windows Xp clean reinstall

• Laptop compact Presario 2100- I bought this new in 2005 .It had XP home preloaded. I rec's all of the discs and still have them. ( 1 disc with documentation library. 1 disc " Compact Operating system c-d XP home SP 1 " . 4 discs 'Quick Restore System Recovery-XP home SP 1"
• System is connected to Cox Cable with a Modem/router (Net gear CG 3000 D )
• Note : This router also has 2 Mac computers connected with Ethernet cables , they both work fine . The laptop is connected to the router VIA wireless It worked fine for several years.
• PROBLEM:
• I always kept the system updated with Microsoft downloads and HP downloads
• I used internet explorer 5 (big mistake ) I also used Firefox.
• About a year ago started having trouble with downloads and it seemed like it was caused by HP Document Viewer download. In frustration , I decided to wipe the HD and reload the OS.
• Reloaded XP home SP1 from the discs also Internet Explorer. Cannot connect to Microsoft download site with Explorer 5 so I can update to Explorer 8 and also download and install Service pack 3.
• Cannot connectv many sites as they don't support Explorer 5.
• Am able to connect with very few websites but am able to get some so internet connection is working
• Need help with control panel settings and anything else that should be done that will get me up and operating.
• I know just enough to be dangerous. HELP will be much appreciated!

 

Please give us the full model number. It will be on the bottom of the laptop. I will then be able to provide the driver's you're missing.

 

Hold up on XP SP3 there as you need Sp2 first and that is not included in SP3.

 

Here is SP2:
http://ccm.net/download/download-1205-windows-xp-sp2
After you get Sp2 and 3 in then you should be able to go to Microsoft and download IE 8

 

Yep she's right SP3 contains the others and I didn't know that but what I also read is SP2 was a major change so you should check the hardware first before proceeding to Sp3.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

 

Thank you ! I was under the impression that SP 2 was included SP 3. I will try to download and install SP 2 first.

 

It's a waste of bandwidth and time downloading SP2 and then SP3. As Cindy stated, you can download SP3 and install it without any other service packs in stalled.

 

No, no I corrected that you were right everything is included in Sp3. It was windows Vista I was confused about as the Sp's there are not inclusive but XP's are.

 

That's right all SP's are retroactive ie. SP3 includes SP2.

 

Yes in XP that was true but not in Vista.

 

First thank you for your help I
Have tried the suggestions furnished but was unable to connect to any of the links offered with Explorer 5 several times Iwastold to Update my browser but was unable to do so. In one attempt I did get connected to the home page for Major Geeks .but was unable to navigate to the needed tab. QUESTION: is it possible that could go to another P. C (say ,my local library, ) and download Explorer 8 to a CD and install it on my
P.C. ? How about Service Pack 3 Thanks

 

Another PC yes, but I doubt at a library PC you will be able to do downloads. Have you tried Google Chrome to do it?

https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95346?hl=en

 

Thank you! Do you know how big service pack 3 is ? Will avCD hold it ?

 

It should be just over 316Mb so a regular CD R will hold it.

 

Actually I believe IE5 was default in SP1 XP and that is too old to connect properly but as suggested either Firefox or Chrome can do so and can be installed in his version of XP.