hardware IDs under Ethernet Controller are:

PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1039&SUBSYS_01421028&REV_81

PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1039&SUBSYS_01421028

PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1039&CC_020000

PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1039&CC_0200

The USB Controller seems to have disappeared altogether from the devices list. This was there before underneath the Ethernet controller also with a yellow question mark. But I notice that I do have a Universal Serial Bus Controllers in the list. Whenever I try to use the USB it finds the hardware but cannot install it as it is asking for the required software

Philip_Yip · Answer

For the network controller it is Intel Pro 10/100 so install the following driver: http://ftp.dell.com/network/R52043.EXE

gail-2010 · Answer

I massive thank you for all of your help with this - the pc now works on the internet! I really don't know what I would have done if you hadn't replied. Thank you again :emotion-2:

Windows General

Was this post helpful?