More Computer trouble, help.

[ParticleReality]

So I fixed my moms computer. The hard drive was fucked up and needed to be replaced so I did that and installed Windows XP. The problem is I don't know how to set up a local area connection thing. I tried setting it up using the "Create a new connection" button but that doesn't work.

I think I need a driver but I'm not sure which. If it helps its a Dell 8300. Hopefully one of you smart folks can figure it out while I try the rest of the 500 disks I have in my Dell CD Box.

[Madrun Badrun]

Find out what wireless set you have on it thought the computer properties, then download a driver for it on dells site.

Also make sure its nothing stupid like not putting in the right wireless connection info.

[Madrun Badrun]

lol, I totally read the first post wrong. 

[Ecrofirt]

Particle, you've got a few options.

First, if you look though the Dell discs for your mom's PC, you might find one that has 'Drivers and utilities'. When you load this disc, it'll have a bunch of available drivers. If it's found specific hardware on your machine, it'll put a checkmark next to it in the list.

If you don't have the disc, you'll need to go to http://support.dell.com from another PC. Once there, go to the 'Drivers and downloads' section, and enter the relevant information about your PC. This will take you to a page full of drivers.

You want to go to the Network section and download the ones that say they're Drivers and not Utilities. For a Dimension 8300, they have the following network drivers:

Broadcom - Driver
Applies to:
   NetXtreme Gigabit Ethernet

and

Intel - Driver
Applies to:
   10/100 LOM

I have no idea which you'd have in your PC. My guess it, though, that if your NIC is onboard (meaning that your ethernet port on the PC is directly attached to the motherboard, and it's not on a card in one of your PCI slots) you'll have the Intel drivers, and if your NIC is a PCI card it'll be the broadcom driver.

Good luck.