Problems installing XP over Vista

Question

Not sure if this belongs under XP or Vista, but I'll try posting here 1st. I purchased a new Dell with Vista, didn't like it for a number of reasons, and decided to reinstall XP Home Edition. Following some (off-the-record) advice from someone Dell I changed the SATA operation in the Bios (from RAID on to RAID add or detect) & altered the boot sequence so my CD ran 1st. I had 2 XP discs--one that came with a Compaq labtop & an upgrade disc that I had used on my desktop & I decided to go with the 1st since I believe it was a full version.   During the install I got messages that the following files could not be copied & so I skipped them to continue with the install: cmnicfg.xml, ipcfg.xml, osinfo.xml, potscfg.xml & pppcfg.xml.   As far as the partition I did nothing to the FAT, deleted the D partition & installed XP on C (not sure if this was correct).   Now when XP starts the full installation I get a message: 'SYS:DLL:Syntax error in manifest or policy file F:\386\asms\1000\MSFT\Windows\GDIPLUS\GDIPLUS.MAN on line 4' and then the installation hangs-up.   Please, I could use some suggestions about how to fix this problem before resorting to wiping the harddrive & starting from scratch.   Thanks in advance, Max Message Edited by LordMelody on 07-08-2007 01:21 PM

IceDiver · Answer

BEGIN QUOTE
I had 2 XP discs--one that came with a Compaq labtop . . .
END QUOTE

I suspect that part of your problem is the fact that you are using a Compaq customized version of XP on a non-Compaq machine. Compaq OEM versions of Windows, so I understand, can not be installed on non-Compaq machines. They just won't work.

LordMelody · Answer

Should I try installing Windows 95 & then the XP update? Those are both versions from Microsoft?

IceDiver · Answer

I think it might work, but it may not. Win95 may not install because it lacks drivers.

GimmeShelter · Answer

Reinstalls are not my specialty but I think it's a safe assumption that you've got that so mucked up now that a new clean reinstall of XP with the proper purple color Dell Windows XP reinstall disk is probably you're best alternative at this point. As you've already found out you simply cannot use a Windows XP reinstall disk from Compaq on a Dell computer.   Maybe somebody can jump in here with some better guidance as I'm really not a wealth of info or knowledge here...   Good luck....

LordMelody · Answer

Right, I meant Windows 98. And thanks, I'll give that a try before buying a new version of XP.   Max

simpswr · Answer

Two things to consider . .   1.  Win95 is not a valid update path for XP 2. You do not have to install the older version to perform a clean install . . Boot from the Upgrade disc and early in the install process you will be asked to insert the prior version install disc

Windows General

Was this post helpful?