hello. I need help reinstalling windows 2000 and reformatting my hard disk. What I wanted to do was reformat the hard disk, but accidentally I reinstalled windows 2000. now, the system runs, but it does so like a windows 95 computer. all of the drivers don't work and the display is horrible. when I try to install anything, it says that I need a higher color-bit. but when I go into display properties, there are no other options. I can't connect the computer to the internet and so I can't download any service packs or drivers. I just want to wipe everything out and start all over, but I don't know how. any help or advice will be very much appreciated. thank u.

Even if you wipe everything and start over(which you should), you'll still have these same issues until you load the correct drivers. Before you do anything, you need to id all hardware and get the appropriate drivers so you can install them afterwards.

Run through the WIndows 2K installation. When you get to the screen that asks you if you want actually install (it will show you the partition information at the bottom of the screen) delete all partitions. Then create a new partitions (whatever size you want) that will be your C drive and where the OS installs. Windows 2K should automatically detect all hardware, but sometimes it doesn't get everything. To then obtain the drivers, go to Dell's website and enter the Service Tag number of your system. It's located on the back of the machine. You can then download any drivers to CD and then install them on your machine. Life is more painless for those who are brainless.