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HELP - Dimension 8100 upgrade to Windows 7 problems with NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS display, Santa Cruz sound and network drivers.
Problems:
NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS display and Santa Cruz sound drivers not compatible with Windows 7.
Also, Network driver needs recommended action.
I have a Dell Dimension 8100 that was purchased and shipped from Dell on 12/5/2000.
The original 8100 hardware:
Pentium 4, Processor 1.5GHz, 256MB RDRAM,
BIOS Version/Date - Dell A09, 10/2/2001
32MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS display adapter,
Turtle Beach Santa Cruz DSP, Sound Card
3Com 3C920 Integrated Fast Ethernet Controller (3C905C-TX Compatible)
The original software was an OEM version of Windows Millennium Edition from Dell.
The only changes in the above configuration are that I have 2GB of RDRAM and the operating system is Windows XP Pro.
The NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS driver date is 7/28/2003 and version is 4.5.2.3.
The Santa Cruz driver date is 4/3/2002 and version is 5.12.1.4161
The 3Com network driver date is 7/1/2001 and version is 4.5.0.0
I ran the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Report and the following problems were flagged:
- NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS – the driver installed for this device is not compatible with Windows 7.
- Santa Cruz(tm) – the driver installed for this device is not compatible with Windows 7.
- 3Com 3C920 Integrated Fast Ethernet Controller (3C905C-TX Compatible) – Before installing Windows 7, go to the device Manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver for this device.
- Microsoft.NET Framework 1.1 – this version of the program will not work on Windows 7.
I’m not sure but I think that the Microsoft.NET Framework 1.1 problem will go away when I install Windows7.
I have tried to look for new display, sound, and network drivers to resolve the problems that the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor flagged (problems 1, 2, and 3 above). I have not had any luck.
I don’t use the 8100 for gaming. I use it for the internet, Word, Excel, and record keeping.
I’d like to get it running on Windows 7 so I don’t have to get a new PC with Windows 8. I am hoping that the next version of Windows is better than Windows 8.
Please, I need help!!! Are there any drivers that will resolve these problems?? Do I need to get new cards??
Thanks for any and all help, in advance.
speedstep
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March 13th, 2014 12:00
The thing is that the Dimension 8100 is very very old.
An OPTIPLEX GX620 is newer and faster and in my area very inexpensive.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/425633/OptiPlex_GX620_Desktop_Computer_Off_Lease_Refurbished
As are Newer even faster machines.
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Optiplex-Performance-Intregrated-Professional/dp/B0040ICGWI
osprey4
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March 12th, 2014 17:00
Hi wspos,
You could try using Windows Update to search for a compatible driver. That's about the only idea I have. You absolutely should not purchase new components for your desktop.
Of course, there are plenty of PCs on the market that offer Windows 7. You DO NOT have to buy something with Windows 8. Honestly, you could spend $100 on a used system that will run circles around your 8100.
rdunnill
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March 12th, 2014 21:00
The network card may have a driver available, but there is no driver available for the video card and probably no driver available for the sound card. For the video card, I'd suggest a Zotac GT610; I think it has an onboard audio device as well, but your monitors would need to support HDMI audio to make use of it. As osprey was saying, you might consider a newer, used Dell like an OptiPlex GX620: add a video card and it's Windows 7-ready. In fact, some are sold on eBay "refurbished" and equipped with Windows 7.
wspos
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March 13th, 2014 11:00
SPEEDSTEP,
I guess you answered my questions. I don't like the answer but that's life. I was just trying to see if any user in the Dell user community could give me an answer. I figured if I asked Dell they would say, buy a new PC. Sometimes the user community has better answers because they try to prolong the life of the PC and are not in the business of selling PCs.
Thanks again,
wspos
wspos
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March 13th, 2014 11:00
OSPREY4,
Thanks for the input. I was wanting to get past Windows 8 before getting a new PC, but it looks like I'm forced to get a new on.
Thanks again,
wspos
speedstep
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March 13th, 2014 11:00
The Geforce 2 series is not directx 9 compatible with 128 megs video ram so there will never be even a VISTA driver for that card.
wspos
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March 13th, 2014 11:00
RDUNNILL,
Thanks for the input. I might go to ebay like you suggested, otherwise I'll end up getting a new one from Dell.
Thanks again,
wspos
rdunnill
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March 13th, 2014 21:00
That GX620 is bundled with Windows 7 Home Premium, which sells for $85 on sale just by itself.
wspos
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March 15th, 2014 14:00
SPEEDSTEP,
Thanks again!!
I know that the Dimension 8100 is extremely old, but it was my first and I'm old too. However, since I can't get to Windows 7 on it, I'm going to get a used/referb on form the links you gave me. You have been a great help giving me the links. That's what I needed.
I'm going to mark this one "answered" on the guidance you gave me.
Many thanks,
wspos
rdunnill
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March 15th, 2014 17:00