This is the biggest problem people run into when replacing or adding a new drive to a Dell.

"Your computer uses cable-select drive cables. This means that the device connected to the end connector of the drive cable is the master device and the device connected to the middle connector is the slave device. Be sure the jumper setting on the new hard drive is set for "cable select"

Message Edited by mombodog on 01-08-2008 11:17 PM

par4magoo

Dell has not published instructions for replacing the hard drive, in the D-4500

Because the D-4550 has the same chassis as the D-4500, you can use the same instructions here. 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

After installing the drive, you need to reinstall XP.

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

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

You can use either this XP reinstallation guide, or Dell's Restallation Guide.

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

Desktop System Software (if applicable)
Intel Chipset
Video Card
Network Interface Card (NIC)
Sound Card
Modem
All other drivers.

Then, install the Anti Virus utility and update the definitions, followed by all the critical Microsoft updates.

Bev.


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Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

Life can be confusing at times. :)

Either way the OP is covered.

Bev.


===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.