Clean install using Dimensions 4600 Restore CD

Question

Because of all kinds of stuff satellite installers put on my computer and failed to remove when the installation was a bust, I moved all my personal documents and photos to a memory stick and now want to do a clean install of Windows XP Pro with SP1, using the Restore CD that came with the computer when it was new.

I really can't upgrade to SP2 until I can get some kind of broadband, but I did pick and choose among Microsoft's vast array of updates, over the years., including the updating of the BIOS.

Basically all I want is what was on the machine when it arrived here 4 years ago. And what I need to know is if I need to do anything other than set the machine to boot from the CD and then run the Restore CD.

OR would I be better off using some sort of hard drive cleaner and THEN running the CD.

This is a stand-alone computer soon to be networked to our other Dell Dimension which has a satellite connection to the internet.

Thanks for any advice,
Bahb

mombodog · Answer

No need to clean the drive first, yes just boot off of the XP cd and follow this guide to a clean install http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp   Then use the Dell Resouce cd to install drivers in this order   http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&docid=1A0C0937D62A8739E0401E0A55174744&journalid= 4F1F82483DC811DBAE564F9328EE04A4&l=en&s=gen

shesagordie · Answer

Bahb

The procedures for a clean reinstall of XP, are here.

Bev.

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Bahb · Answer

Oh I didn't fail to do my homework by reading Paul's advice, and doing it, first. I came here because I am truly stuck. I have the computer currently set correctly, but when it goes to the Dell Reinstall CD, it quickly adds a few files to what's already on the computer and boots into Windows. This disk I'm using is the Dell Reinstall CD, which I gather is a different animal from a Windows XP Pro disc I might buy at the store, right? Paul's advice is fine for those who aren't trying to do a clean install using the Dell Reinstall CD. So what's the secret for using what Dell issued with this computer?

I read somewhere, I think on Dell support pages, to go to the Bios and then to SATA Operation and change it to RAID Auto Detect/ATA. I found "SATA", but nothing about that gave me a recognizable choice.

The satellite installers were stumped, and they're true techies.

Can you suggest another route to success?

Bahb

shesagordie · Answer

Entry Level PC

Are you using SATA hard drives?

Then this post may Help.

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.

mombodog · Answer

'Oh I didn't fail to do my homework by reading Paul's advice, and doing it, first. I came here because I am truly stuck. I have the computer currently set correctly, but when it goes to the Dell Reinstall CD, it quickly adds a few files to what's already on the computer and boots into Windows. This disk I'm using is the Dell Reinstall CD, which I gather is a different animal from a Windows XP Pro disc I might buy at the store, right? Paul's advice is fine for those who aren't trying to do a clean install using the Dell Reinstall CD. So what's the secret for using what Dell issued with this computer? I read somewhere, I think on Dell support pages, to go to the Bios and then to SATA Operation and change it to RAID Auto Detect/ATA. I found 'SATA', but nothing about that gave me a recognizable choice. The satellite installers were stumped, and they're true techies.'   The instructions Paul gives has been working will Dell disc's on this forum for years. You are doing something wrong, guaranteed. To do a Clean install you must first Delete the old C partition, then Create a New C partition, then continue with the install process. If all else fails, delete the C partition using a different type of boot disc first, then Boot from the XP CD.   Dell discs install like any other XP cd.   The 4600 has no RAID Autodetect/ATA setting in the bios. Nothing to change in there.

Bahb · Answer

There's a hidden process running. I can stop it by stopping Task Scheduler, but of course it starts again the second I turn the computer on. It's the main reason I want to wipe the hard drive clean. What a Catch-22.....I can't wipe until I kill that process some way, and I've tried MANY ways!.

So here's my question:
If I install a new hard Drive, will the Dell Reinstall CD work? Currently, when I boot to that CD, Windows starts loading at about the same time as the CD starts spinning, but the CD gets ignored and in a few seconds my desktop is on the screen.

Is there a way I can change the timing so that Windows loading is delayed enough for the CD Reinstall gets started first?

Thanks,
Bahb

Bahb · Answer

After uninstalling Microsoft Network Client from my current system, just because it was the ONLY thing left that I could Uninstall, I was finally able to run the Reinstall CD and start the process of copying files. I don't know where the Reinstall disk copies FROM, but 32 files could not be copied. Each time one appeared, I was given the choice to try again, ignore it and go on, or Exit. None moved on a second try, so I bypassed each as the process moved on. Eventually, when the bar graph said 100% of the files were copied, a dialog came across the next screen that said " Error C0000135 Unable to locate component. Winsrv not found. Try installing app again."

