Trying to re-install XP, having difficulty.

Question

Greetings, all. I'm not computer illiterate, but this situation is making me feel like I am. I am attempting to re-install windows XP onto my Dell Dimension that I recieved last year as a Christmas Gift.  I decided to re-install after several people (ie: the people who purchased the computer and programs for me and therefore considered it theirs) loaded so much junk onto the computer... that I finally password protected the system and began uninstalling programs that I did not load and did not want onto the computer.  My major gripe was performance speed.  Anyway -- apparantly I must have uninstalled something that I needed because within the last two weeks the computer ran like molasses.  So, I decided to start at the beginning.  My fiancee told me to simply reinstall with the Dell XP Home reinstallation disc, and that I would probably have to restart the computer with the disc in the drive before it would start the program to reinstall.  (And then to follow the instructions onscreen)I did that, after also following some tips and instructions that I found on a link in one of the posts on this message board. About 3 minutes into the supposed reinstall, I got a blue screen that said the following:  'A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.. Process1_initialization_failed' It was followed by a few more error messages and code, as well, it informed me to unplug any USB port items.  I had no idea what extras that included so I unplugged the printer from the tower.  I tried loading again, no dice... same message. All I do is play computer games in my spare time, which is not very much... and use the internet for work and email.  I just wanted to reinstall XP... what do I do now? Any help and/or tips are appreciated.  My direct email is MissJen89032@hotmail.com for those who would rather contact me there, though I will read the boards. Thank you, Jennifer

robnalex · Answer

Jennifer-

Did you actually 'boot' the computer from the CD? If so, others more knowlegable than me will be along soon to help. Here are excellent instructions for performing a clean installation:

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

Rob

gryjhnhpe · Answer

You this link & select XP Home or PRO then method , ie: Used Hard Drive has text & large pictures of Clean Install.
http://www.windowsreinstall.com/

Use this link for Clean Install of XP , if you click on Pictures they Expand for easy view
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html (Delete existing partition at step 10b for Clean Install)

or use this link ( *** Delete existing partition at step 5 for Clean Install ***)
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

Clean Install deletes existing partition (like FDISK) & Formats HD during Install of Windows XP from XP CD.
Set BIOS to use CD-ROM as 1st boot device usually by pressing F2 during boot (startup).
Then restart the computer & you should get "press any key to boot from CD"
only do this for the 1st message , let subsequent messages time-out to Setup from Windows.

Denny Denham · Answer

MissJen89032,

Any of the links that gryjhnhhpe provided will take you through the installation process. For a bit more specific information on how to set your CD-ROM drive as the first boot device in BIOS (which is required before you begin to install XP) see this.

Athena28 · Answer

Hi,

I've been where you are. I've done it several times. You also may have to reinstall the drivers. What I suggest you do, if you're still having trouble, is call Dell. I know they can be difficult sometimes or you might feel ill at ease; but they will stay with you the entire time (and it can take hours) on the phone that it takes to reinstall XP. They'll also walk you through reinstalling the drivers, if necessary, and even Microsoft Works, if for some reason that needs to be reinstalled too. (You can probably tell I've [unfortunately] had a lot of experience at this).

Best of Luck,

Athena

Inspiron 4150

Windows XP

Home Edition

4- M CPU

1.70 GHz

837 MHZ

512 MB of RAM

_________________________________________________________________________________

Maybourne, you are an idiot everyday of the week. Why couldn't you have taken just one day off?!?"

MissJen89032 · Answer

Thank you to all who posted a reply. On all of the links that everyone provided, I followed the steps for a 'clean' install, etc but still got to the same place every time. On most sites, where I was given the 'steps' follow, I was only able to get to step 2 (where it would be installing the files and drivers) and then I would get my error screen.

I think my best bet at this point, would be to talk to Dell's tech support, as Athena mentioned -- where I can explain to them exactly what is happening, when and where.

Thank you again everyone, and have a great Holiday :)

Jennifer

Kanuk001 · Answer

If you are having this type of problem, some things to try ...

1) If you have a permanent Internet connection (DSL or otherwise) try disconnecting it for the duration of the install.

2) If you have multiple USB connected devices (printer, scanner, camera, etc.) try disconnecting them also.

It seems the install is having problems determining what hardware you have connected.

gryjhnhpe · Answer

MissJen89032 wrote: Thank you to all who posted a reply. On all of the links that everyone provided, I followed the steps for a 'clean' install, etc but still got to the same place every time. On most sites, where I was given the 'steps' follow, I was only able to get to step 2 (where it would be installing the files and drivers) and then I would get my error screen.

I assume the screen is "Setup is loading files" & the file being loaded is shown at the bottom of screen.

If so it could be a Hardware fault so try booting from the Dell Drivers & Utilities (Resource) CD which contains the DELL Diagnostics.
Select boot from CD.

MissJen89032 · Answer

I was on the phone part of the evening today with Dell, who was excellent in resolving my problems and helping me reinstall. They helped me figure out some other problems that were underlying, as well. I was amazed and learned a lot :)

Thanks everyone for your info! My computer is running soundly and I couldn't be happier.

Jennifer

Athena28 · Answer

Good for you! I'm glad they helped.

Athena

Inspiron 4150

Windows XP

Home Edition

4- M CPU

1.70 GHz

837 MHZ

512 MB of RAM

____________________________________

"Maybourne, you are an idiot everyday of the week. Why couldn't you have taken just one day off?!?"

_

Windows General

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