Dell optilex 270 problem

[jonz]

I bought my kid from an auctiion a Dell optilex 270 with the 2.6 P4 and 512 ram on it...which I reformated and did a clean install with Win xp..when I finished..there were certain drivers that were not installed ..like for instance there were no drivers for ethernet controller,video and sound.I had to seek them out separately from different links to be able to make it run.....my question is why has this happened?Is it a Dell problem needing the original win xp that came with the pc?

[Midknyte]

no. you normally have to install the drivers after a winxp install. you just need to go to the dell website or find the drivers from the individual hw manufacturer. it's the same with any other computer.

[jonz]

Thanks MidK......

I have done quite a few installs of win xp..and the only time I need to look for drivers for specific hardware is with the Dells...never with Hp or clones....or even IBM's ....I find it kind of stoopit..having to look for drivers..by the way have you ever been to dells site..not the easiest of sites to navigate through?

[leprechaun_40]

Dell usually has a drivers disc to go along with the O/S. If you didn't get it, it was like most of them, lost long ago. Just go to Dells site and enter the model numbers, etc and it should point you to the correct drivers.

[bruceb]

From this link at Dell you can enter either the Model or
more useful the Service Tag ID that should be on the
Dell computer .. it will then tell exactly how the pc was
originally equipped & it can also examine the current configuration
It then becomes very easy to get the drivers & updates you need / want


http://support.dell.com/support/inde...=19&l=en&s=dhs

[Midknyte]

what do you mean you don't have to look for drivers on a vanilla install? I've had to do that a lot on HP and compaqs. the only time you don't need it is when doing a system restore from their cds.

It is also relative to the age of the computer. you can't expect winxp to have drivers for hardware that came out after it was pressed.

[SatansSixgun]

Get a premanufactured PC - most of the time they arent going to give you the necessary driver disc - or you wouldnt have to take them to have it repaied/reformatted - most users are [intimidated] and would rather spend money then hunt down drivers - Build your own - you will know the ins and outs - much easier