not a good way to do this. better to delete the big partition on your hard drive and create a new one, then format ntfs and go from there.

Ok, i reboot my computer, i insert the windows xp pro installation Cd, change the boot order, then when the setup starts, i press F6 to load the SATA driver, then it freezes in the stage that prompts what u want to, do, "Install Win Xp -- press enter","Reinstall Win Xp - press R" ...., in that stage is where it freezes. After that stage is where u format the partitions.

did you delete and create a new patiton? or are you trying to install win over one already installed?

I am trying to install over windows xp home (the one tha came with the PC), my computer is a Dimension 9100.

how about ctrl+f11 key at the dell.com blue screen?

You told me that i better format the existing partition, before trying to install windows xp, how can i do that?

?

well, when i press F12 at bios loading, it displays various options, one says, "Boot partition utility" or something like that, but i dont know, because, if i format there my existing paritition, and then i get the same error at windows setup, i will be in big trouble, because i wouldnt have windows anymore.

Yes, a maxtor 250 Gb, where do u say, that i should format the existing parition.

when you boot from the cd you get that option, but you say it freeze, what happens if you dont load the sata drivers?

i guess you has a SATA drive?

go to bootdisk.com and get a win98se bootdisk and boot to a floopy or make a botable cd and fdisk the big partition on the drive. if this system was purchased after july 15 2004 you should have pc restore option on bootup. ctr+f11 when you see the blue dell.com.

well then if you hold down the ctrl key and once you see the blue del keep hitting the f11 you should get to the pc restore screen.