computer hw issue

[jyeh74]

Hi everyone, I am not too familiar with computers. I have an old desktop (AMD motherboard) running Windows XP. It has 1.5 GB RAM. Today I upgraded to Windows 7, but for some reason, I have NO connection to internet after upgrading my OS. I am hardwired in. I tried reinstalling my drivers, as I thought that could be the problem, but it gives a weird error message as Windows automatically shuts down the set.exe. Isn't most plug and play? Does Win 7 make my drivers invalid, so I cannot even get to internet anymore ?

So I tried re-installing XP but it won't let me as it indicates my current OS (Windows 7) is newer than the one (Windows XP) I am trying to install.

[redwudz]

Besides just installing the drivers, you may have to add in your internet connection settings. W7 drivers may also be the problem. You can probably uninstall the W7 drivers in Device Manager and put your own in. But I would try to find the latest ones for your LAN adapter. If all else fails, you might just use a PCI LAN adapter that would have W7 drivers more available.

And if you could give us the exact text of that 'weird error message' , that may help quite a bit.

Another thing to check. If you look where your LAN connection plugs into the computer, there are usually two small indicator lights, yellow and green. One shows that there's a connection and the other that data is moving. It should flash.

I assume you have a router installed? If so, you may have to set it up also before your LAN adapter is recognized.

[jyeh74]

redwudz, usually to get drivers, I go online and just download the newest ones, as sometimes people lose the CDs that contain these drivers. But my problem is that after the Windows 7 upgrade, my LAN adapter doesn't even work. Even when I try to hardwire it in. Does that sound right?

Um, not sure how to go around this issue. The exact message is:
"Autorun Menu Select Execute has stopped running"

[jyeh74]

Is it possible that my LAN is not compatible with Win 7 and only with Win Vista? that would seriously suck as I cannot go back to XP as it wont let me re-install XP over Win 7.

[jyeh74]

redwudz, usually to get drivers, I go online and just download the newest ones, as sometimes people lose the CDs that contain these drivers. But my problem is that after the Windows 7 upgrade, my LAN adapter doesn't even work. Even when I try to hardwire it in. Does that sound right?

Um, not sure how to go around this issue. The exact message is:
"Autorun Menu Select Execute has stopped running"

First I ran the hard wire through the router. When that did not work, I then ran the hard wire directly into the modem to my desktop. When that didn't work, I assumed that it was because my LAN is not compatible with Windows 7?

[Bjs]

Windows 7 should have the option from f8 upon startup to use unassigned device drivers.

I use this for the usb dlink wireless adapter when required.

Might be worth trying.

As for rolling back to xp you should nuke that windows 7 partition before reinstalling xp from scratch.

Check out Macrium Reflect ... when windows 7 craps itself for any reason you can be backup and running under the older os faster than reloading the os from scratch.

Try Partition Wizard... free for home and business users only need to register

[jyeh74]

but shouldnt most LAN not need drivers to play?

[jyeh74]

Bjs, the Linksys wireless adapater I have apparently is only Vista supported.......

[jyeh74]

OK everyone. I just reinstalled Windows XP. I did NOT even have to install my LAN drivers. I plug and play the wire into the LAN and then into the router. I did not even have to set up the router (don't know why...thought you have to configure it like redqudz indicated above).

For some reason, Windows 7 doesn't allow me to hard wire into my LAN to router (or modem directly). Anyone know why this is?

The only thing I could think of is that my LAN is not compatible with Windows 7- my buddies seem to think that this is technologically impossible as my desktop is about 8 years old.

[guns1inger]

Obviously XP has basic LAN drivers for your networking built-in, and they are enough to get you connected. Because of the age of your system, Windows 7 appears not to carry generic drivers out-of-the-box. You may find drivers on the net.

Personally, I wouldn't be trying to run Windows 7 on a system with your specs. XP will give you a much better experience. It is simply too old to be properly supported, and the CPU too slow to give you acceptable performance.

[jyeh74]

Obviously XP has basic LAN drivers for your networking built-in, and they are enough to get you connected. Because of the age of your system, Windows 7 appears not to carry generic drivers out-of-the-box. You may find drivers on the net.

Personally, I wouldn't be trying to run Windows 7 on a system with your specs. XP will give you a much better experience. It is simply too old to be properly supported, and the CPU too slow to give you acceptable performance.

I did not know there are basic LAN drivers. I always thought they were specific to each motherboard, etc
Then how come I have to install sound drivers, as there is no sound. Are sound drivers not part of the regular and basic stuff?

Good call, I will probably strick with the XP. Thanks!

[guns1inger]

Windows tries to install, where possible, enough generic drivers to get a system up and running. In some cases these are older or basic reference drivers from manufacturers. They aren't necessarily tuned for optimal performance, or even very stable. Example : XP ships with basic nVidia drivers that will get you an image on most GeForce based cards. Try playing a game that requires the 3D graphics features and you can blue screen the system.

It is always a good idea, once you have installed the OS, to get the latest drivers for each component (including chipset drivers, LAN/wireless, graphics and sound) to ensure you are up to date.

[jyeh74]

What is the basic sound driver or do I have to find one specific to my motherboard?

[guns1inger]

Yep - you need to download the one for your board, probably from the motherboard manufacturer's site.