Ethernet, DVD and USB issues on Windows 2000 Laptop

[Ultimate Predator]

My brother has got a free (given by a mate) Windows 2000 Professional laptop. The specs are Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, Service Pack 4, 18GB hard drive (split into a 10 GIG partition for Windows and a 8 GIG partition for data), 391 MB RAM, not sure about the processor, and it some sort of Sony Vaio. It has two major and one minor issues:

Ethernet - The major issue we really want to fix is this; my brother currently uses a VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter between this home PC (XP, 512mb ram, 1.6 ghz) and the xbox 360, so he can use internet on it. We have been trying (and wondering) if it is possible to use the Ethernet cable to get the internet working on the laptop? If it is, could someone please show us a guide on how to do this?

DVD - There is a DVD drive on the laptop. However, Windows isn't picking it up (it isn't there in My Computer). if I select add/remove hardware through the control panel, it sees it; Hitachi DVD-ROM GD-S200. However, if I select it and go to next, I'm told that "The device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31). I have tried uninstalling the dvd drive from device manager, so that ti is reinstalled automatically when I restart, but to no avail. I have also tried updating the driver through windows, but again, the problem persists. How can I fix this? I can transfer anything through my usb if that is needed.

USB - Inserting or taking out a USB when the computer is on causes the computer to freeze, the only way around this is to insert the usb when switched off and then start up, then turn off to take the usb out. Is there any way to fix this?

All help would be really appreciated (especially the first two problems), so thank you in advance,

[jaclaz]

The first one should be easy to solve, have a look on this site:

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/

there are tutorials at ANY level, form beginner to expert.

The other two may prove to be tricky to solve.

Both appear to be related to some problems in the Registry, typically by some OTHER drivers (or Filters) conflicting with the drivers that are creating the problems (USB and CD/DVD).

The machine you describe appears to be having an ATA\IDE hard disk, doesn't it?

If you are willing to "dirty your hands" with editing the Registry directly, I guess it should be possible to fix them, with some patience (and with a certain amount of risk).

MOST other members on the board will tell you to format and re-install the OS, and actually this could be the easiest thing to do, I personally prefer to repair systems instead of re-building them, it's more a gamble, it could be much faster or much more troublesome.

Choice is up to you.

In any case, I need to know whether you have a 2K CD, or a Recovery CD, or somewhere on your HD a \I386 directory, i.e. if you have the media to perform such a re-install.

Also, please post exact make/model of the laptop (you will need anyway to download the appropriate drivers for that model).

jaclaz

[Ultimate Predator]

Thanks. Not sure which of those tutorials applies to me (might ask on their message board?). In addition, some say I should use the 2000 disc, which I don't have. Won't be able to reformat I'm afraid, just got the laptop and a charger, no disc.

Edited December 16, 2008 by Ultimate Predator

[jaclaz]

Thanks. Not sure which of those tutorials applies to me (might ask on their message board?). In addition, some say I should use the 2000 disc, which I don't have. Won't be able to reformat I'm afraid, just got the laptop and a charger, no disc.

Just start from here:

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_...s/w2knetci.html

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_...s/w2ktcpip.html

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_...s/tsttcpip.html

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_...asic-TCPIP.html

Then check these (if needed) :

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_...oach-Part1.html

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_...oach-Part2.html

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_...oach-Part3.html

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_...oach-Part4.html

In any case, I need to know whether you have a 2K CD, or a Recovery CD, or somewhere on your HD a \I386 directory, i.e. if you have the media to perform such a re-install.

Also, please post exact make/model of the laptop (you will need anyway to download the appropriate drivers for that model).

jaclaz

[Ultimate Predator]

Gonna look through those guides later. My bro got the DVD drive working through working in the registry, but even so, been thinking of putting xubuntu on there.

I don't know where to find \I386 directory, and it some sort of Sony Vaio (on the right hand bottom corner it says PCG-FX105K but on the bottom of the laptop it says model PCG-9536.

As I said though, don't have a reinstall CD, so thinking unless internet is sorted through it, most likely stick xubuntu on. But for the moment just want to get it working with what we have.

[jaclaz]

OK,

actually the PCG-9536 and PCG-FX105K should be the same thing (first seems to be "internal" Sony numbering and second "official" one):

http://www.com-com.co.uk/Sony/parts/PCG-9536.ihtml

Sony are reknown to have drivers "problems", i.e. need specific drivers, thus installing a Linux distro, although possible may prove to be a bit complex.

Read this:

http://www.msfn.org/board/Cannot-access-CD...P-i-t91907.html

if you have a \I386 directory on the HD, (and you should have it), it is possible to re-create an install CD from the files in it and Service Pack/Drivers files downloadable from the Internet.

Open a command prompt and type in it:

dir c:\ /s  |FIND /I "\i386" |FIND /V /I "i386\"

and press [ENTER]

You should get all directories

[Ultimate Predator]

But I can't connect to the internet still? v

[jaclaz]

Gonna look through those guides later.

But I can't connect to the internet still? v

Is the later already gone by?

jaclaz