Question about PC Restore on a Dimension 2400

PatchAdams

Your 2400 may not have Dell's PC Restore by Symantec utility, this can be checked by restarting the 2400 and when the Dell splash screen appears during the computer startup process, press and hold and then press . Then, release both keys at the same time and see the Dell PC Restore by Symantec window opens.

For more information, go HERE

If the PC Restore by Symantec utility is not installed, or is corrupted, you would need to perform a clean reinstall of XP.

How to carry out a clean reinstall of XP.

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

You can use the Dell's Guide for a Manual Reinstallation of windows HERE and maybe this interactive guide for a clean reinstall of XP HERE can help.

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: If you wish to keep Dell Diagnostics on the hard drive, don't delete the small EISA FAT16 partition.

 After installing XP, you need to install the drivers and applications in the correct order, see HERE.

A hint: After installing each driver, restart the system.

Followed by installing the Anti Virus utility, updating the definitions, then all the critical Microsoft updates.

Bev.

Thanks, Bev. I do have the PC Restore-- that's what I used twice this weekend. The other alternative is to use the CDs that came with the computer to reinstall the OS, etc.... I'm going to do that now but will take note of your suggestions. Wish me luck!

PatchAdams

Good luck and hope everything works out for you.  :emotion-21:

Bev.

So... I tried reinstalling the OS from CD. When I got to the Setup screen (choices were Enter for reinstall, R for repair, or F3 to exit) my keyboard stopped working. I tried it over and over and over-- same thing every time. And I had to reboot the computer to get the keyboard to work once I got back to the desktop.

I googled this problem but don't really see any solutions. Many people said their keyboard stopped working in the middle of the reinstall, which would be awful.

My keyboard is a PS/2 and is the one that came with the computer.  Any idea how to fix this?

PatchAdams

Try entering the System Setup [BIOS] and scroll down to the *OS Install Mode* and change it to *on* and see if this makes a difference.

Were all the peripherals disconnected from the system, except the keyboard, mouse and monitor?

Have you tried using a different PS/2 keyboard?

Bev.

Pardon me for intruding, but  just a couple of notes from someone who took care of three Dimension 2400's for about 7 years:

1.  If you can find the OS install mode you managed what I could not.  The on-line service manual does list this item, but I was never able to find it on the machine, using BIOS versions A03 and A05.  Therefore, don't tear out your hair looking for it.

2.  You stated that you are using a PS/2 keyboard, but what about the mouse?  The Dimension 2400 has USB 2.0 hardware which works fine with the System Setup screen for the BIOS, but your version of Windows XP may not handle it when the BIOS transfers control to Windows setup.  The Windows installation disk that accompanied my Dimension 2400's was Windows XP with Service Pack 1a.  Included in the package on the Utilites disk was a USB 2.0 patch for this OS, which I dutifully installed each time I performed a fresh installation.  The point of this is that if you are using a USB mouse, the Windows XP SP-1a disk may not be able to find a suitable driver which is why your machine may hang.  If your installation disk is one that includes Service Pack 2 you can ignore this paragraph, except that as mentioned by shesagordie, you should have no peripherals connected to the computer other than keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

Thanks for your answers.

Bev, I have no idea how to access the BIOS (I don't even know what it is, other than I see the name all the time).  I disconnected everything but the mouse, keyboard and monitor. I don't have access to another keyboard.

JackShack, my XP reinstall CD says Service Pack 2.  My mouse is a USB-- came with the computer.

The only changes I've made to the hardware (several months ago) are:

1) Increased RAM from 512MB to 2GB

2) Replaced one of the 2 internal CD drives with a DVD drive.

PatchAdams

Either turn on, or restart the 2400 and press F2 immediately when the option is shown on the monitor

For more information, go HERE

Bev.

Note: If you wish to keep Dell Diagnostics on the hard drive, don't delete the small EISA FAT16 partition.

 After installing XP, you need to install the drivers and applications in the correct order, see HERE.

A hint: After installing each driver, restart the system.

Hi I formatted my hard drive on my Demension 2400 and unfortunately I did not realize that I should not have deleted the small partition. After reinstalling XP I went through the process I installing the drivers and each time I am given an error saying that it is not a Dell machine and will not allow me to install the drivers, therefore the audio and video isn't working. I also can't set it to go on standby so I have to manually turn the screen off. Did the Diagnostic partition carry the information telling the driver applications it is a Dell machine if so how can I reinstall this partition? I have another 2400 that I can get the info from can I copy it and install it on the other machine?

Vickie

vicillin

No, all the small EISA partition has, are the Dell diagnostics, these diagnostics are also, on the Drivers and Utilities disk.

This disk can be used to run the diagnostics.

This partition once deleted cannot be recreated, as it's factory installed on the hard drive.

Regards to the drivers not being installed, have you made any changes to the Dimension 2400?

Bev.

No I made no changes I only formatted the hard drive and reinstalled windows.How does the hard drive know that it is a Dell machine? I have done this to my other 2400 numerous times except I did not delete the diagnostic partition, which is what led me to believe is the problem.

Seems we have to different users with problems in this thread...

@PatchAdams... If you've used PC Restore 2x and still have problems, I think you need to look for a hardware issue before you do anything else. Reboot and press F12 before Windows starts to load. Go to Utilities partition and run all the diagnostics tests including RAM and EXTENDED hard drive tests. Be sure to put data CDs in the optical drives before running the diagnostics. Write down any error messages you may get.

Do you remember what any of the BSODs said?

No I made no changes I only formatted the hard drive and reinstalled windows.How does the hard drive know that it is a Dell machine? I have done this to my other 2400 numerous times except I did not delete the diagnostic partition, which is what led me to believe is the problem.

Vickie

I believe you are refering to the System Setup, [aka BIOS], I was refering to the motherboard's BIOS chip

Bev.

Bev,

Sorry for the late response.

Do you know what information is in the Bios? I'm pretty sure I didn't change anything except the boot up sequence.

Thanks for all your help so  far.

Vickie