Reinstalling XP

Question

About three years ago I purchased a Vostro 1710 and wanted XP (Not Vista) as the operating system. And the machine was delivered with XP as the operating system. I'm now trying to re-install the operating system to create a clean machine (Which I can then donate to some charity).

Both VISTA and XP re-installation disks were provided with the machine. Unfortunately the Microsoft Product sticker (and the necessary product key) on the bottom of the machine is for VISTA, not XP. And, of course, that product key wouldn't work when trying to re-install using the XP re-installation disk. I'm assuming that product key would allow me to re-install ViISTA. But, I'm reluctant to do that unless I also know how to then migrate to XP.

Does anyone know how to get a clean XP install on a machine in this situation? I'm hoping that with VISTA re-installed I can somehow then use the XP disk to migrate. But with no product key for XP, I'm not so sure it can be done.

Thanks in advance for any wisdom..

Philip_Yip · Accepted Answer

Please follow my A Clean Install of Windows below, follow the optional steps with DBAN to completely erase all your data. If you follow my guide, you shouldn't have to input a product key. If the very unlikely event you do you can activate via phone by calling Microsoft and say you are performing Downgrade rights from Windows Vista Business to Windows XP Professional.

Although if your donating the system, why not just install Vista? Its quite a stable OS now, of course 7 is better but Vista with Service Pack 2 then the drivers is very stable.

RJALDER · Accepted Answer

FYI, Turning off the side switch didn't work. After inspecting the Packing Slip I see that tit a "Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Mini Card." In the middle of the night I recalled that there was a Drivers & Utility disk provided and figured that this might have a missing driver for the Mini-Card. So, Inserted the Divers & Utilities disk, and one followed the "Drivers" tab, located the install for the Mini-Card and installed the driver. BINGO. Now have access to wireless signals and could hook up to my home router.

Now I'm wondering what other Dell Specific drivers I need to install to have all the intended capability that the machine had when it came from Dell.

Oh well, problem solved for now, until I discover some othe missing driver. At least I know now the Driver/Utilities disk will be my solution.

Thanks to everyone for prompt responses.

speedstep · Answer

Dell Machines with DELL XP cd's do not ask for and do not need a COA Key when you boot from them and install the os.

ieee488 · Answer

Does anyone know how to get a clean XP install on a machine in this situation?

Doesn't a Factory Restore F8 work???

I'm hoping that with VISTA re-installed I can somehow then use the XP disk to migrate.

That's not going to work.

RJALDER · Answer

Many thanks Natakuc4. Great instructions on your "A clean install of windows". That worked perfectly. Well, almost perfectly. For some reason now the WIFI card (internal to Laptop VOSTRO 1710) isn't recognized. The side switch is on. Looking at Computer Properties > Hardward > Device Manager, there doesn't appear to be any WIFI device listed. There is one installed in the machine because we've been using it for years before the XP re-install. I did some web searches (from another computer) and found that others have had this issue when re-installing. But can't figure out how to overcome it.

Any more great advice?

Philip_Yip · Answer

What model of WiFi card is in the model, does switching off the WiFi waiting 10s and then switching it back on invoke a new hardware found wizard?

Philip_Yip · Answer

Okay so it is Dell Wireless R205204 or Intel PROSET Wireless R202964.

If you have tried one and it doesn't work try the other just in case.

If the Dell Wireless Card, please try the other versions such as R174292 (if that works then try R205204 after as an update). If the Intel try getting the driver direct from the Intel Website.

Philip_Yip · Answer

In theory Dell Wireless R205204 should of covered it but glad you got it up and running.

RJALDER · Answer

Thanks again for everyone's help.    Now a nice clean machine which boots quickly.

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Reinstalling XP

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