dimension 8400 reload problem

Question

had a hd go..installed new drive and inserted my recovery disk.formats oh.but when it starts loading files i get 'the file setup on your hard drive is not a valid windows xp system image???????'??? i have tried 4 diff xp cd's still no go.ps it's not always the same file... please any help would be appreciated...........

RoHe · Answer

Run BIOS setup (F2 before XP starts to load) and change BIOS hard drive setting to RAID AUTO/ATA. Save the change, insert Dell XP Reinstallation CD in optical drive and exit BIOS setup. It should boot from the CD.

You need to format the hard drive before you can install XP. Read this:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348

After XP is installed, you need to install, in order:
Desktop System Software
Chipset driver
Video driver
Audio driver
Network Driver
Modem Driver
etc.

All drivers available here:
http://snipurl.com/1ulgv

Ron

spazoid49 · Answer

still no go... thanks for the quick reply...... i,ve looked all over the mobo for a reset config jumper..n/g

RoHe · Answer

You might want to clear NVRAM. Unplug PC from the wall, press/hold power button on front of tower for ~15 sec. Open the case and remove battery from motherboard. Press/hold power button ~30 sec. Reinstall the battery.

Run BIOS setup and change the hard drive setting from RAID to RAID AUTO/ATA. Save the change and insert XP CD in optical drive. Exit setup and boot off CD.

Format the hard drive in ntfs and do the install.

BTW: You must disconnect all peripherals and network connections from the PC, except mouse, monitor, keyboard while installing XP.

Ron

Windows General

dimension 8400 reload problem

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