Need Ethernet Driver

I have a Compaq presario (SR5000 is on tag on bottom)
On front says: SR5402FH
Intel Celeron Processor 430
2048 MB Memory
160 GB Hard Drive
Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
It had windows vista Basic on it, I totally reformatted to windows xp.
I can go anywhere on the computer besides the internet. I have a way to get files from this laptop to it, but cant find what I need for it that will work with it. I have Service pack 2 installed on it, just not any Net framework. Please if anyone can help me I would greatly appreciate it. Also, If more info is needed just let me know what you need to know and I will do my very best to provide it. Thanks, Leslie

 

The ethernet driver MAY be available from the Compaq support site. But, possibly, not for XP.

Win XP needs Service pack 3. Microsoft ended support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014 so there are no security updates beyond that date and if you go online with XP, you're exposing yourself to exploits and/or other malware.

 

Really? .. Wow.. I really liked XP too.. now don't know what operating system to get or use..

 

You could use Vista Pro or Ultimate (that's what I'm running on a formerly XP laptop). It did an excellent job during installation of installing all of the device drivers I needed (except audio) and the XP driver I had for audio works just fine under Vista. And, as plodr said, Vista still has two more years of extended support.

I wouldn't recommend Win 7 because of the difficulties I had trying to find Win 7 compatible device drivers.

I also run Win 8.1 Pro on the same laptop and it, to, did an excellent job of installing device drivers during OS installation. I installed Classic Shell also to give me a fully functional Start button on my desktop. The XP driver for audio also works just fine under Win 8.1.

I forgot to mention that ethernet AND wifi drivers were installed during OS installation under both Vista and 8.1.

 

If I order the Windows vista system to put back on it, then what will happen after 2017? will I then have to get another type of operating system then too? And would I even be able to put another system on it that drivers will work with to it also?

 

The pc I'm working on is a desktop tower... I'm not having any trouble with my laptop but would love to get my desktop back going also.. Just not sure what to do at this point.. If support is going down for vista soon and like you said If I can even get a vista disk.

 

As plodr said, Linux is an option but, you may find it difficult, especially if you need to go into Terminal (Linux version of Command prompt). Windows 7 and 8.1 are offered a free upgrade to Windows 10 for a year after Windows 10 is released on July 29th. Win 10 will be the last iteration of Windows.

Windows 7 and 8.1 should (still) have DVDs available. Vista is still available on this page. If you wish to go back to Vista, don't go for the upgrade version. Instead, go for the full installation DVD WITH COA. They start at around $80 US.

 

ok Quick Question, can I put Windows 7 on the desktop and be able to get the right drivers for it? 2nd question: can I use my laptops Reinstallation disk for windows 7 home premium 64-bit to install windows 7 on the desktop tower?

 

Question one for Win 7 on desktop: You'd need to get a retail version of Win 7 to put it on the desktop. As I stated though, I had extreme difficulties trying to find Win 7 compatible device drivers for my laptop (it's currently the only computer I own).

Question two for installing from laptop's Win 7 re-installation disk: no you can't. It's more than likely an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) disk and is locked into that one laptop. It cannot be installed on another computer.

 

I am well aware of that and specifically stated that the upgrade is for Win 7 and 8.1. I told the OP about my personal experiences with device drivers under different versions of Windows which is an issue the OP is trying to resolve.

 

ok so how much different is windows 8 to get use to if im use to having windows 7 on my laptop? what im saying is I probally will just put windows 8 on the desktop then...

as far as the model of my desktop, that is the only one model # and info I have listed is to the desktop.

 

You need to check whether your PC will run Windows 7 or 8. It was released in February 2008.

http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/...en_US&jumpid=reg_r1002_usen_c-001_title_r0003

 

According to the specs you posted, the desktop should be able to run the 32-bit versions of Win 7 or 8/8.1. Win 8 is quite a bit different from the previous versions of Windows. It uses a Metro Start screen instead of automatically bringing up the desktop. There's also a Charms Bar that slides out from the right side of the screen if you put your mouse pointer into the upper right corner of the screen. That's just a couple of the differences. Many people dislike Win 8 (with a passion).

Win 8.1 works a bit differently on start-up. If your computer isn't touch screen, it WILL bring up the desktop. Both 8/8.1 do not have a Start button but, there's an app called Classic Shell (available here at Major Geeks) that will give you a fully functional Start button and menu.

Win 8/8.1 have you log in to your Microsoft account. There are "work-arounds" available for most issues you might have in Win 8/8.1.

 

Here's the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20

 

A computer this old IMHO is not worth any upgrades. Linux is free.

If you are looking for a Windows 7 image, the official Digital River downloads have been suspended and are no longer available. Any images from alternate sources run the risk of being hacked versions, including versions of Vista. As far as running 7 on this machine most Vista drivers will work with W7. If they won't, you can install them using "Compatibility Mode".

My advice would be to invest in a new system, as it's age is rather advanced.