I had a major issue with my computer and decided to reinstall XP. I used the disk that came with my computer to do the reinstall. That all went fine, but I can not connect to the internet now. I have tried to figure out the problem on my own. I have tried downloading drivers, but it has not worked (I am not even sure if I have downloaded the correct drivers). I have a Dell Optiplex 745, running XP Pro and a DSL connection for the internet. I have downloaded drivers from Dell that say they are for the internet, but have not solved the problem. I did not get the drivers cd with my computer so everything is coming from the Dell website. My DSL connection works fine with my laptop. I have noticed that the DSL connection (when you plug the cable into the computer) does not light up which it is supposed to when I plug in the cable. All that tells me is that it is not working and my computer doesn't seem to recognize that cable connection. I get no error messages or anything - it is like I haven't plugged anything in. I hope I have covered everything. I just need to know what I should do now. If someone could point me to the exact drivers I need (if that is even the problem) I would be so happy. Or just explain what to do if you think there is another problem. Thank you so very much for any help.

Are there any yellow or red exclamation marks in Device Manager? If not then all that may be necessary is to use the internet connection wizard. Go to Control Panel> Internet options> Connections> Setup. Then follow the prompts. If your computer is part of a home network then use the LAN settings button in Connections.

Make sure you're downloading the proper drivers as well. Go to Dell's Support site and enter the ST. Get the original configuration information, and then you can ensure the proper driver download. If the drivers are installed, do you see the Local Area Connection in "My Network Places?" Make sure the TCP/IP is set for DHCP. "So won’t you give this man his wings What a shame To have to beg you to see We’re not all the same What a shame" - Shinedown

In my device manager there are exclamation points - PCI Device, Video Controller and Video Controller(VGA Compatible). I have tried the internet connection manager with no results. It says my connection should be hooked up, but there is no connection. The Local area connections shows nothing in it. I have went to the Dell website and it confuses me -lol. I am going to check it out again using your instructions to see what I find. I've been messing with this for a month now and have Googled it a million times. I really do think it is the drivers, but I can not figure out what I need. Thanks for the quick replies!

If you have exclamation marks in Device Manager then at least some of your hardware devices are not working. That is a driver issue. As per Jennifer's reply. Go to the Dell support site and enter the ST (service tag number) to get accurate drivers. Click on the link below. http://support.dell.com/support/dow...

Thank you. The Dell website is just confusing to me. I am not good with technical jargon so I get lost easily. I should have known that reinstalling an operating system is not something I should have been doing. Thanks for your help :)

What is so confusing. Go to the link and enter the number off the side of your case. Then Download ALL the drivers for your computer under WinXP if there is a choice. Then install the drivers as per instructions.