1) You do not need a startup disk to reinstall Windows XP. Instructions for the process are
here. Formatting is a part of the installation.
2) Yes, you will remove all the information on your hard disk when it is formatted. You should have CDs with copies of all preinstalled software as well as drivers for your system's peripherals. If not, drivers can be downloaded through the Downloads tab above this forum. If you purchased the laptop used without the CDs that it came with you will have to purchase new copies of all that software retail.
3) Formatting with a retail Windows XP is exactly the same as formatting with a Dell Reinstallation XP, because the copies of Windows XP are identical.
1. Will reinstalling my Windows XP Professional completely clear my Hard Drive with all the pervious owners information on it or not? I need to have a clean Hard Drive!
2. How would I find out what was preinstalled on this laptop?
3. Also, what would I be able to get away with if I only had what Dell offers in downloads without having to PAY for the original software without damaging my system when I format it? :o)
You could find out what's on the drive by first installing XP as a dual boot system and then access the 98 information and then redo a clean install to wipe the drive clean.
A clean install of XP will remove all the previous owners information from the hard disk. However, I just reread your post and note that the notebook has 64MB RAM. This is not sufficient for running Windows XP. Microsoft says that 64MB is "supported" but your system will not run properly with less than 128MB RAM and will not run well with less than 256MB.
It really makes no difference what software was originally preinstalled on the system, as you will not be able to replace it without the program CDs. You will be able to download drivers for the system from Dell but they will be for operating systems other than Windows XP.
Hi Denny,
1. I have notice that my laptop is not running good meaning as in very slow do to the 64 MB RAM. However, I will be adding more RAM this weekend so that won't be a problem that I know of. Thanks for noticing that!
2. Okay I understand that it makes no difference what software was preinstalled on my system when I bought it USED. I do own a CD of WINDOWS XP Pro which I am going to use to do new install. I think I was confused between software and Operating system info for Dell system sorry.
Therefore, I guess my next question would be.
3. Could you tell me exactly what OPERATING SYSTEM DOWLOADS other than DRIVERS for my Dell Laptop would I need? This would be a great help since I'm am not that smart with knowledge of computer language. I did look at the online manual but I still would not know which items I need for operating system not software?
P.S giggling here, you still didn't answer my post question on what is the difference between BOOT DISK and START-UP DISK?
Thanks for the information though I would not know how to dual boot even my own shoes let alone a computer. If you have any information on my last post that would be helpful and appreciated.
Could you tell me exactly what OPERATING SYSTEM DOWLOADS other than DRIVERS for my Dell Laptop would I need? This would be a great help since I'm am not that smart with knowledge of computer language. I did look at the online manual but I still would not know which items I need for operating system not software?
You should update the system BIOS to the latest available for the system before beginning to install XP. After you have installed Windows XP and the system drivers your system is completely configured to operate. There are no other downloads from Dell available or required. At that point you can install any applications you wish to use on the system.
P.S giggling here, you still didn't answer my post question on what is the difference between BOOT DISK and START-UP DISK?
For Windows 9X systems an emergency boot diskette and a start-up disk are terms used interchangeably. Since Windows XP is on a bootable CD, a boot diskette is not required unless the system it is going to be installed on does not support booting from the CD-ROM drive, but all Dell systems do support that.
Denny's reply to my questions was:
You should update the system BIOS to the latest available for the system before beginning to install XP. After you have installed Windows XP and the system drivers your system is completely configured to operate. There are no other downloads from Dell available or required. At that point you can install any applications you wish to use on the system.
My Relpy: First thanks for the answer on Start-up and Boot disks.
Yes I do need to update my BIOS, but you said before I install XP. Well, XP is already on the Laptop with no updates that I can find.
Let me start again with this: This is a "Used Dell Laptop" I just bought. I have not used it other than to check out what kind of system it is.
I don't even have a internet connection setup on it at this moment or I would have Dell examine it online and help me out.
Now, I am working on my "Desktop" online searching for information on how to--- Format this Dell Laptop and not lose the OS and Utilities that makes it work.
I don't have the Original Restore CD's that normally come with a computer when you buy them NEW. I want a Clean Hard Drive so I can do a NEW INSTALL OF XP PRO that I bought (retail). This is what brought me to this Forum looking for help. What do I need to Backup before I format and start all over besides Drivers or is that all?
Thanks for your help
Message Edited by Little Mom on 03-12-2004 02:04 AM
Message Edited by Little Mom on 03-12-2004 02:04 AM
I keep answering questions in the wrong thread. See
this in response to another post of yours.
You cannot format the computer without losing everything currently installed. Windows XP will have drivers for some of your peripherals and I believe the chipset drivers are native to XP. You cannot back up the drivers from their existing locations on the hard disk. They must be installed, like applications.
Denny, Laughing I thought you were answering the wrong thread thats okay....
Thanks for all the helpful suggestions that this thread has given me.
I went ahead and just boot up with XP CD and did a new INSTALL of XP PRO that way it just re-writes over the the OLD installation. I just started this so I'll let you know what happens... Don't know yet if I made the right choice or not guess time will tell.
However, what do you think Denny will this keep all the perious owners junk of the Hard Drive or will it still be gooped up with junk and just take up more space on the HD?
If you deleted the C:\ partition then recreated it and formatted it during the installation, the hard disk will contain nothing but Windows XP after the installation is complete. If you did not format during the installation, the hard drive will still contain the previous owner's information.
Denny Denham
2 Intern
•
18.8K Posts
0
March 9th, 2004 03:00
1) You do not need a startup disk to reinstall Windows XP. Instructions for the process are here. Formatting is a part of the installation.
