amd2002a
asked on
Detect unknown hardware
Hi:
Does anyone know of any application that can detect what hardware I have installed on my computer. Here is my problem: I have an old DELL Optiplex 350GL+ on which I just installed Windows 98. I need to find drivers for a couple different pieces of hardware (video, ethernet, modem etc.) but when I visited Dell's site, it has several different drivers for each piece of hardware. I guess this is because Dell doesn't use the same brand of hardware for every PC within a particular model. I own a Dell Inspiron laptop and the utliy CD that came with it has an application that detects what hardware I have installed so that I can download the correct drivers. I have been unable to find such an application for this old Optiplex machine and I don't have any of the original disks that came with it. Can anyone help?
Does anyone know of any application that can detect what hardware I have installed on my computer. Here is my problem: I have an old DELL Optiplex 350GL+ on which I just installed Windows 98. I need to find drivers for a couple different pieces of hardware (video, ethernet, modem etc.) but when I visited Dell's site, it has several different drivers for each piece of hardware. I guess this is because Dell doesn't use the same brand of hardware for every PC within a particular model. I own a Dell Inspiron laptop and the utliy CD that came with it has an application that detects what hardware I have installed so that I can download the correct drivers. I have been unable to find such an application for this old Optiplex machine and I don't have any of the original disks that came with it. Can anyone help?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Log into DELL with the Service Tag number. (usually found next tot he model code)
It will automatically pare down to the required drivers per Dell specs.
It will automatically pare down to the required drivers per Dell specs.
Log onto:
http://www.crucial.com/index.asp
and download Belarc Advisor. It's free and works well. It will identify everything about your computer very quickly.
http://www.crucial.com/index.asp
and download Belarc Advisor. It's free and works well. It will identify everything about your computer very quickly.
Dr. Hardware 2004 is a great tool.
Belarc will not "discover" devices that do not have drivers installed. I found that the hard way when I was rebuiding a computer.
Regarding the Dell website.
www.support.dell.com is the correct URL. If you have futher questions or problems let me know and given the service tag I can pur you at the right place for what you need.
Belarc will not "discover" devices that do not have drivers installed. I found that the hard way when I was rebuiding a computer.
Regarding the Dell website.
www.support.dell.com is the correct URL. If you have futher questions or problems let me know and given the service tag I can pur you at the right place for what you need.
MarkDozier - Interesting finding that. Mind you, why would you have hardware in the machine but without a driver? All the same a useful tip.
I found out about when I ran BelArc doing a rebuid on a computer. I had not installed the devise driver yet and that is when I found that limitation in BelArc.
It will also provide (on the Computer Summary page) suggested links for drivers.