I am running Windows XP/Home on a Dell Inspiron 8200. Not too long ago whenever I clicked on "Safely Remove Hardware" it shows the extra hard drive I have and the Linksys PC card, Wireless-G notebook Adapter WPC54G. Now the PC card no longer shows up and I can remove it and add it without any ill effects. I do get the "bing-bong" tone when I add or remove it but no listing in the window. I would like to remove it the proper way. Other devices show up fine when added. Is there a DLL I should re-register or reinstall the PC card? I also have a MS Wireless IntelliMouse in a USB port that doesn't show up but then it never has since I installed it. Any ideas?

Hi Major Pots,

The ms mouse shouldn't show up in there...they can be safely removed all the time regardless.

With your Linksys pc card - check your Device Manager...if it's located in there, remove it and restart your computer...this should reinstall the drivers.

I removed the Linksys PC card in device manager, physically removed the card and rebooted and then reinserted the card which was recognized and reinstalled by XP. But still no difference. It's working fine and I even tried searching for a new driver without any luck. Are there any other things I can try?

I just happend to run across this post. I just had probs sorta like yourself Major Pots..

Did you make sure in your BIOS your os is set to Plug and Play OS?

I was unable to find the BIOS setting for the Plug & Play OS. Am using BIOS Ver. A11 in this 8200. I'm not sure but as I recall this option was on earlier PC's that had Windows 95 & 98. In the mean time I'll keep playing and see what I can find. Will let all know if I find a solution.

Hi MP, the BIOS option to set Plug and Play OS is still in current day PC's...incase someone puts OS/2 or Linux on the system, or (heaven forbid) MacOS.

I'll keep looking for you