Dimension 2400 boot from cd problems

Nov777

You need a Dell OEM copy of XP that's the same flavour that was factory installed, or a new retail copy of windows that has a COA.

Dell's PC Restore by Symantec utility is installed on Inspiron and Dimension systems shipped on/after 7.16.04.
This restores the computer to it's Factory Settings.

For computers purchased before that date, the closest to factory settings you can achieve, is a clean reinstall of XP.

How to carry out a clean reinstall of XP.

Disconnect all the peripherals from the system except the keyboard, mouse and monitor.

How to configure a Dell Dimension series system to boot to the CD or DVD drive.

This XP reinstallation guide is excellent, or you can use Dell's XP Restallation Guide here.

While installing, remember to delete all existing partitions when you are prompted, then recreate the partitions and format the hard drive, following by installing XP.

Note: You need not delete the small 40/50mb EISA Partition, if you wish to keep Dell diagnostics on the hard drive.

After installing XP, you need to install the drivers and applications in the following order,

Desktop System Software [if applicable]
Chipset
Video
Network Interface Card [NIC]
Audio
Modem
Then all other drivers.
Then, install the Anti Virus utility and update the definitions, followed by all the critical Microsoft updates.

Try to note the type of hardware devices you have, prior to reinstalling the operating system. This can help you select and install the correct drivers and applications.

Bev.

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Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

I have a fresh copy of windows XP in the drive but it wont let me boot from it. I hit F12 then select the option to boot from CD ROM but it responds with " strike F1 to retry boot "

 

Also, the cntrl-F11 option does not work with this computer.