Im about to reformat a compaq evo N600c and do a clean install of xp, would i need to load any drivers???

Question

Im about to reformat a compaq evo N600c and do a clean install of xp, b/c there's alot of viruses on it and i allready messed up the registry, would i need to load any drivers for it??? Ive done alot of work beofre on desktops but never any on laptops do u think if i reformated my my compaq evo N600c and put xp home on it i would need to go download any other drivers for it, i've never had to do that on any of the desktops that i have owned

Answer 1

I would download the network driver before i format just in case it wont work after the reinstall so u can go online and download the rest.

Answer 2

That depends. If you are reinstalling Windows off of a disc that was included with the computer, then you won't need to find any drivers. If you are installing Windows off of a generic disc (like what you would buy from the store), you will probably have to look for drivers for your computer.

BEFORE you do anything, open the Control Panel, and open System. There should be a tab labeled Hardware, or something like that. On that tab, click the button that opens the Device Manager. Another window will pop up with a tree of all of your computer's hardware.

On that list, find out the make and model of your:

sound card
video card
ethernet adapter
wireless adapter (if applicable)

Those are just the basics. You may have other hardware that is specific to the computer that will need to be identified.

Once you have a list of those basic things, Google search drivers for the make and model of the hardware, and make sure you get drivers that are for Windows XP. I would recommend driversguide.com for drivers; they have almost everything. It requires a free registration, but it will be well worth your time. There is a generic login (username: drivers, password: all) but it doesn't always work; use this if you really don't want to register.

Answer 3

Probably. Where desktops parts are usually standar , off the shelf items, laptops use a lot of custom parts designed to squeeze into specific tight spots inside the laptop's tiny case.

Go to the HP/Compaq web site. You should be able to find all the drivers for your PC in the Support or Drivers/Download section. Download them in advance and burn them to a CD. Then if you need them during the reinstall you will already have them available. Will also assure that you are run the correct drivers (and not a generic Windows one that will "work") and the latest version.

Answer 4

You might need the drivers and you can go to compaq's website to get those for that model of laptop