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Reinstalling without using Dell's software.....
Hi,
I have my own copy of Windows XP Professional, which I wanted to install on my Dell Inspiron 8500 (laptop), as my laptop came with Home Edition when I bought it a year ago. I have run into a couple problems, though.
1. Even though I reformatted the harddrive, it still lists Windows XP Home as one of the startup options. This is annoying because my laptop won't automatically boot to XP Pro; instead, it presents me with a choice, even though Windows XP Home doesn't even exist on my system.
2. When reinstalling required Dell software (such as the software that gives support for USB, the touchpad, etc.), it says my system does not support this operating system. Well it obviously does. Can I get around this? How can I configure my touchpad or install USB support without using this software? I also ran into the same trouble with my internal wireless network card but was able to install the driver without the software by manually searching the directory in the Device Manager's driver update.
Does Dell really want me to use their custom OS? Do I really have no choice to customize the system I paid for? Or am I missing something..?
Thanks!
Matt
I have my own copy of Windows XP Professional, which I wanted to install on my Dell Inspiron 8500 (laptop), as my laptop came with Home Edition when I bought it a year ago. I have run into a couple problems, though.
1. Even though I reformatted the harddrive, it still lists Windows XP Home as one of the startup options. This is annoying because my laptop won't automatically boot to XP Pro; instead, it presents me with a choice, even though Windows XP Home doesn't even exist on my system.
2. When reinstalling required Dell software (such as the software that gives support for USB, the touchpad, etc.), it says my system does not support this operating system. Well it obviously does. Can I get around this? How can I configure my touchpad or install USB support without using this software? I also ran into the same trouble with my internal wireless network card but was able to install the driver without the software by manually searching the directory in the Device Manager's driver update.
Does Dell really want me to use their custom OS? Do I really have no choice to customize the system I paid for? Or am I missing something..?
Thanks!
Matt
- You already paid for OS - they don’t care what you are doing with the box. Besides, there is nothing special about “their custom OS�. Technically, you can install any retail version. I have retail XP Pro and Red Hat on my Laptop – no complains …
Now back to your problems… You either didn’t do a “clean� install or loading wrong drivers. Get to their Download or Support page, enter your System Tag, and find your files. If not sure what files to select, check your Original/Shipped Configuration (should be one of the options on the same page/dropdown). - I've installed all the drivers I've been able to install but the above thing I posted is required for stuff like usb and the touchpad. The touchpad works by default but I have no software with which to customize it. I also can't install the software for the wireless card...
- Here is a little action plan:
Update BIOS.
Install Windows.
Enable Internet Connection Firewall.
(If Windows install didn’t include it) Download Service Pack 1, and install it.
Download and install all Windows Updates (Critical Updates and Service Packs only).
Download and install missing drivers.
100mph
1192 Posts
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Posted July 24th, 2004 04:00
The list governed by Display list of operating systems option (Start -> Control Panel -> System -> Advanced button -> Startup and Recovery).