After all that angst, I thought I should post an update.
Peter (thanks Peter) sent me a Vista ISO file. I burned it to a DVD and tried
to install.
it wonbt install. Says therebs a network problem. I thought it might be Wi-Fi
related, so I plugged it directly into the router. No connection.
I plugged the other laptop into the router, it connected fine (via cable).
I took the HD out of that laptop (an HP, FWIW), and put in my my SSD. Installed
Vista from the ISO on that drive just fine.
So the Dell has an issue with its Ethernet connection. I seem to remember that
from a while ago. I never use the Ethernet connection on the Dell, so I never
pursued it.
So...the Dell either has a hardware problem with the Ethernet port, or a driver
problem.
It seems to have video driver problems, so I go to the Dell site to download
all the necessary drivers for Win8. There are no Win8 drivers listed for this
Dell.
Okay...so Ibll download all the new drivers available and see if some of them
fix my issues.
It insists it has to recognize my existing configuration before it can do that,
and it canbt do that, since it has Win8 on it and Win8 is not supported for
the E6400. It would appear Ibm not getting any Dell drivers until I go back to
Vista which I canbt do until I have working Ethernet, which I canbt do until
I get the drivers (or fix the hardware issue if itbs that).
So...Ibm going to put this down for a day or two and go skiing.
When I get back Ibll either bash it to pieces with a hammer or try again. I
have no idea how to tell if the Ethernet issue is hardware or software related,
but at least I know the ISO disc works and could install Vista on the new disc.
I canbt install Vista on the SSD in the other laptop, then remove the SSD and
put it in the Dell for some reason, so Ibm at an impasse.
So Ibm stuck back hating Dell, but perhaps that will change if I ever get this
thing working. Lenovo forever!!!
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