Skip to main content
Start a Conversation

Unsolved

This post is more than 5 years old

Derek57

6 Posts

110304

April 18th, 2007 08:00

Replacing Vista with XP

Can anyone help? I have been struggling over the past 3 weeks with Vista on a new Dimension 9200 - various instability & compatibility problems.
 
I decided to install XP and have followed the various tips & instructions, but still struggling. I have run Debug, FDISK & Format to thoroughly remove all traces of Vista and get back to a completely clean HD. However I simply cannot get XP to load up.
 
Am I missing something? Is their some compatibility issue with XP and the Bios version (DXP061 2.3.1)?

strich

15 Posts

April 18th, 2007 12:00

do you receive any error messages when trying to install XP? Do you just boot up with the XP disk in the drive and let it try to install?

hugs for Ziggy

4 Posts

April 18th, 2007 14:00


@Derek57 wrote:
Can anyone help? I have been struggling over the past 3 weeks with Vista on a new Dimension 9200 - various instability & compatibility problems.
I decided to install XP and have followed the various tips & instructions, but still struggling. I have run Debug, FDISK & Format to thoroughly remove all traces of Vista and get back to a completely clean HD. However I simply cannot get XP to load up.
Am I missing something? Is their some compatibility issue with XP and the Bios version (DXP061 2.3.1)?


Call Dell and tell them you want to return it and get a machine with XP instead. Trust me, they will accommodate you

tommyo1954

1.5K Posts

April 18th, 2007 14:00

" However I simply cannot get XP to load up. "
 
What exactly do you mean...  You sucessfully installed XP, but it won't (boot) load ?  Or...you cannot even install XP......  
 
Big difference between the two scenarios. Might be beneficial for someone to know so you can hopefully get some help.

Kaoz

8 Posts

April 18th, 2007 16:00

Derek you must be getting a bluescreen when trying to install XP on the Dimension 9200. 
 
Try this:
 

Step 1) Boot the Bios (On a DImension 9200, tap F12 immediately after turning on the computer)

Step 2) Go to "Device Setup"

Step 3 Scroll down to the "Sata" Heading and go to "Sata Operation."

Step 4 Change the setting to "RAID Autodetect/ATA."
 
Now try to install XP. 
 
Don't bother calling Dell Tech's Support.  They either don't know what the f8ck they are doing or they are refusing to tell consumers. the info. 
 
Regards,
 
Kaoz

Derek57

6 Posts

April 18th, 2007 18:00

Whoops try again. This is where I have got to.
 
1. Changed BIOS to RAID Autodetect/ATA
2. Run Debug, FDISK & Format to get a clean HD
3. Inserted XP CD and powered up PC:-
 
    • Press any key to boot from CD
    • Windows set-up screen appears with status line at bottom
    • Status line shows Windows set-up is loading various drivers
    • Starting Windows message appears
    • After 20 secs or so blue screen appears with following message:- 

'If this is the first time you have seen this stop error screen restart your computer. If this screen appears again follow these steps:Check for viruses. Remove any newly installed hard drives or hard drive controllers. Check your hard drive to make sure it is properly configured & terminated. Run CHKDISK to check for hard drive corruption and then restart your computer.'

Stop: 0x0000007B (0xF78D2524, 0xC0000034, 0x00000000, 0x00000000).

4. Restarted PC and exactly the same as in 3 happened.

5. Restarted PC in DOS and ran CHKDISK & SCANDISK and no errors reported.

6. Next .....?????

Kaoz

8 Posts

April 18th, 2007 19:00

Hmm... that's interesting because it worked for me.
 
Okay try this:  Download the Intel Matrix Storage Manager and extract it on to a floppy.  Then run the XP install again and press F6 to install additional drivers.
 
Intel Matrix Storage Manager:

cprieto87

2 Posts

April 18th, 2007 19:00

Koaz:  You're a GOD!  I was having similar problem with rolling back a Vista machine to XP  - changed the SATA drive and voila XP loads!  Yeah - I called Dell Support, and they were useless.
 
confused and bewildered

Derek57

6 Posts

April 18th, 2007 21:00

Downloaded the file onto disk and then inserted when prompted. Pressed enter as instructed, but nothing happened, almost as if it couldnt recognise the disk. Rebooted the PC in DOS just to check if the CD drive could see the files on the disk that I burnt and I can see them.
 
