Topic: windows xp drivers what do I need

[Kaz]

Hi Everyone,
I have just had a new Hard drive put in my Dell Laptop, so I'm thinking of installing another version of Windows XP do I use the Drivers from the Dell CD or do I have to get Drivers for windows XP if I do where do I get them from?

[Rik]

Use the Dell CD, Kaz.

[Kaz]

Use the Dell CD, Kaz.

Thanks Rik,
If I wanted to boot from the new windows Xp disc instead of making a new installation do I need a boot Manager so that I can run two versions instead of making a clean installation? then I can swap from one version and another would you recommend this

[Rik]

Why would you want to?

[Simon]

Indeed, I can't see the point either, really. 

[Kaz]

I think Iv been here before? I want to try a different version of windows to see if I like it and if I dont I havent lost me present Xp Installation

[chorleydave]

II want to try a different version of windows to see if I like it

Some of us have been doing that since around 1990, Kaz, and we still haven't found one we particularly like. 

[Rik]

I think Iv been here before? I want to try a different version of windows to see if I like it and if I dont I havent lost me present Xp Installation

But what do you gain from installing a second copy of XP, Kaz? IAC, you won't have a licence for the two copies.

[Kaz]

I suppose your right Rik I have XP on one PC and Vista on the Other PC I just want to make it a bit more Jazzy I think I will just download those themes you can get and find one I like, I must say I like XP much better than Vista but I have now learnt how to install an operating system always wanted to do it

[chorleydave]

Kaz.  On the back of your Laptop you should find a sticker.  Look at it and find the serial.  Google the serial (along with the words "Dell"  and "drivers") and it should take you to the Dell support site, or a third party site, where you can then download the drivers for your laptop.  I would download the lot, but you should, at least, download the drivers for your Audio, Video (Dispay) and Network Adaptors.  That sould at least get yo up and running after you have loaded a new operating system.

Mind you (as others have asked) why are you doing it?

[Kaz]

Kaz.  On the back of your Laptop you should find a sticker.  Look at it and find the serial.  Google the serial (along with the words "Dell"  and "drivers") and it should take you to the Dell support site, or a third party site, where you can then download the drivers for your laptop.  I would download the lot, but you should, at least, download the drivers for your Audio, Video (Dispay) and Network Adaptors.  That sould at least get yo up and running after you have loaded a new operating system.

Mind you (as others have asked) why are you doing it?

I have done all that and found all the drivers have installed it all and working ok I wasn't sure weather I used the drivers from dell or the drives for win xp having looked at some info it would seem that you have to use the drivers from the manufacturer which ever PC/Laptop make you have I haven't done this before so it was an exercise that I was looking forward too the man from Dell was most helpful when he came now I know how to change a hard drive and install a new operating system I think ill give my self a Gold Star 

[chorleydave]