Thanks for that information, but I have tried that already, i cant seem to format the whole system.  I still have 2 operating systems, although, the original system, it wont let me enter into.  It keeps coming up with a message saying, "Windows could not start because of a computer disk hardware configuration problem.  Could not read from the selected boot disk.  Check boot path and disk khardware.  Please check the windows documentation about hardware disk configuration and your hardware reference manuals for additional information."  Im not sure what to do. The original version has used half of my memory, (15gb).  I just want to completley wipe the laptop and start again.  Also, the 2nd version that has been installed only runs in 800 x 600 pix screen size, and the control panel wont let me change this size.  I really do need some help,I just dont know what to do

Thanks very much

Hi! Check the Solutions tab at the top of the page and select Reinstall Guide. It's got a pretty comprehensive guide for re-installing XP plus drivers, utilities, and applications for the 1100.

GM

This site may be helpful.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp       Delete existing partition at step 5 for Clean Install.

If you go to Help and Support and type in Disk Management you will get a link in the 'expose' to Disk Management and from there you could probably delete the newer partition/install. I think.

cowboyjon,

If you have set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device in BIOS are you pressing a key when you see the "Press any key to boot from CD" message? It stays on the screen for only a few seconds and if you do not respond promptly your system will boot into Windows and the XP-reinstallation will autostart and not allow you to do a clean install, although it will allow you to go through the motions.

Edit:
I have found if you try to Delete the XP C: partition & have used F12 to select CD-ROM it sometimes doesn't allow Deletion of Partition but if you set BIOS using F2 to first boot from CD-ROM it allows Deletion of XP Partition.
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Since you have an Inspiron 1100 not need to set BIOS to boot from CD-ROM , just insert the DELL XP CD with Windows started & should display the from Within window menu , just Close (Exit).
Then re-start Computer & press F12 at 1st screen (DELL Logo) , select CD-ROM.
When message "Press any key is dispalyed......"  press say  Spacebar to boot from XP CD.
If allowed to time-out it will show the Windows boot menu & if OS isn't selected it will again time-out to Default OS the last one you installed.

When you get the option to Delete partitions , Delete all but  FAT partition , then you can Install on unallocated space.

Use the below links for info on a Clean Install then install Drivers from CD with Windows XP started , just insert Driver CD.

I have shown  Supersite & Elder Geek links last as they assumes Clean Install status so doesn't include step to delete existing partition  & so achieve Clean Install status.
(Clean Install status , ie: no Windows OS installed on HD).

Use  this link & select XP Home or PRO then method , ie: Used Hard Drive , Multi_Page has text & large pictures of Clean Install.
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/

Use this link for Clean Install of XP , if you click on Pictures they Expand for easy view
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html (Delete existing partition at step 10b for Clean Install)

or use this link ( *** Delete existing partition at step 5 for Clean Install ***)
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

or use this link (***Delete exiting partition at Fig 06 for a Clean Install**)
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

Clean Install deletes existing partition (like FDISK)  &  Formats HD during Install of Windows XP  from XP CD.
Set BIOS to use CD-ROM as 1st boot device usually by pressing "F2" key during boot (startup),
for some Computers press "Del" key
Re-start Computer & when message "Press any key to boot from CD" shows do it & let subsequent messages "Press any key...." time out to Windows setup.

Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 03-14-2004 09:10 PM

i cant delete the partition on the c drive as it says that it has temp files needed for the windows setup

Cowboyjon,

That error message indicates that you have not set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device in BIOS. See the appropriate link here.

Just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone out there who offered their help and advice.  Finally got it working again.

Thanks so much

Aaron

Aaron, Glad to hear that this was finally successful for you. Best Wishes.