Formatted computer, reinstalled Windows XP Home...and stuck

[Guest]

Ok, lately my computer had been running slower and slower due to some Spyware
that was on it that I could not for the life of me figure out how to remove.
I tried multiple programs, but was unsuccessful, so, seeing it as a last
resort, I formatted my computer and reinstalled Windows XP. Unfortunately, I
was not aware of the System Restore option, or any other way of doing this.
I successfully installed Windows, but now I have various problems that I
cannot figure out how to fix.

First of all, I cannot connect to the internet. I have a Bluetooth wireless
adapter in my computer, and a wireless network in the house, however, I
cannot figure out how to use it. There is no icon in the bottom left of the
taskbar as, if I remember corectly, there was when I first got my computer
from Dell. I also tried to connect using an ethernet cable that is connected
to the internet, however in Network Connections, it doesn't even show that a
cable is plugged in.

Secondly, I cannot change my screen resolution above 1024 by 768 pixels,
when before I was able to change it up to 1200x800, (I have a 15.4"
widescreen display). This, I cannot figure out how to change either.

Any help with either of these problems, or even a support number I could
call would be greatly appreciated. If this post seems unintelligible, it is
because I am slightly computer illiterate . By the way, my computer is a
Dell Inspiron 8600.

 

[Jim]

Ok, lately my computer had been running slower and slower due to some
Spyware
that was on it that I could not for the life of me figure out how to
remove.
I tried multiple programs, but was unsuccessful, so, seeing it as a last
resort, I formatted my computer and reinstalled Windows XP.
Unfortunately, I
was not aware of the System Restore option, or any other way of doing
this.
I successfully installed Windows, but now I have various problems that I
cannot figure out how to fix.

First of all, I cannot connect to the internet. I have a Bluetooth
wireless
adapter in my computer, and a wireless network in the house, however, I
cannot figure out how to use it. There is no icon in the bottom left of
the
taskbar as, if I remember corectly, there was when I first got my computer
from Dell. I also tried to connect using an ethernet cable that is
connected
to the internet, however in Network Connections, it doesn't even show that
a
cable is plugged in.

Secondly, I cannot change my screen resolution above 1024 by 768 pixels,
when before I was able to change it up to 1200x800, (I have a 15.4"
widescreen display). This, I cannot figure out how to change either.

Any help with either of these problems, or even a support number I could
call would be greatly appreciated. If this post seems unintelligible, it
is
because I am slightly computer illiterate . By the way, my computer is
a
Dell Inspiron 8600.

Did you install the Dell drivers which are located on a separate CD? It
sounds as though you are using the basic Windows graphics driver when in
fact you need one for your graphics card.
Jim