UP grade to XP problems

Question

I can't run the upgrade advisor because it crashes about 2/3 through. I ran the files and transfer wizard and I was saving to Zip 100. Needed 7 disks and it was a slow process but in the 6th disk it crashed and restarted by itself So I guess that's also out. I figured I would just do the clean install since updating also crashed about 2/3 of the way through. Now I can't enter the Bios to change the boot order. I have tried pressing Del, F2, F4, on different boot ups at the Dell logo and each time ME loads. How do I enter the Bios? I must be doing something wrong. Any thoughts on the other problems I have been having?

Vince

Goonboy · Answer

It would help to know the specific model of system you're referring to, but the usual fix for entering Setup is to repeatedly tap the key you're supposed to use to enter it, rather than pressing/holding. You'll want to start tapping as soon as the system starts to boot.

A clean install of the OS is just about always preferable to an upgrade installation. Once again, if you post your specific system model, it may be easier for someone to assist you. You may not even need to run the upgrade advisor, depending on the system model and peripherals you're working with.

sledge1940 · Answer

Thought I had it posted. Dimension 4100. 800 P111, 256meg. 20 GB with 14GB free. Bios A11. I am in the setup. I had to press Del almost before it started. It looks like the CD Rom is the 4th boot device. Do I just make that the first and drop everything down one? The floppy is now first and that would make it second.

Vince

Goonboy · Answer

The system itself (4100) will upgrade to XP with no problem whatsoever. (Been there, done that, several times.) XP will recognize all the OEM hardware, and assign serviceable drivers for it. If you've added any internal components, it would be helpful to know what. Once again, you're going to have to consider whatever peripherals you have (printer, scanner, etc.), and visit the manufacturer's website for XP drivers, if XP doesn't recognize something, but since you want to disconnect all peripherals except the keyboard, mouse and monitor prior to performing the clean install of XP, you won't have to worry about that, for the time being.

Just move the CD-ROM drive up to the #1 position, leave everything else as it is, and boot to the XP CD. This is probably going to be your best bet for a step-by-step guide to performing the installation. You'll want to look at the Software Reinstall Guides via the Solutions tab here at the Dell sites for instructions on installing any drivers that XP doesn't take care of, but I'd be willing to bet that you'll find most everything working as soon as XP gets on there. Your first stop after that should be Windows Update for all available Critical Updates. This is a priority item before you visit any other sites with the new OS installation, and the installation of your AV software should follow immediately.

sledge1940 · Answer

Thanks.

I upgraded on Sat. No problems on the clean install. I had some data saved on Zip and transfered most over. Some were problems but did get them installed. Still have some more to go. Thanks for the help and replies.

Vince

Windows General

UP grade to XP problems

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