Getting a set of restore disk from Dell

If you don't have the OS CD, then you will have to purchase one. All the drivers and diagnostics can be downloaded from Dell Downloads.

Try site http://www.dirtcheapsoftware.com/windowsxp.html as XP OEM is cheap.

or site http://www.softforyou.biz/foryou/?reunite_blockhouse

I think XP PRO OEM Disk from Newegg is $2 cheaper.

Buy it at Newegg, save the $2! I can buy a good fast food meal with that...

It would be asking for the DELL reinstallation XP CD at startup so what CD is it asking for.?
You could also try Safe Mode by pressing F8 at startup until advanced menu is displayed then use arrow keys to select Safe Mode or also try Last....Good.
Press "Enter" key after selecting.

You would think so. I have tryed to get into safe mode. I have also entered bios tomake sure it is set to boot from the hard drive. I have no problums getting in and out of bios. But when you try any thing else, It says invalid      "system disk "

"Replace the Disk, then press any key"        If I press any key, I get  another line of   Replace the Disk then press any key

Check the Floppy Drive & CD Drive doesn't have a Disk inserted , if so remove it.

Thank you That was my first thought too. I have made sure all removeable drive are emty.

This might work if I could get the windos to start up. any more ideas

I agree with you too. I have also tryed that, It got me no where. I belive that there migth be some main files missing but not sure. I have tryed making a boot disk and using it. I have HP XP restore disk and it tells me they are the wrong ones. So it does know right from wrong. LOL

Sorry I can only suggest you check the Default BIOS settings with
http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dsleest/syssetup.htm

Micrsoft recommends boot sequence    HD , Floppy then CD.
My default was Floppy , HD then CD.

You could try playing with the boot sequence order.
Shouldn't  matter what order as if it doesn't find any boot disk in Devise then it should auto try the next devise in boot sequence.
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Edit:
You should have a DELL reinstallation XP CD (no Restore disks) & DELL Drivers & Utlities (Resource) CD.
If so try settting BIOS to boot from CD & insert Drivers & Utilites (Resource) CD or
try inserting DELL reinstallation XP CD.

If you think some files are missing you could try boot from XP CD & select Recovery Console.
Microsoft Windows(R) Recovery Console

" The Recovery Console provides system repair and recovery functionality.
Type EXIT to quit the Recovery Console and restart the computer.

1: C:\WINDOWS

Which Windows Installation would you like to log on to
(To cancel, press ENTER)?  (or type 1 & press Enter to use 1: C:\WINDOWS )

(next you get)
Type Administrator password :           (not User Account (Computer/Administrator) password but
                                                              default Administrator password)
                                                            (usually not set so just press Enter key & if not accepted
                                                             set Auto Logon to Recovery Console when Windows starts OK)
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Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 03-09-2004 01:05 PM

kqo8549,

If you are trying to use an HP Restore CD that is your problem. HP does not provide a full Windows XP on a CD. Dell does and since you don't have a Dell XP Reinstallation CD you will have to purchase one from a retail source.

Thank you for getting back to me. After a few days of tring to fine out how I could get a full restore disk for this Dell, With no luck. Dell should have them avable on there web sight. That's when I tryed to use my full HP restore disk that I was able to get stright off my HP conputer the day I bought it, for the coust of 8 disk. They restore the HP right back to the day you got it. Any ways I used a copy of Office 2000. it is cheper then a copy of XP. Either way using a new copy of  XP or 2000, I lost any support links that might have been on the Dell. But the computer is up running now with any problums. Thanks for all your help.