Windows XP Instal questions

Hi All

My main laptop has been infected with the windows defence virus. Everything I read to try and fix it has failed so I think its time to do a reinstal.

I have never done anything like this before and Im worried. A mate is lending me the disc as I cant find mine but I do have the license on the bottom of the machine so all good there.

I have read tutorials on how to do the instal but there are a couple of things not mentioned.

When the instal is completed what will I have? Will it just be the OS and if so how do I get a browser on the system to be able to access the net. I assume a USB stick is the only option if this is the case?

Once installed and all sorted with antivirus etc if I plug my external drive into the machine which may now be infected as well will the antivirus and mailware detectors pick up the virus? I have no idea how I got it in the first place....

With regard to the internet access I have a Dell machine and dont know what hardware I have. How easy is it to download the drivers for all the items? I assume I first of all need the internet conection?

Please help if you can

James

 

Go http://support.dell.com select your machine model and type for download the drivers.

 

Make sure to download LAN drivers before installing XP.
Because there is not network driver in most of the XP versions.

- Mr.President -

 

Hi

Not sure what a LAN driver is? Also is it OK to load it to a memory stick then load it from that?


Thanks to first reply for the Dell link. Very usefull.

James

 

Ya, its fine to load your drivers to a memory stick and then install them once Windows is installed.

LAN or Network drivers are basically used to provide a gateway to your PC/laptop to connect to internet. Without them you can't connect to net.

- Mr.President -

 

Just started the instal then found out my license is not valid so now Im stuffed.

Guess Im stuck with using the spare vintage laptop

Out of interest and maybe a silly question whats the best place to get the LAN drivers?

Thanks

James

 

Your license should be valid, if it's from Dell.

 

Just says product id invalid.

I have tried it loads and its not working.

I dont have the original CD so I guess it could be that. I will give Dell a call tomorrow to see if there is anything they can do.

If not I guess I have to buy a new XP CD. Dont suppose anyone knows the cheapest place in the UK to get a genuine copy?

Thanks

James

 

Man, it is better in your case to head to the nearest tech center and get it all done for a fee. no body will be able to offer much help in such bg process of installing Os / Drivers for your different hardware parts on an online forum. I personally do all of this on my own in less than 1 hour but this is when all drivers are ready for use on a cd or memory stick.