Pre-format... Is there a place I can find drivers on my PC?
 

Heya everyone.

I am thinking about re-formatting my harddrive, but am not sure if I am going to or not yet...

I have a lot of MP3s, but I also have Windows ME and only one harddrive.. I do have a CD-Write drive, but backing up all my MP3s via burning discs, is a daunting task.

Anyway, I own a Dell and still have the discs, documentation, and drivers that shipped with the PC.

Since I got the PC, I have added a Router, Cable Modem, and Ethernet card.

My question is, where can I find these drivers? Are they on my PC in a form I can back-up on disc and reinstall after formatting, or do I have to go to the Internet and download them?

Ironically, the two drivers I don't have are the ones I need to get online, so I have to work this out before I format.. As otherwise I won't be able to get online.

The cable modem especially is a concern, because when I got my "setup kit" from Comcast, they didn't have any more discs, and I remember doing a run-around with the help of a friend finding a generic modem driver that worked..

The modem is made by Scientific Atlanta, and is external. The Ethernet Adapter is a Linksys LNE100TX(v5) Ethernet Adapter.

If I can get those three drivers before I format, I think I should be alright. I also have a Mouseman Wheelmouse, but I assume I can find the driver for that on Logitech's website (the software has since been lost).

Any help, advice, or information would be great. I have never formatted before, but I don't use my PC for games anymore, and I know there are tons of "loose ends" from uninstalled programs, games, and applications. And I'm running Windows ME, which may be reason enoug alone.

I'm not 100% decided on the re-format yet, but I would like to prepare for it.

Thanks!

Cable modem has no drivers, router has no drivers, and windows should detect the network card automatically.


When you format, partition the drive into 2 sections, so that next time you can format one of the partitions with all your stuff on the second partition. Get rid of windows ME, its the worst modern operating system ever.

Use XP or 2k.

If your not sure on the modem, press windows key and pause/break this should pull up the system properties (I’m running 2k not ME) go under hardware and device manager.

But the cable modem does not need drivers and does not use any.

Very nice, thanks!

Since I've posted I copied all my documets, files, and misc. stuff I want to a folder I designated as the "Back-up" folder. It should all fit on 3 CDs, which is nice.

The MP3's are the only thing left, and they are what will probably end up holding me up. I have about 19 gigs of music, and I am not sure what to do.. First off, I can eliminate half probably, as it is stuff I dont listen to or music friends gave to me that I.. don't listen to.

When you say partition.. Is that hard to do? Also, what sort of split do you recommend? I have a 60 GB hard drive..

Again, many thanks!

Write down all of your network settings, all of your ISP info (email addresses, phone numbers, etc)

Save your bookmarks on a floppy or something. Save the address book from your email client.

Sit down and think about everything you might need before you start. When you think you're ready. Stop and wait another few days and then think about things you need. Once you format, it's gone. You don't want to be back here in a couple weeks saying you forgot something ;-)

partitioning is easy (with 2k or xp) it can be done when you instal the OS. i'd recoment a 15 gig and a 45 gig, use the 15 to instal the OS too. and then use the 45 for data, the next time you have ot re instal copy the all your stuff ot the second partition and then format and instal teh OS to the first one.

Good info, thanks much!

I am going to burn all "My Documents" and important Setup files to disc..

I just remembered another issue.. I use Comcast for cable Internet access, and when I got the starter/setup kit, it had software to install the "interface." I think I have since lost the software CD, and was wondering if it might be available online?

If not, I guess I will have to go to Comcast and see if I can get another disc..

Also, one more question.. I was reading a FAQ/walkthrough about formatting, and the poster suggested that I should unplug everything (modem, accessories, etc.) and just leave the drives and other vital pieces of hardware plugged in.. Is this required? I ask because I am not too "savvy" and don't really look forward to taking apart the inside of my PC and then trying to put it back together properly.. So I'm wondering if you can do a re-format without unplugging the "accessory" hardware?

Again, many thanks. The things I am probably going to miss the most is my MP3s, but after going through them, I realized I have many of them on CDs (I ripped them), and also that I really don't listen to many of them anymore anyway.. So I will likely use a few CDs to store my "top" albums and say goodbye to the others.

Man, dump that Windows ME fast! It just plain sucks. If you can't afford XP Pro or 2K, get 98SE, it's still better than ME.

I'm surprised no-one here has mentioned partition magic - this can usually create new partitions on an existing drive, enabling you to keep all you music. See if you can find a copy.

And yes, dump Me. Please...

DVD +/- burner

You may want to think about buying another Hard Drive. 40-60GB IDE's are affordable (if you are a student disregard this! :) ) and you can use it as your OS drive. That way the format won't kill anything.
Although if you do this too much you end up like me. I have three systems right now.. My main system has 4 x 120GB (1x IDE, 3x SATA) and my backup system has 3 drives (1x60, 2x 20 all IDE), and my print server has 2x 6GB IDE.

What the person was suggesting was essentially a good idea, I don't see it as being required. The idea behind this is to start with a clean system and add hardware one piece at a time after the re-install. If you are going to use a different OS than ME (which everyone is suggesting for a reason, ME SUCKS!!!!) 2K or XP should pick up all of your hardware just fine.

that's what I'm sayin!! PartitionMagic rules, it has saved my ass a # of times.

I wouldn't unplug any hardware when you reinstall. When in doubt, you can always hit cancel when windows finds new hardware. You'll be prompted again for it when you reboot.

and not for nothin', but I wouldn't bother with the comcast interface either. you should be able to just install windows, install drivers for your network card, and immediately get on the 'net, without any comcast software.

Hiya,

A number of USB items require that their drivers be installed before plugging in the hardware. My scanner does. Also, a new wireless router I just got wants the software installed before connect, too.

Always starting off with the nothing extra plugged in is a good idea though. The only thing I'd leave in during an OS install are parallel port printers.