Hi, First download the drivers for your machine via the dell support downloads (find your machine model and models of graphics, sound and others (make sure they are from XP pro)). You don't need the OEM software like AOL, etc in order for your machine to work correctly, only the device drivers. Make sure you burn them onto CD or other storage before you wipe your drive. As you said wiping it clean and doing a fresh install is the best way in my opinion. (If you are lucky some drivers may be supplied on with XP however can't be sure, anyway its best to download the latest ones anyway)

Message Edited by chaistt on 09-15-2004 02:18 PM

Most of the parts in your Dell are "new", meaning the drivers are recent, and they may have not been posted to Dell 's site. You might have to get some from the vendor's site. Make sure you have them on a CD before your do a clean install. 

What are your exact system specs? ( i can assist more with those available). They should be on the Dell Site but as ctalia4000 said, you might have to do some hunting around. As for your sound card, right click my computer, then properties then hardware tab then device manager. Find your sound card and open its properties. Under driver tab what is the provider. If its Microsoft then the drivers are available on XP CD (as in when u install XP the drivers are installed too). Do the same for any other critical hardware.