Clean Install Of Windows Question

Question

Hello all,

Current machine is a 4100 with ME with FAT 32:

Will be doing a reinstall of Windows but will be loading XP Home and just want to go over a few more things before I get started, as it's been 5 or 6 years since I reinstalled Windows.

My plans are to gather all new hardware & software drivers and put them on a CDROM. Download and install the new BIOS (A11). Set the order of boot to boot first from the CDROM drive. Reboot and insert the new Windows XP Home cd (OEM version from newegg) into D: drive. Shut down and reboot off the XP cd and go from there but use NTFS. Is this correct?

Will a new XP Home (OEM version) cd from newegg.com work with a Dell A11 BIOS?

This will wipe the HDD clean (for the most part any way) correct?

No need to FDISK correct?

Thanks........................R.S.

PS: This question was asked on a different Dell Forum but want to ask it here. Being that this will be a clean install and I will have a new stand alone Windows XP cd, which version should I buy, the XP SP1 or XP SP2? Personally I am concerned with SP2 and don't want to error here?

It seems that many folks have issues with SP2 when they don't clean install prior to upgrading to SP2.? I just don't know which version to buy?

Message Edited by Rim Shot on 02-03-2005 07:43 AM

Annie70 · Answer

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&releaseid=R45081&SystemID=DIM_PNT_P3C_4100&category=0&os=WME&osl=en&deviceid=308&devlib=1&fileid=53032   I used the B download of the BIOS to update my Dimenision 4100.

osprey4 · Answer

Rim Shot:

Five or six years? You're waaaay overdue!! You need to reinstall once a year just to stay in practice.

I would strongly suggest you buy the version that includes SP2. You'll end up with fewer problems. Yes, this disc will work with a Dell, although you will need to activate the license (not required for a Dell disc). You're got the order correct:

Unplug all peripherals (and secondary hard drive, if applicable),
Boot to the XP disc. You will be given the option to re-partition and format the drive.
Install XP, then all critical updates. There are no separate chipset drivers.
The only drivers you will need are video, sound and USB, plus your peripherals.
After everything is working, plug in any secondary hard drive, then peripherals one at a time.

Please post back with any more questions.

simpswr · Answer

The drivers on a cd is a good idea, but unless you have added new pieces, XP will load drivers for everything. Buying the SP2 version is the smart way to go . . Avoids all the problems you may have read about.

SP is by far the easiest Operating System to install that Microsoft has yet released.

Have fun . . wrs

Annie70 · Answer

Hello all,

Current machine is a 4100 with ME with FAT 32:

Will be doing a reinstall of Windows but will be loading XP Home and just want to go over a few more things before I get started, as it's been 5 or 6 years since I reinstalled Windows.

My plans are to gather all new hardware & software drivers and put them on a CDROM. Download and install the new BIOS (A11). Set the order of boot to boot first from the CDROM drive. Reboot and insert the new Windows XP Home cd (OEM version from newegg) into D: drive. Shut down and reboot off the XP cd and go from there but use NTFS. Is this correct?

Will a new XP Home (OEM version) cd from newegg.com work with a Dell A11 BIOS?

This will wipe the HDD clean (for the most part any way) correct?

No need to FDISK correct?

Thanks........................R.S.

PS: This question was asked on a different Dell Forum but want to ask it here. Being that this will be a clean install and I will have a new stand alone Windows XP cd, which version should I buy, the XP SP1 or XP SP2? Personally I am concerned with SP2 and don't want to error here?

It seems that many folks have issues with SP2 when they don't clean install prior to upgrading to SP2.? I just don't know which version to buy?

Message Edited by Rim Shot on 02-03-2005 07:43 AM

mdnblaster · Answer

I just tried a 'clean' install on my DELL with the OEM restore/XP Home disk and I still see junk from my previous install. I can't even get the diagnostic to work since it seems to have an issue with the USB mouse. Is it possible to get a clean XP Home install with the DELL OEM disk?

osprey4 · Answer

mdnblaster:

You didn't delete the old partition. Boot to the XP disc and start the setup process. When you get to the XP setup screen, it will ask if you want to repair the current installation. DO NOT press R to repair, press ESC to go to the partition screen. Delete the existing C:\ partition, then create a new one and format it. The instructions are clear enough to follow from there.

mdnblaster · Answer

I did exactly that. Now I have NTLDR errors. It won't complete the install. I even formatted the drive using another computer and it still won't load. I also get SP2.cab errors on top of the NTLDR error (I use the official Windows XP boot disks to get past the NTLDR problem).

osprey4 · Answer

Don't format the hard drive on another computer. That may make things worse. Use the second computer to delete the partition, then leave it unpartitioned.

Ok, let's start over. Make sure the drive is jumpered to CS, IDE connectors are secure, etc., then run the Force IDE device redetect: boot to system setup, turn on caps lock, scroll lock, & number lock. Press ALT+E then ALT+F, save settings & exit.

Now boot to the XP disc and start over. This time, you won't get any option to repair, it should proceed with the installation.

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