Dell Optiplex 745 - Wont Connect to the Internet

[wildeman27]

Title says it all. I've got a Dell Optiplex 745 desktop computer and I can't connect to the internet.(its running windows xp) I recently factory reset it and now I can't connect to the internet(I just bought it off of craigslist). If anyone can help that would be great, I have an ethernet cable plugged into the back and nothing happens. I went under network connections and clicked 'create a new connection' and it didn't work. I looked up everything I could on the internet and nothing I tried worked.
Also, the ethernet port in the back (where the cord is) has a solid orange light on the top right of it and a flashing yellow light on borrom right.(tower is standing up/vertical)

PS - If I installed windows 8 would it work then? I've got a friend with a disc but I don't know it it can handle it.

 

[shamila]

Hello wildeman27,
Did you see your network adapter in device manager?
Any yellow exclamation mark near it?..
Do you have updated driver for your network card?