WinXP Install Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dell Christopher
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Dell Christopher

I have a clone desktop with an Asus motherboard, currently running what
appears to be a counterfeit copy of WinXP Pro. I just purchased a retail
OEM copy of WinXP Pro and I'm ready for the install. Unfortunately, I do
not have a CD with all the appropriate drivers. I'm pretty sure I've
located the right video and audio drivers, but I've been unable to find the
driver for the following network card:



3Com 3C920B-EMB-WNM Integrated Fast Ethernet Controller



I've even done a search on the 3Com site, but there is no match for this
specific network card. I'm worried about coming out of a fresh install and
not having a driver for the network card. Does anyone know of another
compatible driver that I can download and install?



My first preference is to delete the existing partition, reformat the hard
drive and reinstall WinXP Pro. If I instead chose to install this new copy
of WinXP on top of the existing WinXP installation, without deleting the
existing partition, will this solve the counterfeit issue and keep all
hardware drivers intact?



Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
Boot to xp cd,install xp,new copy,delete the partition,create one,then xp
formats & installs auto...As for network,go to run,type:Msinfo32 Locate
the network controller info...Usually a MB mfg has all the early downloads
for its boards,once the model is shown,otherwise,if intel,go to intel
downloads/
networking.
 
You obtain the drivers from the hw manufacturers, eg Asus, specific to your
mobo
I assume you backed up data, as you will probably lose everything when you
clean istall
 
Dell said:
I have a clone desktop with an Asus motherboard, currently running what
appears to be a counterfeit copy of WinXP Pro. I just purchased a retail
OEM copy of WinXP Pro and I'm ready for the install. Unfortunately, I do
not have a CD with all the appropriate drivers. I'm pretty sure I've
located the right video and audio drivers, but I've been unable to find the
driver for the following network card:



3Com 3C920B-EMB-WNM Integrated Fast Ethernet Controller



I've even done a search on the 3Com site, but there is no match for this
specific network card. I'm worried about coming out of a fresh install and
not having a driver for the network card. Does anyone know of another
compatible driver that I can download and install?



My first preference is to delete the existing partition, reformat the hard
drive and reinstall WinXP Pro. If I instead chose to install this new copy
of WinXP on top of the existing WinXP installation, without deleting the
existing partition, will this solve the counterfeit issue and keep all
hardware drivers intact?



Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Why don't you just put in the new activation KEY and then you don't need
to reinstall anything. You can get the KEY code change program on
Microsoft's website.
 
Dell Christopher said:
I have a clone desktop with an Asus motherboard, currently running what
appears to be a counterfeit copy of WinXP Pro. I just purchased a retail
OEM copy of WinXP Pro and I'm ready for the install. Unfortunately, I do
not have a CD with all the appropriate drivers. I'm pretty sure I've
located the right video and audio drivers, but I've been unable to find the
driver for the following network card:



3Com 3C920B-EMB-WNM Integrated Fast Ethernet Controller
Click to expand...


What model Asus board, and is this NIC on the board or not?

If it's on the board, the driver will be part of the set of files for the
board at Asus.

If it's not on the board, you can easily replace it with a NIC you can get
drivers for. These days, NICs are under $20.

I've even done a search on the 3Com site, but there is no match for this
specific network card. I'm worried about coming out of a fresh install
and not having a driver for the network card. Does anyone know of another
compatible driver that I can download and install?



My first preference is to delete the existing partition, reformat the hard
drive and reinstall WinXP Pro. If I instead chose to install this new
copy of WinXP on top of the existing WinXP installation, without deleting
the existing partition, will this solve the counterfeit issue and keep all
hardware drivers intact?
Click to expand...


A repair install might work, but I have found on a couple of occasions that
changing the install key while performing a repair install resutled in a
loop at the activation window that required activation but didn't allow
*any* remedial action. The only way out was to wipe the drive and start
over.

Would suggest that you start with just changing the key to a valid one.

HTH
-pk
 
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