i did that and they sent me two cd's. i tried them both in my laptop after the error message came up to try and put them in to see if they would work. they did not. i have no idea what to do now. my brother said something about pressing an "F#" key to boot the program so it would run. but he couldn't remember what it was. this is so frustrating. dell has been super helpful, it's just my laptop is a piece of you know what!

 

i know this is confusing:smileyindifferent:, but i'd appreciate any feedback. thank you!

Don't know if you've solved your problem. If not read this:

 

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&docid=C04525C21BE449A49EBF23FECB79AC6C

 

You'll need the XP Installation CD.

 

Ron

HI Ron,

Thank you for the link.

I am still having problems.

 

I checked out that linked and that's exactly what is wrong with my laptop.

 

This is what Dell sent me.

 

1) Reinstallation CD - Microsoft Windows XP HOme Edition Service Pack 2

 

2) For Reinstalling Dell Tools System Software

 

I put both of them in and they did not work. I assumed the #1 was the cd that would work, yet it did not. Did they send me the wrong one? I am so frustrated. Thank you for helping.

You have to boot from the ReInstallation CD

 

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