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7323
December 7th, 2003 16:00
Reistalling WinXP and all the software that came with my DIM4400 - Please HELP
Hello,
I would like to completely erase and reformat my bootable drive. Then re-install Windows XP with all the software that came with my Dimension 4400 machine?
How do I do it? What steps I have to take? Is the WinXP key "burned in" or I'll have to enter it during the installation?
My intent is to bring my Dim4400 machine to the point it was when the machine was delivered to my home, about two years ago.
What information/data I have to save before procedeeing with complete reinstallation? What settings, passwords, userids, keys ... I have to write down or copy to a CD?
Specs of my machine:
- Dimension 4400
- Windows XP Home Edition
- Microsoft Office XP
- Norton AntiVirus
One more question: My Norton AntiVirus subscription is current, however after reinstalling it, I'll get to the point the software was when my DIM4400 was delivered to my home. The subscription key for my current subscription, (according to email from Symantec at the time I extended my subscription) was good for two weeks only. How do I make Norton AntiVirus subscription current after re-installing it?
Thank you in advance!
Denny Denham
2 Intern
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18.8K Posts
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December 7th, 2003 22:00
Instructions for reinstalling XP and system drivers are here.
You should copy to CD everything on your hard drive that is not also available on CD. Copy the entire folder containing the *.dbx files to a CD so you can import your email messages after the reinstallation (assuming you use OE) and copy your Windows Address Book (*.wab). You can export your Internet Favorites to CD by opening IE and going to File|Import and Export|Export Favorites.
You should not be promted to enter your Windows XP Product ID upon reinstallation but if you are it is on a sticker on the side of the computer case.
After you reinstall Norton AntiVirus you can contact Symantec and they will reset your account so that it reflects the accurate subscription expiration date (but this won't happen until shortly before the "trial" subscription is near expiring.
Rozum111
38 Posts
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December 8th, 2003 01:00
Sorry, the link you've provided leads to general DELL support page, not to instructions how to reinstall WinXP.
Question: Does reinstall also reformat the disk?
Denny Denham
2 Intern
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18.8K Posts
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December 8th, 2003 03:00
You must log into Dell support after which the link will open to the appropriate page.
Yes, the XP reinstall will format the hard drive. The instructions here give the instructions (even if you aren't logged into Dell support). Delete the C:\ partition at step #5, recreate it from the unpartitioned space that results, then you can format it (NTFS, Quick Format).
Rozum111
38 Posts
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December 8th, 2003 11:00
Thanks! Will do, with the log-in to DELL.
How long it takes to reinstall WinXP with all the drivers (printer, DSL modem, etc)? How much time should I put aside for the whole process of "refreshing" of my computer to the original DELL configuration?
Thanks in advance.
Rozum111
38 Posts
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December 8th, 2003 11:00
Rozum111
38 Posts
0
December 8th, 2003 12:00
According to the re-installation instruction, I don't need to enter WinXP key during the process.
Do I need to "register" the OS later, or I don't need to do anything in this respect afer re-installation is complete?
BTW, the whole process looks very simple. Is it really so? I know I'll have to reinsttall Office XP, but that's a different issue.
And yes, all the the Windows XP and Office XP updates (security, drivers, addtions, etc.).
Rozum111
38 Posts
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December 8th, 2003 12:00
Is this a CD that was supposed to come with my DIM4400 machine?
If yes, what's on the CD? All the programs that were originally installed on machine when it was delivered?
Thanks a lot.