Install Windows XP

Gail 1,

 

Definitely,  this post is being typed on my bench testing Dell 4100 (512Mb Ram, two 80Gb HDs, 16/52x DVD/CD R/W, USB 2.0 & Firewire card, S3 Trio 3D, Dlink Airplus 520)  If you haven't done so already, you will need to update BIOS for XP SP2.  Runs XP SP1a with no problem as shipped in 2000.

 

You definitely need to do a clean install of XP.  Delete Me's FAT32 partition, repartition and format as NTFS with XP.

 

Can't remember right off hand where Me's Outlook Express folder is located.  Do a file search for *.dbx.  Once you find them, make a note of the Outlook Express folder location.  Also do a file search for the *.wab if you want to move your Outlook Express Address Book to XP.  Copy the Outlook Express folder(s) and Address Book(s) to a CD using your CD-burning software.  If you are running Outlook Express 6.0 or 6.1 on your Me platform, you're in luck.   There's a simple way to get them into XP.

 

Let me know if need additional info.

 

Tony

 

 

I too have a 4100 loaded with XP . . there is a BIOS update for XP in the Drivers and Downloads, If you can find it for a reasonable price, adding another 256Mb of Ram will make a noticeable improvement in performance.

 

To install XP, 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.

 

If you are using an upgrade version installation CD, you'll also need a CD with an older operating system ( Windows 98SE or Windows ME ) to complete the install. Also Make sure you have the 25-digit product code for the Windows XP CD.

 

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:
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

 

Xp will load drivers for the devfices that came on the 4100 with a possible exception of the Modem, which you can download and install.  

 

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.

 

If you want to save your files and settings, you can use the XP Files and Settings Transfer (FAST) wizard to create an image of them and save to cd or other removable media.  These are good guides to using the FAST wizard. Just be sure you have an up-to-date antivirus before you

re-instate them!

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_fstw.asp
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm

 

Good luck and have fun . . .