Vostro 1000 and Windows XP

There is a full set of XP drivers (32-bit -- the 64-bit version of XP is a dead end)

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?os=WW1&catid=-1&dateid=-1&impid=-1&osl=EN&typeid=-1&formatid=-1&servicetag=&SystemID=VOS_N_1000&hidos=WLH&hidlang=en&TabIndex=&scanSupported=False&scanConsent=False

You can boot the XP disc but may have to do one of two things:

Set the BIOS for ATA-compatible mode (NOT AHCI or RAID), or

Produce a new XP install CD with SP3 and the SATA drivers on it (google for BartPE for a simple way to do this).

I am finally getting around to formatting this Dell Vostro 1000 to remove Vista that came with the computer and install Windows XP.

I now have the actual Dell CD Operating System MIcrosoft WIndows XP Professional SP2 (CD that came with my neighbor computer).  I popped in the CD and thought it would automatically start the CD, but it did not.  Is there something I need to do to get it to boot from the CD?

Once I have XP installed, I am assumin that I will need to use the link you provided and get the drivers since the CD say it is not for reinstallation of programs or drivers correct?  Since I have the Dell CD do I still have to do one of the two things you mentioned?

Two things:

Go into the BIOS setup and change the hard drive from AHCI (or RAID) mode to ATA-comptible, and

Change the boot order so the CD/DVD drive is first in the boot sequence.

The BIOS is accessed with F2, not F12.

Is F12 getting into BIOS setup?  I know I use that to change the boot order to DVD

I am not sure if it is F12 and F2, I tried both.  The problem is once the screen loads it gives me a short time to go in and select the info you stated.  I have to read the screen to figure out where to go to make those changes and it is not long enough.  Can you tell me which F key I use and where exactly I need to go.  It litteraly gives me about 5 seconds.

I can get into BIOS I see it but not enough time to figure out where to make the change.  I know you said it should not do this but it does.  Now I do have my laptop hooked up to an other monitor because the monitor on the laptop went out.  Would that make a difference?  Up until now I have had no problem seeing things on the external laptop or when I hook it up to my TV.

Press F2 a few times after powering on.  The BIOS screen will not exit until you finish your changes - if it does, something is wrong with the system.

If the displays won't stay on, you must get the hardware fixed before you consider loading a different operating system - doing otherwise will simply prove an exercise in extreme frustration.  Does the system stay ON or does it power off?

That means it's likely a backlight or inverter problem. 

 I have had too many problems with this computer and plan on getting another one, just not right now.  Somehow i need to figure this out so my son can use it.  I believe the system stays on because the light on the laptop monitor is on, I just can't see anything.  But I can see everything if I hook it up to a external monitor or my TV

Correct that is what Dell told me and why I have it hooked up to another monitor.  So how can I get it formatted without purchasing one of these?

You probably can't, unless you can get to the F12 screen to kick off the install -- if you can't, you will need to repair the system.

OK someone just told me that the backlight on buy.com is only 8.00, that I can afford.  How do I find out what kind to purchase?

You'll need to remove the existing one to measure it.  While it's true the backlight bulb is cheap, replacing it is very difficult - it requires completely disassembling the screen and de-soldering the existing bulb, and soldering in a new one.  If you've never done this before, buy two bulbs - you almost certainly will break one when you try the first time.

Here is what is involved:

http://www.fonerbooks.com/laptop_6.htm

The inverter is a simple plug-in board behind the screen - I'd try that before you take on the major disassembly needed to change the bulb.