I'm very new to networking. I have a wireless setup in my office. I want to format my laptop (which is part of that network) and upgrade it to Windows XP Pro. The laptop has a LinkSys Wireless-B 2.4 GHz 802.11b notebook adaptor on it. If I completely format, will XP be able to auto detect the settings for the network and allow me to connect after I upgrade and install the drivers for the adaptor? Would I need to do anything further?

Regarding the OS picking up your wireless adapter and installing the drivers, then I would say yes it will. XP has a great number of included drivers so for something like LinkSys you should have no problem.

That said - it's better to be safe than sorry. Go to the Linksys web page and download the drivers for your adapter and put them on a floppy disk/CD. That way you're certain to have your drivers handy.

As for automatically detecting your network details, I would say XP will auto detect everything. I think there is an easier answer - On your XP install disk is the Transfer Settings Wizard. Take a look at this - it will probably allow you to backup your existing network settings to simply be imported after the reinstall. If another expert could confirm this (no XP CD to hand), then I'd appreciate it.

Hi,
Here is a link:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...october07.mspx

It has step-by-step for installing XP, and does suggest to not upgrade, but rather do a clean install to start with. It also has a link "file and transfer wizard" on how to use it, to save your Network settings beforehand or transfer them.

Why format? If you upgrade to XP you would be better off. You can even elect to do a clean upgrade, which basically does a reformat. But if you do you lose all data and software installed.

I would recommend that you just upgrade. If there are problems afterwards you can go back and do a clean reinstall.

It is very likely that XP will pick up the wireless NIC built in and set it up correctly for your wireless network.

Just as an aside, every NIC I've installed (802.11 or wired) has been immediately recognized by XP. Including some generics like a CompUSA one. So I wouldn't worry about the drivers.

What OS are you changing from ?

If you already use XP Home then an in place upgrade will work fine, otherwise a clean format and install will be your best route.

The WiFi card should have an install CD for the drivers etc, so use this to reinstall your card after a FULL reinstall.

If the wireless adapter card is onboard then another option would be to go to your laptop manufacturer's downloads page for your model. They usually have drivers for all their onboard devices.