the HDD did saysomething about select auto detect in BIOS and enable LBA...could not see where that was

foale

I think the problem is that you must use a post SP2 installation CD for a large HDD.

If your disk is pre SP2, you need get hold of an SP2 instalation disk or create your own. Let me know if you need to do that and I'll try to find the instructions.

it is SP1
...recovery

how do I do that with my SP Pro service pack 1 CD

You need to copy the cd to a dirctory on a HDD and slipstream the entire SP2 file into it. If you look up slipstream on the MS site you should find some instructions. The difficult bit is to copy the files back to a bootable CD. MS does not help you there.

If you want to PM me your address I could put one in the post for you.

that is very kind I have PM'd you....

foale

Do you want XP Home or XP Pro?

its the XP Pro

foale

It's in the post.

thank you...this really is a full service PC clinic....lol

Optimist, when you have a moment:

Device manager shows IEEE 1394 Bus host controllers/
Texas instruments OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host controller.

Alternatively, I could get hold of a wireless PCMIA card. I've got one somewhere.

SC

You may have to use your wireless card but I'm surprised that the laptop has an IEEE 1394 connection and not an ethernet one. Is there an RJ45 socket (the same as the sockets on your router) on the back? The 1394 socket is slightly larger and rounded at one end.

If the ethernet connection exists, it is possible that you have to enable it in the BIOS.

I can connect my laptop to my router with a normal network cable (ie RJ45). Just doesn\'t work! The 1394 socket is tiny - ie like a small mini usb socket. How do I get into the bios again. F? on bootup.

In bIOS now, what am I looking for?

SC

Sorry the 1384 connectors come in two sizes - you have the small one.

In the BIOS, look in Integrated peripherals or similar and see if there is an option to enable the on board ethernet. Depending on your BIOS, you should also check advanced features. It's also possible that there is a switch somewhere on the case that enables it. Once it is enabled, it should appear in device manager and if it's installed properly you will (should) have a network connection.

Off down the pub now so I'll check back in the morning.

Enjoy your evening - you deserve it :-)

Edit, think I've found a jumper switch alonside it. Ha!

Edit 2 - Nope, it's just a tiny piece of green plastic. Found this on Dell's website & it may explain:

RE: no network link lights on the inspiron 8000

All I8K's come with the network socket. However, the network hardware inside is an option.

I think it's time to find that wireless card.

SC

If that is the case, then onboard ethernet is not availible.

You should consider whether it is worth getting a PCMIA - Ethernet card. Much more reliable.

Well, I\'ve now got my 3COM PCMIA wireless card in, software installed, rebooted, and the link light keeps flashing but can\'t get any connection to my wireless router.

SC

Does the card show as working normally in device manager. If it does, then you should be able to right click on the wireless network connection in Network Properties and configure the connecton. You should then be able to search for Wireless Connections. It could be that your card uses it's own program to configure the network in which case, you will have to run that.

Yes, working OK in device manager. Where do I find Network Properties?

SC

Right click on Network and select properties.