Dell restore

Question

I have a dimension 4600 I have once reinstalled from the XP CD and I may have not followed exact instructions. The computer works but I have 2 operating systems one is corrupt and the computer is not at 100%.

I have since changed the boot order to try to reinstall again from CD but when I hit a key to start boot from CD I get a keyboard failure error (I have tried to do it early in the booting process or late all before XP booted from the hard drive but no success) and then it continues to boot from hard drive and sometimes when I do that I'm not able to use the mouse or the keyboard when fully booted.

I get the same keyboard failure error when I hit the CTR.+F11 keys when booting to try to do a DELL RESTORE. I'm not sure that I still have the DSR option but I would like to find out because it sure would make life a lot easier.

I'm not very computer savy so I hope someone could help.

Mary G · Answer

In the Run box type MSCONFIG and go to the Boot Ini tab. Select 'Check All boot paths.' When it asks if you want to remove the bad one, say yes and reboot. As for the keyboard error, change the port for the keyboard. If it's a usb, plug into a diff usb port on the back of the computer--no hubs or external switches. If it's a PS2, use the mouse PS2 port instead to see if that works. If you still have trouble, post in the Software XP forum for more help. PS You don't press a key until you see 'Press any key to boot from cd.' message on screen. To boot to the cd just put the disk in and reboot and wait for the message. Make sure the cd drive is first in the boot order and you have saved that setting when you changed it in the bios.

shesagordie · Answer

mbhor

Dell's PC Restore by Symantec utility was install in either Dimension or Inspiron systems, with factory installed XP, that were shipped after 7.16.04.

For models shipped prior to that date, you need to carry out clean reinstall of XP.

How to carry out a clean reinstall of XP.

First, disconnect all the peripherals from the system except the keyboard, mouse and monitor.

How to configure a Dell Dimension series system to boot to the CD or DVD drive.

How to reinstall, XP.

While installing, remember to delete all existing partitions when you are prompted, then recreate the partitions and format the hard drive, following by installing XP.

After installing XP, you need to install the drivers and applications in the following order,

Chipset
Video
Network Interface Card [NIC]
Audio
Modem
All other drivers.
Then, install the Anti Virus utility and update the definitions, followed by all the critical Microsoft updates.

Try to note the type of hardware devices you have, prior to reinstalling the operating system. This can help you select and install the correct drivers and applications.

Bev.

===================================================
Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

Locked Topics – Desktops General

Dell restore

Was this post helpful?