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July 30th, 2008 18:00
Problem to reinstall window XP Pro.
Problem with windows xp Pro.
Hi, all,
I updated my OS from Win 2000 Pro to Win XP pro (using upgrade but not reinstall), I have some problem using windows xp, but it seems that I could not reinstall (clean install) windows xp. I am wondering if I can get some help here.
System:
Dell Dimension 4100, 800 MHz CPU, 512 MB RAM, 3 HDs, C:\, E:\ and F:\, floppy drive: A:\, and CD-ROM drive: D:\, I upgraded Windows XP Pro SP2 from Win 2000.
Sympton:
(1) After boot up, Windows XP could not use floppy drive. I inserted a disk and tried to access it, XP showed a msg: "Please insert a disk in A:\".
1.1 Checking the drivers for floppy drive indicated it worked properly and driver was up-to-date, the floppy disk controller is Intel 82801BA LPC controller.
1.2 The floppy disk is fine with other PC;
(2) I tried to format the C:\, using the XP installation disc, but I could not do so since the System would not boot from CD-ROM or floppy drive. I changed the BIOS boot sequence but it could not help.
(2.1) after boot up using HD XP, the CD-ROM worked fine
(2.2) checking the driver of the CD-ROM showed no problem;
(2.3) changed with another CD-ROM drive which worked fine on another PC, I had the same problem;
(2.4) The Win XP installation CD worked fine on other PC, i.e., could boot.
Solution wanted:
I updated my OS from Win 2000 Pro to Win XP pro (using upgrade but not reinstall), I have some problem using windows xp, but it seems that I could not reinstall (clean install) windows xp. I am wondering if I can get some help here.
System:
Dell Dimension 4100, 800 MHz CPU, 512 MB RAM, 3 HDs, C:\, E:\ and F:\, floppy drive: A:\, and CD-ROM drive: D:\, I upgraded Windows XP Pro SP2 from Win 2000.
Sympton:
(1) After boot up, Windows XP could not use floppy drive. I inserted a disk and tried to access it, XP showed a msg: "Please insert a disk in A:\".
1.1 Checking the drivers for floppy drive indicated it worked properly and driver was up-to-date, the floppy disk controller is Intel 82801BA LPC controller.
1.2 The floppy disk is fine with other PC;
(2) I tried to format the C:\, using the XP installation disc, but I could not do so since the System would not boot from CD-ROM or floppy drive. I changed the BIOS boot sequence but it could not help.
(2.1) after boot up using HD XP, the CD-ROM worked fine
(2.2) checking the driver of the CD-ROM showed no problem;
(2.3) changed with another CD-ROM drive which worked fine on another PC, I had the same problem;
(2.4) The Win XP installation CD worked fine on other PC, i.e., could boot.
Solution wanted:
(1) How to reinstall Windows XP clean? I am willing to replace the C drive with a new Hard disk if needed.
(2) How to be able to boot from the CD-ROM?
(3) How to make the floppy drive work?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Message Edited by mntdew on 07-30-2008 02:23 PM
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simpswr
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July 30th, 2008 18:00
First . . there is a BIOS update for the 4100 to make it compatible with XP. You should upgrade to that.
Then, 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
XP will load the drivers for the devices that came on the 4100, you may need to load drivdrs for anything that has been added.
After the installation, you will need to download and install SP-3, while windows is clean. Prior to connecting to the internet be sure you enable the XP firewall.
For help entering BIOS: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm