need help with NIC

[2ManyHeaders]

I've had to install a new hard drive, but don't have all of my old drivers. One of them is the NIC so I can't get on the internet.

I'd like to download it from work and install it on my home computer, but I'm not sure how I know what I need? I imagine all NICs are not the same. Any advise?

[kerpow]

Windows XP picks up most network cards during its installation. Common brands are Intel and 3Com, but unless its very new (gigabit) or very old (only 10mb) they are all much of a muchness.

Is it a branded box, eg. Dell, HP etc? If so, go to their website and download the correct driver and burn it onto a CD or use a USB flash drive if you can have/can borrow one.

If its a PC put together by you/your mates/some local computer shop you'll have to pull it out and find out what it is.

I really can't think of a time when XP or even Windows 2000 hasn't detected the card though.

[2ManyHeaders]

yeah, i'm still on 98. Maybe it's time to buck up for an upgrade.

[Scarecrow]

yeah, i'm still on 98. Maybe it's time to buck up for an upgrade.

What nic do you have?
When at work, download the drivers to a floppy.
Bring home and reboot your PC. The plug and play should find new hardware, when it does, point it to the floppy to install the drivers.

[2ManyHeaders]

I've got a PC from a now defunct company. I'll open it up and see if I can tell anything on the inside. Where is it written?

Should I just copy the one from my work computer?

[Scarecrow]

I've got a PC from a now defunct company. I'll open it up and see if I can tell anything on the inside. Where is it written?

Should I just copy the one from my work computer?

It could be on a PCI Slot or it could be on the motherboard.
Where do you plug the NIC into? A card or the motherboard?
If it is on the motherboard I would venture to say it is an Intel 810.
If it is a PCI Slot card, it should say what company it is on the card. Either 3COM, INtel, Linksys, Kingston......