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December 30th, 2008 12:00
Inspiron 9100. Adding Ram and Formatting hard disk and reinstalling software.
1. I have an old Inspiron 9100 and want to wipe the hard disk clean. The system restore function is no longer operable (got rid of Symantec security software) and I have the drivers and utilities disk, Cyberlink PowerDVD disk, Microsoft Office basic edition 2003 disk Intellipoint 4.1 disk and windows XP reinstallation disk. Do I need to install this software in a certain order? Is there an online guide I can reference as to how to do this without totalling screwing up? The laptop is cluttered up with my son's games and junk and is in desperate of some refreshing.
2. I also want to add some memory. Currently have 512mb. Should I buy 2gb or should I just buy an additional 512mb? I have read that in some older computers more memory might not improve performance. Not rich and would like to acheve some improvement but if I can do this without overspending I would be thrilled. Do I need matched pairs or could I add one 1gb stick? Anything I should know about adding memory that might be beneficial? All assistance appreciated. Not much of a techie but am trying to get by. Thanks in advance.
Bay Wolf
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December 30th, 2008 15:00
I am assuming that you want to install WinXP.
For a step by step procedure to install WinXP, you can visit Paul Thurrott's SUperSite
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
Once your OS is installed, you will want to update the drivers and you want to do this in a particular order.
Here is Dell's web page describing this procedure.
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?journalid=42775F842B68DFA8E040A68F272819A4&docid=3690A8CC21FAF290E040A68F5B281A12
Once the drivers are installed, then you can install your software in any order.
As for the memory, your system can handle up to 2GB (1GB per slot).
You can add just 1GB stick if you want to. Your system will work just fine.
For purchasing the memory, I would go to http://www.crucial.com
If you use their configurator (of which I recommend), they guarantee that the memory will work in your system. You can pick up a 1GB stick for your system for $40 USD.