You must do a clean install: http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

ok....now I did get past that problem but now I want to get rid of Windows 2000 that resides on the C drive. I was able to do a successful install of XP also on the C drive, and now I have a dual operating system which I dont want. Idealey I want XP only on the C drive and my D drive as storage for images & video clips.  Also installed XP on the D drive thinking I would be able to format the C drive, OS wont let you. Arrrrgh....  Is there a way to deinstall 2000?

Oh, C & D are on the same physical drive.

thinking I would be able to format the C drive, OS wont let you. Arrrrgh....

 

 

Anyway around this?

Boot from the XP CD . . Delete the existing partitions and create new one(s) . . then install XP.

 

This is a great guide for reinstalling on a Dell:  http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm

Thanks. That worked great.

Only remaining issue now is I cant get an internet attachment. For some reason within network connections , connection manager there are no LAN or High Speed Internet connections listed.

 

You need to load the drivers for your network adaptors . . First look in Device Manager to see if anything else is missing drivers.

 

Then click the Drivers and Downloads button in the left panel of this page . . enter your service tag number and navigate to drivers for your pc

Ok.....I'm on a roll now. Got the wireless back, but I'm being very carefull because I don't have the antivirus prog loaded yet. Transferred the downloaded drivers from the desktop to laptop. Still don't have the eithernet controller or pci modem back yet. Trying to figure out what drivers they need...