2) Yes, you will remove all the information on your hard disk when it is formatted. You should have CDs with copies of all preinstalled software as well as drivers for your system's peripherals. If not, drivers can be downloaded through the Downloads tab above this forum. If you purchased the laptop used without the CDs that it came with you will have to purchase new copies of all that software retail.
3) Formatting with a retail Windows XP is exactly the same as formatting with a Dell Reinstallation XP, because the copies of Windows XP are identical.
Little Mom
10 Posts
0
March 9th, 2004 05:00
1. Will reinstalling my Windows XP Professional completely clear my Hard Drive with all the pervious owners information on it or not? I need to have a clean Hard Drive!
2. How would I find out what was preinstalled on this laptop?
3. Also, what would I be able to get away with if I only had what Dell offers in downloads without having to PAY for the original software without damaging my system when I format it? :o)
jmwills
2 Intern
•
12K Posts
0
March 9th, 2004 10:00
Denny Denham
2 Intern
•
18.8K Posts
0
March 9th, 2004 13:00
A clean install of XP will remove all the previous owners information from the hard disk. However, I just reread your post and note that the notebook has 64MB RAM. This is not sufficient for running Windows XP. Microsoft says that 64MB is "supported" but your system will not run properly with less than 128MB RAM and will not run well with less than 256MB.
It really makes no difference what software was originally preinstalled on the system, as you will not be able to replace it without the program CDs. You will be able to download drivers for the system from Dell but they will be for operating systems other than Windows XP.
Little Mom
10 Posts
0
March 10th, 2004 05:00
1. I have notice that my laptop is not running good meaning as in very slow do to the 64 MB RAM. However, I will be adding more RAM this weekend so that won't be a problem that I know of. Thanks for noticing that!
2. Okay I understand that it makes no difference what software was preinstalled on my system when I bought it USED. I do own a CD of WINDOWS XP Pro which I am going to use to do new install. I think I was confused between software and Operating system info for Dell system sorry.
Therefore, I guess my next question would be.
3. Could you tell me exactly what OPERATING SYSTEM DOWLOADS other than DRIVERS for my Dell Laptop would I need? This would be a great help since I'm am not that smart with knowledge of computer language. I did look at the online manual but I still would not know which items I need for operating system not software?
P.S giggling here, you still didn't answer my post question on what is the difference between BOOT DISK and START-UP DISK?
Little Mom
10 Posts
0
March 10th, 2004 05:00
Thanks for the information though I would not know how to dual boot even my own shoes let alone a computer. If you have any information on my last post that would be helpful and appreciated.
Denny Denham
2 Intern
•
18.8K Posts
0
March 11th, 2004 15:00
Could you tell me exactly what OPERATING SYSTEM DOWLOADS other than DRIVERS for my Dell Laptop would I need? This would be a great help since I'm am not that smart with knowledge of computer language. I did look at the online manual but I still would not know which items I need for operating system not software? You should update the system BIOS to the latest available for the system before beginning to install XP. After you have installed Windows XP and the system drivers your system is completely configured to operate. There are no other downloads from Dell available or required. At that point you can install any applications you wish to use on the system.
P.S giggling here, you still didn't answer my post question on what is the difference between BOOT DISK and START-UP DISK? For Windows 9X systems an emergency boot diskette and a start-up disk are terms used interchangeably. Since Windows XP is on a bootable CD, a boot diskette is not required unless the system it is going to be installed on does not support booting from the CD-ROM drive, but all Dell systems do support that.
Little Mom
10 Posts
0
March 12th, 2004 06:00
You should update the system BIOS to the latest available for the system before beginning to install XP. After you have installed Windows XP and the system drivers your system is completely configured to operate. There are no other downloads from Dell available or required. At that point you can install any applications you wish to use on the system.
My Relpy: First thanks for the answer on Start-up and Boot disks.
Yes I do need to update my BIOS, but you said before I install XP. Well, XP is already on the Laptop with no updates that I can find.
Let me start again with this: This is a "Used Dell Laptop" I just bought. I have not used it other than to check out what kind of system it is.
I don't even have a internet connection setup on it at this moment or I would have Dell examine it online and help me out.
Now, I am working on my "Desktop" online searching for information on how to--- Format this Dell Laptop and not lose the OS and Utilities that makes it work.
I don't have the Original Restore CD's that normally come with a computer when you buy them NEW. I want a Clean Hard Drive so I can do a NEW INSTALL OF XP PRO that I bought (retail). This is what brought me to this Forum looking for help. What do I need to Backup before I format and start all over besides Drivers or is that all?
Thanks for your help
Message Edited by Little Mom on 03-12-2004 02:04 AM
Message Edited by Little Mom on 03-12-2004 02:04 AM
Denny Denham
2 Intern
•
18.8K Posts
0
March 13th, 2004 01:00
I keep answering questions in the wrong thread. See this in response to another post of yours.
You cannot format the computer without losing everything currently installed. Windows XP will have drivers for some of your peripherals and I believe the chipset drivers are native to XP. You cannot back up the drivers from their existing locations on the hard disk. They must be installed, like applications.
Little Mom
10 Posts
0
March 16th, 2004 05:00
Thanks for all the helpful suggestions that this thread has given me.
I went ahead and just boot up with XP CD and did a new INSTALL of XP PRO that way it just re-writes over the the OLD installation. I just started this so I'll let you know what happens... Don't know yet if I made the right choice or not guess time will tell.
However, what do you think Denny will this keep all the perious owners junk of the Hard Drive or will it still be gooped up with junk and just take up more space on the HD?
Denny Denham
2 Intern
•
18.8K Posts
0
March 16th, 2004 14:00
If you deleted the C:\ partition then recreated it and formatted it during the installation, the hard disk will contain nothing but Windows XP after the installation is complete. If you did not format during the installation, the hard drive will still contain the previous owner's information.