Problem with reformatting... Update - HELP!!! :-(

Question

Hey, I'm trying to reformat my computer, on my old computer you just put the CD in and reset and the process would start, so I did that with this one, only it didn't work it just didn't even acknowledge the CD was there, skipped it and carried on loading up... So then I tried running the CD from my computer but it said it can't continue due to this...'Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer is newer than the version on the CD. ' Then the details tell me... 'To install the version on the CD, restart your computer, boot from this CD, and follow the instructions for a new installation. ' Which is what I had done in the first part, anyone know whats up with this, how to fix it? Message Edited by Dan Mumford on 07-04-200603:29 PM

GreyMack · Answer

Booting from the Windows installation CD may not be as obvious as it seems. Check for details in this guide.   http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm   GM

redwolfe_98 · Answer

you did not say what model dell computer that you have...   see if there are instructions in your owner's manual and/or look at the 'reinstall guide' for your computer in 'dell support'..   with the newer dell's, there is a special 'raid' driver that has to be installed at the beginning of the installation process.. or, there may be a workaround for that where you make an adjustment in the bios settings.. the 'raid' driver is for the new sata harddrives..   also, the new dell's have a 'dell restore' feature that can restore the computer to like it was when if first came from the factory, so you might want to consider that before wiping the harddrive..   if you are going to wipe the harddrive, i would use some utility to 'debug' the harddrive.. here is a link to dell's harddrive 'debug'..   http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1011054&c=us&l=en&cs=&s=gen       Message Edited by redwolfe_98 on 01-08-2006 06:10 AM

Dan Mumford · Answer

Thanks! I give it a try and report back here later!

Dan Mumford · Answer

Ok cool, how do I go about doing that then?

redwolfe_98 · Answer

edited Message Edited by redwolfe_98 on 01-08-2006 07:06 AM

redwolfe_98 · Answer

ok dan, you are in good shape.. :)  with the 8300, you do not have to worry about the raid driver or 'dell restore'..   you need to adjust the bios settings, moving the cd-rom drive up to '1' (one) in the 'boot sequence' so that you can boot from the cd-rom drive with the win xp cd..

redwolfe_98 · Answer

to access the bios settings, press 'F2' as the computer is booting up..   if you don't press 'F2' quick enough, and so you do not access the bios settings, then try again..   then, in 'boot sequence', use the plus and minus keys to move the cd-rom drive up to '1' in the boot sequence.. there will be some instructions that you will see on the screen that might help you..   after doing a clean reinstall of win xp, you need to have a firewall running before reconnecting to the internet.. you can use the windows firewall, or install another firewall that you have saved to disks..

Dan Mumford · Answer

Is that just for PC's made after July 15, 2004? Because my Dimension 8300 was made before July 15, 2004, I got it in late 2003...

SitelTech · Answer

Easiest way to go about that without entering the BIOS.. is to just tap F12 at boot (as soon as you see the dell logo screen). TAP it about 3 times. That should produce a "Boot Device" menu. You will see a CD-ROM option in the list either "IDE CD-ROM" or "ON BOARD CD-ROM" (or for laptops "DVD/CDROM"). Choose whatever CD-ROM option you have. On the following screen, a message will appear "press any key to boot from cd" (inwhich you'd go ahead and do so).

Thats it.

jmwills · Answer

I always use the following procedure when reformatting at home and at work:

Delete all partitions (providing you have the data backed up). Create an initial partition of 20 gigs for the OS and programs which is PLENTY for 99.999% of all users. Install the OS there, apply all updates, anti-virus, spyware, etc. Create an Extended partition for personal needs for you data.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm#Install

Dimension 8300 with Windows XP Pro (SP2) -Intel P4 3.0 Ghz-1024mb PC2100 RAM - Disk 0: 80Gb Maxtor HDD (7200 RPM) - Disk 1: 80Gb HDD (7200 RPM) Samsung DVD 16x IDE -Sony DRU-510A DVD-/DVD+ DVDRW - Dell 18" Ultra Sharp Flat Panel - nVidia GeForce 5200 AGP 8x(128mb RAM) -Hauppauge Win350 TV Tuner/PVR - D-Link Gigabit NIC- HP LaserJet 1012 -Netgear DG 632 Modem- Linksys BEFW11S4 Router

Power Edge 600SC with Enterprise Server 2003 - P4 2.4Ghz - 640mb Ram - Disk 0: 60Gb Maxtor HDD (7200 RPM) -Disk1: 80Gb Maxtor HDD - Disk 2: 80Gb Maxtor Gb HDD - Disk 3: 80Gb Maxtor Gb HDD - 48xCDROM - Intel Pro 1000 Gigabit NIC

Inspiron 600m w/Windows Vista Beta 1 (Build 5112)
Dimension 2400 w/ XP Pro SP2
Dimension 4100 w/Server 2003 Standard
Garmin iQue M5 w/Windows 2003 Mobile

Microsoft Certified Professional / Microsoft Partner / Microsoft MVP Windows Server & Networking (04-06)

jmwills · Answer

Not necessarily especially with the video.  What you have described is the classic generic video driver being loaded rather than the equipment specific one you need.

Dan Mumford · Answer

If thats in reply to the startup problem, it was happening before the reformat aswell But if it's about the scrolling, I just assumed everything I needed would be installed in the reformat?

jmwills · Answer

Did you reinstall alll the drivers?  Chip Set, Video, Audio, and NIC in that order?

Dan Mumford · Answer

Hey, I reformatted and everything went fine!

I got another question/problem though, before the reformat, when I started up my computer it used to show a completely black screen with a blinking "_" icon every second in the top left corner, this would show for about 3-5 minutes before the computer would actually start properly.

I thought this would stop after the reformat but it's still happening, has anyone else experianced this, or know how to fix it?

...And also when I scroll down a page it scrolls strange like the screen is lagging and refreshing, I know this is something to do with the setting but I cant find where it is.

Thanks, Dan.

Denny Denham · Answer

Dan Mumford, The instructions for installing drivers on your system are available through the links here. As noted, the chipset drivers must be installed first.

Windows General

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