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November 28th, 2004 20:00

Reformatting XP

Ok I understand all the precautions and etc... I've reformatted Windows ME about 5 times so I'm quite experienced with this. However, I have Windows XP now and I was just wondering if you could send me a link to a guide or something on COMPLETELY reformatting with XP. Thanks.
  • ejn63

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    Posted November 28th, 2004 21:00

    Click on Product Support at the top left of the screen - then on Reinstall Guide.
  • Strategist

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    Posted November 28th, 2004 21:00

    Ok the CDROM's the first boot device.

    But is that guide good even if you're not upgrading FROM 9x/ME? XP is already on the machine. Thanks.
  • shesagordie

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    Posted November 28th, 2004 21:00

    Strategist.  
     
    You partition and format the C: drive as part of reinstalling the operating system, first you make the CD/ROM/DVD the first boot device.  
    How to configure a Dimension series system to boot to the CD/DVD drive.

      http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1032262&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19

    You can use the following instructions.

     Prior to installing, remember to disconnect all external peripherals from the computer, except the keyboard, monitor and mouse. 
    While installing, delete all existing partitions (Paragraph 5) when you are prompted, then remake and format
    them (Paragraphs 6 & 7), followed by installing XP
    .
    After the installation, you will need to download and install the MicroSoft Critical Updates, plus any other updates you deem necessary, also remember to enable the firewall before going online.
     
    Bev.
  • shesagordie

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    Posted November 28th, 2004 21:00

    Strategist.

    Yes.

    Also, the instructions here, have images that you can enlarge, by clicking on them

    http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps
                                                                        
    Bev.

    Message Edited by shesagordie on 11-28-2004 05:56 PM

  • Strategist

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    Posted November 29th, 2004 00:00

    OK thanks. The problem is that there's a Yamaha CD burner AND a DVD drive installed. I configured BIOS to boot from the "CDROM" but when I put the XP disk either drive in and reboot, it just starts up normally.
  • Strategist

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    Posted November 29th, 2004 02:00

    Great news? This is a problem, I can't reformat because it doesn't boot from the CD. :(
  • shesagordie

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    Posted November 29th, 2004 02:00

    Message Edited by shesagordie on 11-28-2004 10:36 PM

  • shesagordie

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    Posted November 29th, 2004 02:00

  • Strategist

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    Posted November 29th, 2004 05:00

    Yes, the BIOS is configured. But it still won't work.
  • shesagordie

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    Posted November 29th, 2004 21:00

    Strategist.

    Have you place the Dell reinstall CD in the drive you that have made the first boot device, then reboot the system and when it restarts, you will see a black screen with a prompt "Press any key to boot from CD" .  This message can pass quickly, so have a finger on the keyboard.
    When you've done that, you will be able to delete partitions and recreate the ones you want and proceed to formating and installing XP.

    Bev.