Cannot install vista on my dell optiplex gx260

You should be able to but it would be better with more ram, maximum for that board is 2 gig, and a bigger hard drive.The graphics is also a consideration, if it's onboard you could do with a better graphics card. You could add an AGP graphics card. Specifications for that motherboard are here: Specs.

Unfortunately, Dell doesn't support Windows 7 for the OptiPlex GX260. You could try an older driver and see if it will work, but you can't get any Windows 7 drivers for the GX260. (At least not yet.)

You can view a list of Dell computers that are Windows 7-compatible here:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?journalid=8B348DA2BF0BCAC8E040AC0A63E97C5F&docid=364757

need to get in from DELL--use another PC and save it on a flashdrive then install on the GX260

Hi
one thing with GX series is that there were multiple network adapters used. if this is the onboard i would try this driver from dell's site. 

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&releaseid=R54402&SystemID=PLX_PNT_P4_GX260&servicetag=&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=2811&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=1&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=0&libid=5&typeid=-1&dateid=-1&formatid=-1&fileid=64589

if you dont have internet access on your gx260, youll need to download to another computer and then transfer it by flash drive or external hard drive.

once you have the driver on your gx260, then;

1. If you installed any of the network management utilities from dells site, uninstall those.
2. in device manager, find your network card, click on it and then remove it from the device manager.
3. shutdown completely (not just a restart) and then power up. all the new hardware prompts to come up and hit cancel to any of them.
4. find the dell driver package R54402.EXE, from wherever you have saved it to on flash drive, external hard drive or gx hard drive. double click on it to run.
5. once the installation is finished, reboot again.
If this doesnt solve it then there are several other drivers, but this is the most commonly used one.
If you still have problems with it, then reply in here and can help you further.

Hope this helps. and if it does, please dont forget to rate.

Does anything show up on the screen when you access your BIOS?
Have you tried a fresh install?
Are there two video adapters installed (one integrated and the other in the AGP slot?

As the person above said, that video card will not work with Windows Vista. You are basically left with 2 options:

1. Downgrade the computer to Windows XP, in which the video card will work with

2. Purchase a new video card like this one

Really the choice is yours, but I would downgrade and save the $!

The big problem you will ever face with Windows Vista using optiplex gx260 is the screen resolution...This is a great hurdle in the upgradation of Windows...You're also to keep in mind that there are some softwares which are not compatable with Vista like folder lock etc...So I'd suggest not to shift to Vista...XP is still the best option...allowing multiple tasks to perform securely, faster and without any compatability issue...Enjoy using Windows XP...

Hi all,

I tried numerous solutions for this issue and none of them worked except this one. I tested it with Vista Ultimate and don’t know if other Vista versions have the same drivers but here’s what worked for me:

1. Right click ‘Computer’ then left click ‘Properties’ to open up System window.
2. Click ‘Device Manager’
3. Click ‘+’ on ‘Display Adapters’ and you should see the drivers for your video. Right click and select ‘Update Driver Software...’
4. Select ‘Browse my computer for driver software’ and click ‘next’.
5. Click ‘Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer’
6. Untick ‘Show compatible hardware’
7. Select ‘Intel Corporation’ then select ‘Intel 82865G’. Click next.

This will install the drivers. No they are not the same drivers for the hardware but they work a treat!

Hi

OptiPlex GX260 can be Small Form-Factor, Small Desktop or Small Mini-Tower. Compatibility with PCline 5.1 PCI depends on the profile of the PCI Card and the Profile of your OptiPlex.

GX260 Small Form-Factor is compatible with Low-Profile PCI Cards only. GX260 Small Desktop and Small Mini-Tower are compatible with standard PCI Cards. (Small Mini-Tower however uses a PCI Cage).

Check OptiPlex GX260 Systems User's Guide - http://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx260/en/ug/index.htm
From here you visualize the 3 form factors. Also there is info and steps to install PCI cards.

NB:
1. Generally, upmarket PCI cards are standard height. Some manufactures supply a metal piece to allow it to be used in Low-Profile or Standard Profile.
2. Driver software needs to be installed after the hardware is installed.

Mike

Hi

I am afraid Dell OptiPlex GX260 has no support for PCI-e.

You can however install a half-length AGP (66MHz) graphics card.

More info @ http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx260/en/ug/index.htm

Regards
Mike