Reload computer

Download the diagft32 file from the Dell download site and create a boot disk with this file. You can then boot the system with this disk and FDISK the drive to remove all partitions from the system then again to add one active partition to the drive. Then reboot the system and format the drive. Then you can install Windows on the system and the drivers for the devices that are installed in the system. Then you would install any other software that came with the system that you want.

Note you should install the chipset drivers first then the other drivers for the devices that you have in this system. You may want to download the latest drivers for these items from the Dell download site and save them to disk prior to fdisk format and reinstall. You may also want to take a look at the BIOS version and see what is the latest version.

codykade,

What operating system is on the computer? Dimension 8100's shipped with Windows XP and if that is what you have you can reinstall the operating system, drivers, and applications using the procedures given here. Windows XP includes the chipset drivers for the 8100 so you needn't worry about that portion of the reinstallation. Links to instructions for installing all other drivers can be found on this page. (Make sure that Dimension 8100 is shown in the left pane of the page so that the correct information is displayed.)

Denny,

I have Window's ME...Is this a different process??  I am very beginner level.....

codykade,

Yes. You can find the instructions you need here. Once again, make sure that Dimension 8100 is shown in the left pane--if it is not, click the Select Another System link and select Dimension 8100.

The instructions Dell provides will not produce a clean install, which is what you want. Before reinstalling Windows ME, format your hard drive. To do this boot with an emergency boot diskette (you can create one by going to Start|Settings|Control Panel|Add/Remove Programs|Startup Disk tab or download one from here) and at the DOS prompt (A:\> enter format c: and click . When the format is complete, follow the instructions on the Dell site for installing ME, then the other instructions for installing the system drivers.

thanks for your help Denny....

I will try this tonight.....

What parts did you not understand and I will try to better explain.

thanks onetrickdog for the info...I appreciate all the help...although I didn't understand much of what you wrote...I really appreciate your time..I am very low level computer knowledge.....I can work around word & excel etc like a pro...I know nothing of this programming portion.......

I followed the directions of getting a boot disk.  I did both, downloaded one of the website Denny listed & I also did one as instructed from the control panel & add/remove programs - startup disk feature.  I did this, rebooted my computer, but it never came up to a dos prompt where I could format my hard drive...I can only get to the point where I reload ME on my computer, but it doesn't get rid of all the other garbage.  I know I am missing something simple, just don't know what it is.

After I create this boot up disk, whats the next step?  Do I shut off the computer, restart?  Do I shut off the computer & hit F2 to enter setup while the computer is booting back up?  I am lost..... help :-)!