Optiplex GX110 win 2000 to XP Pro

What are the specs?  (Processor & Memory to be specific)

hi,  yes, should have been more specific -

PIII - 800 Mhz, Cache 256 KB, BIOS A05

Bus Speed 133 Mhz, Processor ID 686, Clock Speed 800 Mhz

At least I can get to the F2 - setup

Just wondering if this might be a virus

 

 

How much RAM?  I am guessing 128mb which is going to be a msierable experince for you with XP.  At a minimum, you will need 256 to run smoothly.  The processor is okay but you are going to be at the low end of the scale.

XP Pro runs fine on my GX110 SFF with a 500 Mhz processor.  It actually worked OK when set to "Adjust for best performance" with 128 MB of RAM, but it'll work much better with at least 256.  (384 is better still.)  In any event, setting to "Adjust for best performance" results in a big improvement, when working with processors of 800 Mhz or less.

I'd recommend updating the BIOS to the most recent version available prior to attempting to install XP, too, as that will have an effect on how easily it installs.

flooby & jmwills,, it is 128 MB ram - BIOS - is this a driver situation ? , thanks for the input and suggestions, will follow this thru during the next day or 2.

 

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@Warburg wrote:

BIOS - is this a driver situation ?

If you mean is a BIOS something that a driver addresses, no.  The BIOS is what tells the system how to start long before the operating system ever figures into the equation, but how well it does what it's supposed to do depends to an extent on which operating system it's being told to factor into things.  Since the GX110 predates XP by some time, there are things that the BIOS should be configured to identify and work with in the new OS environment, and updating the BIOS to the most recent version (A09) ahead of time will make it much easier for Windows XP to perform properly on the older hardware.

Under normal circumstances, you should find that you won't need to install much in the way of drivers beyond what's native to XP.  In the case of my GX110, XP recognized and installed NIC, audio and display drivers automatically.

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http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=PLX_PNT_P03_GX110&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=162&typecnt=1&releaseid=R55317&vercnt=7

I'd recommend the floppy version (BR55317.exe).

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BIOS

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As far as your current 128MB of RAM, I'd recommend increasing that to at least 256MB.  As was mentioned before, 384MB will work even better.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/MemConfigProductListing.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&ManufactSelection=694&FamilySelection=OptiPlex&ModelSelection=57517

On that old of a model, XP should load all the necessary drivers that are needed.

thanks, I have checked out a new HD - 40 GB - , and the new RAM link you guys have given will help also - 256 MB - with the current one will be plenty ,, have also downloaded the drivers mentioned.. should be in good shape with this machine when everything arrives.. will contact when up and running.

G.A.Pedersen, Warburg.

 

 

hi again, I have access to a 256 MB ram chip, speed 133 .. would this be OK .. The current is a PC 100 - 322 - 620 (thats the 128MB) -- and could they be used together.

Also , are there any other items I should address before I pick up the new HD etc. Drivers etc, or will XP take care of those??

G.A.P

Message Edited by Warburg on 03-17-2006 01:49 AM

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@Warburg wrote:

hi again, I have access to a 256 MB ram chip, speed 133 .. would this be OK .. The current is a PC 100 - 322 - 620 (thats the 128MB) -- and could they be used together.

Also , are there any other items I should address before I pick up the new HD etc. Drivers etc, or will XP take care of those??

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As long as it can be verified that the RAM was manufactured specifically for an Optiplex GX110 and not some other system, it should work, otherwise, no. 

As for other items pending, if you haven't updated the BIOS yet, that still needs addressing, particularly if you're going to be adding hardware along with a new operating system.  Under normal circumstances, it's a good idea to update the BIOS before making other changes, so that all the new stuff gets recognized properly following installation.

Hello again, -- Have loaded the new bios, installed the memory upgrade to 256, installed the new HD 80GB , and finally installed the XP Pro ,,, Its up and running..

This machine will be primarly used for email access - dial up no less - out in the boonies.. Tried testing the connection tonite - seems the modem is out of whack, Does this need new drivers ?? Its a US Robotics 56000

Thanks

Check the Devcie manager to macke sure everything was installed.  Right Click My Computer , go to properties, and then to the Hardware Tab.  Push the Device Manager Tab and if there are no Yellow Exclamation marks, then your probelm is a configuration error with the modem, not an installation one.

I've seen XP choke on more USR modems than any other brand, and you may have a heck of a time locating good drivers for it if they're not native to XP, since support for most of the older models is virtually nonexistent.  You may be better off just grabbing a Zoom modem from Staples and going with that.  Chances are it'll be faster than that old USR, too.

By the same token, modems are often the first thing to fail due to current spikes, etc., so yours may very well be mechanically incapable of working, regardless of which drivers are installed.