reinstalling xp

Did you 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.

 

See this for the stop error:

 

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;324103

 

Using fdisk may have contributed . . you can format using the XP CD . . you do not need any other boot disc.

 

This is a good guide for reinstalling on a Dell:  http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm

 

wrs