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April 22nd, 2006 18:00
Desperately trying to re-install XP unsuccessfully.
I have been trying to re-install XP b/c I want to start over from scratch. I have already saved everything onto a jump drive. The disk will not let me re-in b/c it states that the version on my computer is newer than the CD.
Help!
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antpal
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April 22nd, 2006 18:00
simpswr
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April 22nd, 2006 19:00
If you get that message, you have attempted to install XP from within windows instead of booting from the XP CD . .
To do that, put the XP cd in and 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 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 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:
http://www.echoproject.net/en/software/catalog.html
These are 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
You will likely have to reload drivers (Chipset first) and applications, If your XP installation disc does not include SP2, after the installation, you will need to download and install SP-2, while windows is clean. Prior to connecting to the internet be sure you enable the XP firewall.
Be sure you 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.