Help with dell dimension internet

[Joexv]

I have a dell dimension 8250 and I recently installed win 7 on it but had tons of speed issues so I went back to xp on a fresh install. I've upgraded it to sp2 from a disk and I've installed most of the files on the dell website but I cannot get it to find/connect to the Ethernet plugged into it. Ive installed the chipset and all of the networking files on their site but I cannot figure out what's wrong with it. I've done this before but cannot remember to save my life.
I would really like this computer to work again so if anyone can help that would be much appreciated.

 

[TerryNet]

Install SP3 and then reinstall the chipset (first) and ethernet. Can't guarantee that will be the fix, but some XP ethernet drivers only work with SP3.

 

[Joexv]

Well that figures. I'll try upgrading.