HI,folks.
After formatting my hard drive & re-installing Windows XP (home) I noticed when checking Device manager
a yellow question mark against Other devices & Ethernet controller. Things seem to be working alright and I
wondered if it would be safe to delete these entries ? My limited knowledge tells me that i dont require Ethernet !! would this be correct ?
Computer is a Dell Dimension 3000.
Many thanks
Jim

You need your Network Interface Card to be functional if you intend to connect to the Internet or another computer at home .

The yellow question mark appears to alert users that this function is not yet working properly, since the majority of users want to connect to the Internet.

I don't know what "other devices" might be.

The safest thing to do is to download/install all drivers for the Dell Dimension 3000, http://search.dell.com/results.aspx?spf=Di...h=False&p=1

Last one at the bottom is the network driver.

Louis

There's a number of different reasons your computer doesn't recognize a driver http://support.microsoft.com/kb/244601 I haven't tried this app. yet
http://www.gold-software.com/UnknownDeviceIdentifier
Mark

if you are on dial up and not using your ethernet controller you can turn it off in bios or disable it in device manager to save confusion with windoze

keep the driver handy if you want broadband thru cat5 ethernet

yeah nah i would be keeping your ethernet for the time being...you never know when you might need it!

Nice link, Mark, thanks.

Louis

Many thanks to:- Hamluis,Garmana,Dachew,& 4wardTristan for the very prompt replies to my call for assistance. believe me it is greatly appreciated!!
I downloaded Dell driver files which fixed both problems,and am now going to burn them to disc for future
reference. Special thanks to Hamluis for the download address and instructions.
I just can't believe how great this site is!!! and for a guy just months short of 82yrs I really need you guys who willingly help.
Thanks again
Jim

Well. congrats on having the courage to not walk away from advanced technology !

I'm 61 and I've encountered too many persons in my age range...who just fail to see the advantages of computing and are too inclined to just say "I can never understand that" and ignore it.

We're all here to help & learn...you don't have to have a problem to check in when you want to.

Happy computing!

Louis