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Trying to install Windows 10 on a Dell dimension E521 through USB
I got a Dell dimension from my uncle who didn't want it so I opened her up and when I did I got a message with a black screen that said \windows\system32\config\system missing or corrupt. So I tried downloading windows 10 on a USB flash drive plugged it in and it didn't change anything. I read somewhere to try all USB ports boot it up and check didn't do much I changed the order of the setup so it would acknowledge the USB it said it was (not present) and I looked into the internet for help tried most of the stuff came up empty so now I am posting this for help. Please and thank you.
speedstep
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June 6th, 2019 08:00
Older Devices will not work with WIN10 USB F12 boot.
You MUST USE USB 2.0 DVD drive and or USB2 Flash Drive.
Size of this media must be AT LEAST 16 GIGS and NO MORE Than 32 Gigs.
Since this is such an old unit you may also require 32 bit media.
Unless you have Pentium D 915 PRESSLER CPU or higher you wont be able to use 64 bit media. Earlier Smithfield 800 Series only works with 32 bit media for windows 8 or 10.
You need to use an OEM System Builder DVD to F12 boot from.
Windows 10 is not supported on these models.
That DOES NOT MEAN NOT WORKING just means Not supported.
Works fine but you must use vista or windows 7 drivers because 8 and 10 drivers DO NOT EXIST for these models from 2006.
https://www.newegg.com/microsoft-windows-10-home-64-bit-installation-recovery-disc-only-no-license-key-included/p/N82E16832350237
Philip_Yip
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June 23rd, 2019 01:00
That is a Legacy Model and has a Legacy BIOS. The USB must use the MBR Partition Scheme and be NTFS Formatted (e.g. with Rufus). Also the Processor may not be compatible with 64 Bit on that model so you might want to try 32 Bit Windows 10.
DinuG
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July 8th, 2019 11:00
Why dont you go ahead and install the OEM version of windows that came with the system and then upgrade to windows 10
There has always been Windows 10 available at no cost, to upgrade from previous Windows or to do a Clean Install. You will need a Windows 7, or 8 product Key to activate. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...load/windows10
Philip_Yip
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July 8th, 2019 22:00
This model is from 2006-2007 so would have shipped with Windows XP or Windows Vista which are not eligible for a Free Upgrade to Windows 10.
speedstep
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July 10th, 2019 04:00
2006 MACHINES do work with windows 10. HOWEVER unless they have AT LEAST PENTIUM D 915 CPU they only run 32 BIT VERSION of windows.
Optiplex GX620 or XPS 400 from 2006 with pentium D 915 works just fine with windows 7 or 8 or 10.
Not supported but it works.
USB installs however almost never work.
OEM system Builder DVD's work when you meet minimum hardware requirements.
Given that this system came with XP or Vista however its not worth upgrading.
Ubuntu 18.04.2 works fine on these machines.
http://releases.ubuntu.com/18.04/ubuntu-18.04.2-desktop-amd64.iso
Little joecool.
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March 22nd, 2024 21:51
I think you can install it but you definitely need a 64 bit processor . Win 7 came with 64 bits for those computers . So install a window 7 64 bit is first .then try to download Windows 10 if that works? Just upgrade the free window 11 from Microsoft and unless you need to do a bypass installation? Everything should work fine after your install of win 10 . But if you have to do a bypass installation then you may not get all of the needed updates required. But it has been done before. Trial and error......dell makes great systems so give it a try .