1.1K Posts

March 20th, 2009 18:00

Hi matt12341

 

If not already done, suggest you use a USB flash drive & backup ALL your personal data

 

Use your Dell PC Restore utility to wipe your hard drive & restore computer system to “out of box” conditions

Procedure is here, read it very carefully & print off for reference

 

Contact Dell Customer Support & request XP & Drivers/Utility discs that should have been supplied with computer

Obviously you will need a working CD-ROM drive

Or use procedure  for Installing XP using USB flash drive device, some links provided in this thread

 

2 Posts

March 20th, 2009 19:00

Thanks for your post. Have browsed the intstructions in the thread, however at some point it refers to the fact that I need the Boot files (aka Windows XP CD in the CD drive) However I have no such CD, nor drive. Please advise. :)

4 Operator

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3.7K Posts

March 20th, 2009 20:00

Hi matt12341, You can order an backup disc online HERE if you live in the US. If you live outside the US, contact your local sell support. As for your dvd rom, you will have to borrow an external one or buy one.

1.1K Posts

March 20th, 2009 20:00

Hi again matt12341

 

Dell normally does supply required discs, you need Dell OEM XP Pro SP2 disc & the Drivers & Utilities disc apply here or phone your local region Dell Customer Support

 

If you can source a friend with a Dell OEM XP Pro SP2 disc, you can use that but you will also need drivers, they can be downloaded as mentioned in the above link

 

Assuming Dell provides discs (they usually do) or you can borrow OEM XP Pro then your options are:

 

1. Get your existing CD-ROM drive fixed or buy Dell refurbished/replacement unit

 

2. Use an external USB connected device

 

But first check if your System SetUp (BIOS) settings allow booting from an external USB connected device, if it does then:

 

As mentioned (by beversoll) – you need access to another computer (with a CD-ROM drive) to put XP & system drivers on the USB flash drive

 

Alternatively, buy a decent quality USB CD-ROM drive & forget about the flash drive option

 

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