Reinstalling Windows XP

Question

Have had major problems with my dimension 2400 so decided to reinstall windows XP. All goes well, progress bar is working fine then it gets to 57% and then says 'setup cannot copy the file p3.sys' and you have the option to skip file or retry, retry doesn't work, and skipping obviously isn't recommended but out of curiosity I skipped and it continues until it comes across a load more files that it can't install. Meaning windows doesn't install correctly, what can I do???? Please help! Also tried to do a full system restore when you press ctrl and F11 together upon startup but it refuses to work, help!!

Mary G · Answer

Are you booting to the windows cd? That error usually occurs when you try to reinstall from within Windows. You cannot do that. Directions: http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm#Install As far as PC Restore is concerned: Control+F11 must be pressed at first dell screen before Windows loads.

Ronaldeano · Answer

Yes, I'm booting to the windows CD.

I then enter to setup Windows and select a partition, it then starts but then the warnings come up saying it can't install the files although the cd is in the drive.

I am pressing ctrl and f11 but it just says keyboard error!

sparkenh · Answer

According to here, keyboard error will occur if you press the keys more than once.

jmwills · Answer

I have seen that same file refuse to load also, at times.  Make sure the disc is clean or borrow one from a friend.

Ronaldeano · Answer

I am only pressing ctrl and F11 once, releasing them at exactly the same time as it says - and it says keyboard failure everytime. I do have another windows cd i could use, i'll try that

jmwills · Answer

You are confusing two different restore types.  By hitting F11 at post, you are activating the built in System Restore that delivers your machine back to 'as delivered' status.   When you boot from the CD/DVD, you are either allowing a Repiar Install or a clean (format the hard drive) install.

Ronaldeano · Answer

cheers, i'll give that a go.

jmwills · Answer

All of your drivers are located here.  A video card is just a piece of hardware and need a driver (software) to tell it how to communicate with the operating system. (you received a Resource CD when you purchased the system..the drivers are on there).  XP may not have the most correct drivers for your video card that's why you need to install the drivers from the link.  ChipSet>Video>Network>Audio, other.   You now have all of the information needed to do a complete reinstall.  Install your Anti-Virus and enable the Windows Firewall BEFORE you connect to the internet.

Ronaldeano · Answer

Yes, I recognise this.

But my system is so funked that I need to do a full system restore.

Anyway, using a different Windows disc worked fine but upon startup the screen settings were wrong, was only showing in 600x400 16 colour bit, and wouldn't change, and was unable to do anything like 'update driver' or anything that could change the state of it.

So I went into display settings > settings > advanced > adapter > and in my frustration changed the properties of it to 'disabled' so now the screen won't load at all.

Tried a few different screens, all with plug and play capabilities, and none work!!!

Please help!

Ronaldeano · Answer

sorry, but I'm confused, how would I be able to install the video cards etc if they came as standard and therefore I do not have any CDs or anything to use to update these?

jmwills · Answer

You obviously did not read the link provided by MaryG. After you install the OS, you have to install the Chipset driver, Video, network, audio, etc in that order.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm#Install

The install you did was probably fine, you just didn't finish it.

Driver Installation:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&cs=19&docid=1A0C0937D62A8739E0401E0A55174744&journalid=4F1F82483DC811DBAE564F9328EE04A4&l=en&s=gen

Message Edited by jmwills on 10-28-2006 12:16 PM

jmwills · Answer

Just post back for any further help.

Ronaldeano · Answer

Ok, all went fine, PC is up and running.   Two problems though:   1) Becuase I've used a different CD to re-install windows it will not recognise the product code, meaning I can't register Windows!!   2) My keyboard is setup for US or something because the keys are all messed up - how can I correct this??

npd424 · Answer

After you have used your operating system cd to install xp TAKE IT OUT.  Look for your 'utilities and drivers' cd-it should say 'resource' cd on it. Insert it and follow the prompts to install your drivers as listed in the order above-start with the chipset drivers and go from there.

Ronaldeano · Answer

update: was able to validate windows, I rang them, all went fine.   Still have the problem with the keyboard though!!

Windows General

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