Hi Chucktek,

We apologize for the inconvenience caused, please follow the below mentioned steps to fix the issue.

1. Please install the latest version of BIOS by clicking on the link below.
http://dell.to/1dFtXxL

2. Type in the Service tag, under Drivers and downloads select the BIOS and install the same.
3. Once it is completed connect your external optical drive inserting the Windows Vista OS Cd and tap F12 for boot options.
4. Once you’ve the boot option select the USB option which will detect your External Optical drive and install the operating system.

Please try these steps and let us know if any issues further.

Forget the use of an external CD drive. Install Windows Vista from a 4 GB or superior USB flash stick.

Follow Unofficial Dell Windows Reinstallation Guide/A Clean Install of Windows Vista:

http://philipyip.wordpress.com/dell-community-forums/

Follow the instructions in Step 1 and prepare the USB flash drive using a working computer. Follow the instructions in Step 2 and use the files at the bottom of Step 2 with the Activation Backup and Recovery Program.

Download the standalone Service Pack 2 and Internet Explorer 9 (Step 4) and system drivers (Step 5) using the working computer.

Step 6 shouldn't be necessary with the media that contains Service Pack 1.

You will be unable to install Media Direct and theres no point in doing a secure wipe on a new drive so skip Step 7a and 7b.

Go to Step 8 and follow the instructions to install Windows Vista, when prompted to enter a product key select skip.

Install the Service Packs and system drivers (Step 9 and 10). Activate your Microsoft Product using the OEM system locked preinstallation activation mechanism e.g. by following Step 11b. Check the device manager for any errors (Step 12). Install other Microsoft Programs (Step 13), any desired Dell Preinstalled Software (Step 14). Step 15 won't apply to you. Step 16 update Windows fully. You may then follow Step 17 and update the BIOS and follow the optional Steps 18-21.

You can install Windows from a USB stick as suggested.

However, not having a DVD drive is inconvenient. I would buy a replacement on eBay from a reputable dealer for about $15 such as http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Inspiron-1525-IDE-Black-DVD-RW-CD-RW-Drive-GSA-T40N-Genuine-Laptop-Tested-/350832008413?pt=US_CD_DVD_Blu_Ray_Drives&hash=item51af379cdd

Hi Natakuc4

I actually I already have USB stick that allows me to boot into the PC and access all the drives including the external USB. The USB was created to ghost PCs. I can access the Vista disk on the external drive and begin the install. But when it comes time for the PC to reboot I get the following message....

"Windows could not perpare the computer to boot into the next phase of installation. To install Windows, restart the installation."

Any idea on what i'm doing wrong? As for preparing my own USB I don't think I can do this....My only other working computer is a Mac.

I also tried to update the bios but I keep getting an error saying to plug in my battery and power cord...and they are already plugged in.

It seems that it is loosing the drive when the computer is restarted. Probably it is easier for you to replace the optical drive if you don't have a Windows computer.

However what you could try is installing Windows Vista using your DVD on your Mac via bootcamp. The product won't activate as its not a Dell but it should allow you to use it for 30 days. You can then use the Windows Operating system to download the Windows Vista setup files and make the bootable USB.