Windows XP reinstall problems

I recently reformatted my 3-year-old Dell due to lingering malware problems, but I have hit a roadblock. First, let me state that I reformatted this machine and reinstalled XP back in '05 for similar reasons. That reinstall went smoothly. I don't recall having any significant problems getting up and running again.

Anyway, my machine is currently running Windows XP, but I have two significant issues right off the bat. First, I cannot connect to the internet despite no problems with the modem's connection (it works just fine with my other, older computer), and despite Windows telling me that a network connection is present ("LAN or High-Speed Internet/ 1394 Connection / Enabled). Explorer simply says "Cannot find server"/"The page cannot be displayed".

Second, my display settings are stuck on 640 x 480 resolution with 16-bit color, and Display Properties/Settings gives me no option to select a higher resolution setting. I suspect this might be a driver issue, but I can't find any drivers on the CD that came with the Dell monitor (which came with the computer). When I click the Advanced button and go to the Monitor tab, it says I have a default monitor, and the Properties button is not active, so I can't click it. So much for following the Microsoft Help and Support Center's suggestions.

There might be further troubles ahead as I step through the reinstall process, but at the moment, it doesn't make sense to keep moving forward until my connection and display problems are resolved. Does anyone have any suggestions? TIA.

Brad

 

I was hoping someone with more explicit instructions would answer but here goes.

Your video problems are not related to your monitor but to you display adapter. You have to find the appropriate drivers. Go to http://belarc.com/free_download.html Download and run the program. It will open in your web browser and then scroll down until you find Display. Copy and paste your display adapter into google and find the appropriate driver. Download and install. This should fix the display issues. The internet I'm not so sure about, If high speed did you run the provider's set up disc?

 

Somewhere on your Dell PC, you'll have a sticker that says "Service Tag" followed by a number - OR - on the back of the PC you'll have a small white sticker with a bar code on it with a number under it. The sticker is about an inch long, half-inch wide. The Service Tag number will look something like:
1YDX62C Service tag numbers are at least 5 characters but less than 8. Go to this link:
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen
and type your service tag into the appropriate spot. You can also download diagnostic tools from the resulting list of drivers and available downloads; links to manuals and system specs be found here also... Good Luck!

hopperdave2000