New laptop

I was given a Dell laptop. The first thing I did was reformat the HD and install a fresh copy of Windows XP.

I am trying to connect to the internet with my DSL, but the laptop doesn't know it's connected. Before I formatted it, I could connect with the wireless with no problem. Now I can't connect, even if I plug the DSL cable into the back of the computer.

My main computer connects with no problem.

Well, assuming you have installed the ISP software - it may require an installation for the internal modem too.

Ummm, did it happed to have a "Hidden" partition on the drive before you formated it? Because often thats were all the drivers and stuff are kept.

I suppose youve looked in Control/system to see it the Modem is listed or not?

Yeah, it does have a hidden partition, which I did not overwrite.

It detects the modem, but it doesn't have any drivers installed.

Hmmm, I found Dell's drivers for it. I'll just try installing the minimal drivers I need, and let windows update it for me.

It's pretty painless to get the drivers and software back off the Dell site. Once you've altered the MBR you may as well write off the hidden partion(s) -- you can recover it (so that it works) but it's a faff.

When I got mine the hidden partion's image was set up wrong anyway so there's a fair chance you're not missing out on much.

Most laptops come with installer disks you will need to use these to 'reinstall' the operating system as they will look at the hidden partition for the drivers for the hardware.

I just use a CD with the main Dell chipset / LAN drivers on.

What a BENT way to do it. :)

It's a CD, why not put the drivers on it?