Adeel07,

The default Administrator password is null (blank) but when systems are created using Sysprep (which Dell uses) that password can become corrupted and when that happens special efforts have to be made to learn what password is actually on the system. Since you formatted the C:\ partition and are reinstalling XP that will no longer be a problem and the password will be blank unless you change it as described here.

You must have formatted after running FDISK from a floppy diskette. That works, of course, but its much quicker to simply delete the C:\ partition then format it from within the Windows reinstallation.

since I am doing the format (quite long .. for a  150 gig drive .. should have known better) .. will i have to reinstall the drivers and the applications ? which do I do first ?

I tried the drivers first (before xp disc), and there was a run time error .. which is why I opted for the full wipe out and clean reinstall ..

 

 

Adeel07,

Yes, you will have to reinstall drivers and applications. The chipset drivers should be installed first, after which the order of driver installation is not critical. After the drivers have been installed, reinstall your applications.

As long as the system is under warranty, you should be able to get dell to send you a Sonic CD, as well as the pre-installed applications from Dell CD, and the PowerDVD CD. (You need PowerDVD installed to be able to play DVDs) You might also need a CD for modem software, if you use one. You have to be FIRM with them, keep trying, sometimes it takes the whole weekend before you get someone to agree to send them. (un-Freaking believable, I know!)