Windows loads wrong NIC driver

I reinstalled WinXP Home (I know POS but it's all I got) on and older Dell Inspiron 8100 laptop and it automatically installs my NIC as an Intel PCI adapter and it's not, it's a 3com. It will not connect to the internet-- no blinking lights on the NIC, popup say a network cable is unplugged even though it is plugged in.

I can't get the driver to update even though I copied the driver file from the restore CD and from Dell's website. The installer says the location does not contain information about your hardware.

Checked cable, works fine with my other laptop. Tried disabling/uninstalling NIC in Dev Mgr, reboot, BIOS update, OS reinstall but it's still not working.

Any other ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,
pataz

Why not use the Dell restore CD to reload the whole OS?

The Dell version of XP will differ in some details from a Microsoft version.

I did use the Dell Restore CD.

OK. Thought you meant you used another XP CD. Sorry

Is this the driver page you're looking at:

http://support.dell.com/support/down...&catid=&impid=

If the Intel is listed in the Device Manager have you tried disabling or removing it first?

Yes, that's the dell page. And yes, I've tried disabling/uninstalling it.

How can you reinstall it without Windows trying to load the driver first?

I have no quick answer. I will try to research it. Perhaps another member will have an idea as well.

I appreciate your time. Thank you.

Did you try the 3com driver listed under Communications?

When I try to install the driver under Communications it says the wizard could not find a better match for your hardware than the one that is currently installed.

I need to figure out how to install the driver BEFORE windows takes command and installs the wrong one. Freaking Win-dohs!

My web search so far only brings up the idea of reloading all the drivers from the driver cd (not the web site).

Have you tried this?


Also try loading in Safe Mode.