Getting very frustrated!!!!!

Kaoz

8 Posts

April 19th, 2007 13:00

Derek you are certain that that you set "RAID Autodetect/ATA" in the bios correct?
 
What version of XP are you using?  The one with SP2?  If you are using the older version I believe you have to download the sata driver on to a floppy.  Then when you boot off of the XP CD remember to press F6 to install additional drivers.  I'm not sure if the driver will will off of a CD.  I've never done it that way.  If you don't have a floppy drive go buy one real quick and try it just to test it out.  You can always return the floppy drive whether it will work or not.  Buy the USB floppy drive so that way you don't have pry open your PC.
 
I totally understand your frustrations. 
 
Goodluck!
 
-Kaoz

Derek57

6 Posts

April 19th, 2007 15:00

Yet it is SP2, and am going out to buy floppy drive tonight. I'll let you know if I get anywhere.
Thanks for all your help.
Derek

Kaoz

8 Posts

April 20th, 2007 13:00

Hi there.  Hmm.. I hate to say this but you will probably find more problems with Vista just like I did.  That's why I reverted back to Windows XP. 
I have never tried doing a duel boot and probably don't recommend it if you are using your computer composing music for a living. 
I would just stick with Windows XP and since you know that your soundcard works well with it.
 
Going back to XP is just my opinion.  Please see what other people say as well.

soveryconfused

5 Posts

April 20th, 2007 13:00

Oh my it seems like others are struggling with exactly the same problem as I. My Dell Dimension 9200 arrived with Vista, however, I compose music for a living, and in order use a specialist soundcard made by M-Audio-however, M-audio currently have no Vista Drivers grrr. So I decided to set up a dual boot with both XP and Vista, however, I have had exactly the same problems-I get the scary blue message screen, then I cry lol. Tech support were not particlulaly useful either, and am rather scared, as while I am good at using my software on my computer, I am no expert on the technical side of things. Likewise my computer has no floppy drive, for the drivers,I have tried the switching thing in the bios-without success and I just don't have a clue what to do. My computer is what I rely on to do my job Any thoughts? Thanks so much

soveryconfused

5 Posts

April 20th, 2007 14:00

Hey Kaoz thanks for your thoughts That does sound like an good plan, and I was more than happy with XP on my old machine- however, will I not encounter the same problem? because with Vista pre-installed on my new machine, it would appear I am stuck with it, as this horrible problem with the blue screen of death is halting my attempts to install XP. If I could get to the point of installation of XP I could then wipe off vista at the same time

Kelli Mariah

1 Message

April 20th, 2007 16:00

Kaoz,
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you.  XP is installing as "we speak".  I too, visited Dell Tech Support and they didn't have a clue.  I would think this would be much more common and they would be aware of it to the extent that, at worst, they would spread the info for the "fix" to all their techs.
 
Kelli

Kaoz

8 Posts

April 20th, 2007 16:00

Okay here is the solution that has worked for many people:
 
Step 1:  Boot the Bios (On a DImension 9200, tap F2 immediately after turning on the computer)

Step 2:  Go to "Device Setup"

Step 3:  Scroll down to the "Sata" Heading and go to "Sata Operation."

Step 4:  Change the setting to "RAID Autodetect/ATA."
 
Step 5:  Boot off of the Windows XP CD and do your install
 
If these steps don't work you may have to download the Sata driver from dell's website and put it on a floppy.  If your PC doesn't come with a floppy drive go out and buy a USB floppy drive. You can return it after you are done. 
 
After you've download the driver on to a floppy boot off of the XP cd again and remember to press F6 to install additional drivers.
 
Here is the link for the sata driver:
 
Oh and one thing to note, if this is your only PC at home with access to the internet I recommend that you at least download all the appropriate drivers for XP first before wiping your system.  At least download your network card driver so that you can access the internet.
 
Goodluck!
 
-Kaoz
 
 

Was this post helpful?

View All

No Events found!

Top