I can't exit that screen, push the power button off, or open the CD Rom drive door.....I simply have to pull the power plug to shut down. If after waiting 10 minutes or more I plug the computer in, I get the same screen back with the error message on it. Nothing I do will budge it. Even the On/Off button stopped working.

I tried working with a floppy of the Ultimate Boot Disk, but that app is for FAT files and the ones on my computer are NTFS. There's the same problem with 3 other boot disks I have.

How would I find what Code 135 is? Why would there be 32 files that couldn't be copied? And what would you do next if it were your computer? Uh, your computer and you were old and living on Social Security. :-)

Thanks for any advice,
Bahb

simpswr · Answer

You are not following the excellent advice you have been given . . to do a Clean Install, you must boot from the Reinstallation disc . . to do that, enter BIOS ( Setup ) and set the first boot device as CD/ROM.

Put your XP Disc in the drive and disconnect all external peripherals except the monitor, keyboard and mouse, and be sure those are not USB, or wireless. Any internal USB card should also be removed.

Once you set your BIOS to boot first from cd . . when it restarts you will see a black screen with a prompt " Press any key to boot from CD" . . do that and you will be able to delete any or all partitions and recreate one or more, then proceed to formating and installing XP.

That message can pass quickly, so have a finger on the keyboard when you boot. This will delete all data on the drive so be sure you have your important data backed up. The prompt will appear after every reboot, but do not press any key on subsequent reboots. The setup process will continue with no action required from you.

If you do not get that message, and if you have another optical drive, try the XP CD in the other drive.

You can get a reinstallation guide specific to your Dell here
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/software_reinstall/en/index?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

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

This is a site that walks you thru a simulated XP installation:

These are also good guides to reinstalling XP . . you might want to print one for reference during the install.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
http://www.socrtwo.info/cleanxpinstall.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

Once the installation is complete, install SP2 while the system is clean, You can download it from here on another pc and save to CD or memory stick. There will be another 80 or so Windows Updates after you install SP2.

Your Reinstallation disc willl likely load drivers for the 4600, if not you can find them here. Load the Chipset first, then the others in any order. You can look in Device Manager to see which devices need drivers. After that, install any applications, Prior to connecting to the internet be sure you enable the XP firewall.

For help entering BIOS: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

Bahb · Answer

SIMPSWR, You must have missed the post in which I described my experience with the "excellent advice I've already been given." So here is the jist of it:

When I FINALLY got my computer to boot from the CD, it was only after I had uninstalled the Micorsoft Network Client. No where in any instruction did I find that I SHOULD have done that, but it was my final-ditch attempt to get the computer to boot from the CD. When it did, the last time, it began the process as everyone has described, except it said it couldn't copy some of the files.....32 files, to be exact.

HOWEVER, I don't remember reading anywhere that I needed to uninstall my wireless mouse and keyboard which incidentally, I bought from Dell WITH the dimensions 4600. Both computers have wireless ones, and we have no other mice.. And the satellite installers who rebuilt our other computer (Dimensions4400) didn't remove ANY peripherals, much less the wireless mouse and keyboard. Nor did I remove the wireless ones when I rebuilt our Dimensions 4400 a couple of years ago.

But I have an old keyboard and I'll go buy a regular mouse tomorrow and try again.

Believe me, I am very grateful for the advice given here.

Dean

simpswr · Answer

The Microsoft Network CLient would not have mattered if you booted from the CD . . something was interfering with that, and it may ( or may not ) have been the wireless keyboard.  Some will work fine, some will not, which is why I reccomend using PS/2 keyboard and mouse . . no reason to introduce any unnecessary varibles.  It is always a good idea to disconnect all external devices for the same reason.   The failure to copy files during installation is usually indicative of a memory weakness . . you can test the memory with the Dell Diagnostics.    Remember . . If you do not get the ' Press any key to boot from CD' prompt, you will not be able to do a clean install . . either try a different CD drive or a different installation disc   Good luck and let us know how it comes out.

Windows General

Clean install using Dimensions 4600 Restore CD

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