Dell's Windows XP reinstall CD

Question

What are the ramifications if I reinstall using this CD? What will I loose. Seems the only way to fix my outlook express is to reinstall Windows XP. We have tried all the fixes on the microsoft site. Nothing will fix it. So we are at witts end. Anyone help here?

simpswr · Answer

If you perform a Repair Install, your data and applications will not be changed . . but you will have to download and install all Windows Updates since SP2.  This is a good guide to performing a repair install http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm   If you perform a Clean Install, you loose everything except the operating system

BELL BOY · Answer

Rich   According to OP’s previous post 'OE won’t open' the above repair link has already been suggested   Redthedog1   It depends on what you have done in your attempts to fix the problem but if this doesn’t work then it looks like an OS clean reinstall job  :smileymad:

RoHe · Answer

Run a windows system file check:
click Start>Run
type in: sfc /scannow
(space between sfc and /)
click OK
Insert XP CD if sfc requests it and reboot when it's done.

Then try uninstalling and reinstalling OE:
Go to Add/Remove Programs control panel
Click Add/Remove Windows Components button on left side
Uncheck OE. Click OK
Reboot when it's done.
Go back to that same screen and re-check OE. Have your XP CD handy.

If this works, you'll only lose your headache. ;)

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 06-24-2007 10:05 PM

Redthedog1 · Answer

tried all that several times, no luck. All I have is my Dell Reinstall CD and not a full Windows XP Home disk. I got shortchanged along with a ton of Dell purchasers on this one. Its just a way for them to same money on the Windows XP program. Now I have to purchase the entire program in order for it to be fixed without a total reinstall. Not happy with Dell. The cheapest I can find it for is $80. Thanks again Dell.

simpswr · Answer

The Dell Reinstallation CD is a full version of XP . . you will just waste money buying a retail version.  Have you tried a Repair Install? . . if so What was the result?

Redthedog1 · Answer

Sorry but where is the Repair install located on the menu?

GimmeShelter · Answer

Personally, if  'system file check'  did not resolve anything I'd do a new reinstall of Windows. Of course you would need to backup all your pertinent data though, as everything gets wiped out with a new reinstall.   I found it easier to obtain all my necessary drivers before the reinstall of Windows.  That made it so much easier for me; I put them on one of those USB flashdrives and they were all ready to install when I needed them.   Good luck...   Message Edited by GimmeShelter on 06-25-2007 11:46 AM

RoHe · Answer

Try the XP repair/reinstall first! If it fails you can still take more drastic steps later.

Boot from XP CD. Press ENTER at first screen, do NOT press R at first screen. XP user license should appear. Accept the license and press R at next screen for repair/reinstall.

As soon as that's done, get firewall and antiviral working and go to MS update site to download/install all XP updates again.

If the repair doesn't fix it, and your system was shipped after 7-14-04, you can use PC Restore to reset hard drive to exactly the way Dell shipped it. All personal files have to be backed up on CD first. Personal files, any software you installed, and all XP updates have to be reinstalled after RC Restore, but it's a lot easier than a full reformat/reinstall.

Ron

Redthedog1 · Answer

tried to boot to the Reinstall CD. will not work or even recognize it. so that is out. Looks like I am stuck reinstalling XP and losing all my programs, settings etc. Just because outlook won't work. Incidently I tried using Microsoft Outlook mail and I got another message. It thinks I have Explorer 4.4 and I should upgrade. I have Explorer 6 installed. what a flippin mess thanks Billy Bob Gates for your wonderful piece of lousey software.

simpswr · Answer

This is a good guide to performing a repair install http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

RoHe · Answer

Follow simpswr's instructions. If you can't boot from Dell's XP Reinstall CD, you can't do a clean reformat/reinstall of XP either.

You could always try booting a different PC with your Dell XP Reinstall CD just to make sure it's not a defective disk.

Ron

simpswr · Answer

Once you have the Boot order set corrrectly, if you have another optical drive, try the XP CD in the other drive.

simpswr · Answer

enter BIOS ( Setup ) and set the first boot device as CD/ROM.  Put your XP Disc in the drive and disconnect all external peripherals except the monitor, keyboard and mouse, and be sure those are not USB, or wireless.  Any internal USB card should also be removed.

Windows General

Dell's Windows XP reinstall CD

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