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jb16907

4 Posts

2122

January 19th, 2005 14:00

How do I uninstall sp2 on xp home edition?

I need to install xp pro on an inspiron 1000 that came with xp home edition sp2. I can't install xp pro over the home edition because I get a message that I am trying to install an older version os. 
I tried to install XP Pro (bought a Iomega 7-in-1 drive) but the 6th diskette crashes with a message stating I may have a virus and to remove the hard drive. I think it's some sort of virus protection for the bios killing the update. Does the bios keep track of the os version?
Can I uninstall sp2 on the home edition? It doesn't show up on the uninstall list. Does Dell have a program to delete all files on the harddrive and delete operating system info in the bios so I can do a clean install? I sure hate to go through all of this. Seems like a nice laptop but it's worthless as it is.
 
OBTW-this was a gift and I didn't have any choice about the os version.

Any ideas?

Kevin2000

18 Posts

January 19th, 2005 15:00

The BIOS does not store OS related information.
 
You cannot un-install XP SP2 because your Inspiron came with it as one install.
 
What you need to do is press F12 or F8 or F2 to enter the Boot Menu (this is what my desktop has,  I don't know about laptops).
 
At the Boot Menu,  select something that boots from IDE CD-ROM Drive.
 
Then,  follow the steps to: 1) delete partition,  2) establish a new partition,  3) format the partition,  4) load Windows XP Pro,  5) reinstall drivers (per Dell  http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1090381&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19).
 
My experience is from the desktop perspective - a laptop should be very similar.; 
 
 
kevin
 

Rim Shot

2 Intern

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395 Posts

February 3rd, 2005 22:00

If SP2 came installed via the computer manufacturer and it's not listed in the Add/Remove program list then you probably can't remove it with out doing a clean install.

Just open the BIOS F2 or Delete key while booting. Set the order to boot first from the CDROM Drive. Close off and shut down. Reboot to the desktop. Place the new Windows OS CD in the CDROM drive and shut down. Reboot and the reinstall process will start.

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