zekedancin

If you used Killdisk, that is a hard drive eraser utility, then all the data on the hard drive has been erased, in other words, you have killed the hard drive.

You will need to reinstall Windows, drivers and the applications.

For this the reinstallation discs will be required.

What is the computer model and the version of windows?

Bev.

Not sure what I was thinking... after reading over the various "How to clean up your computer" articles, I went with this software. nowhere did I read that I would need to reinstall Windows (and need the disks).

Dimension E510

Windows XP

If you don't have a Windows XP disc, it might be a good time to invest in Windows 8, which can be had for $70 for a limited period.

rdunnill - could I buy that and restore my computer? Is that all I need? I found out on Dell, I can order replacement disks, so I put in my request for those, but I didn't get any confirmation and I have no idea if that will even work?

Windows 8 won't restore your lost data, but it will give you a new operating system. XP is eleven years old now and support will be withdrawn in April of 2014.

Hmmm...ok. I don't care about lost data - that was actually what I was trying to do (get rid of all the junk)...

So maybe I will consider buying the new Windows

Got the disks from dell...now what do I do? They came without any instructions...

zekedancin

How to carry out a clean reinstall of XP.

First, disconnect all the peripherals from the system, except the keyboard, mouse and monitor.

You can use the Dell's Guide for a Manual Reinstallation of windows HERE and maybe this interactive guide for a clean reinstall of XP HERE can help.

While installing, remember to delete all existing partitions when you are prompted, then recreate the partitions and format the hard drive, following by installing XP..

 After installing XP, you need to install the drivers and applications in the correct order, see HERE.

A hint: After installing each driver, restart the system.

Followed by installing the Anti Virus utility, updating the definitions, then all the critical Microsoft updates.

Bev.

Bev - you are so helpful! I have installed windows from the replacement disks! What a relief to see a screen that I recognize! Thank you!

Now - I have inserted the Drivers and Utilities CD, but I do not find the model of computer that I have listed. And am having a hard time finding the Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) to install first from the cd?

My computer is Dimension E510

The only listed models in the pull down menu on the CD are:

Dimension C521, DXP061, F521

DXC061

DM061

XP2710

I looked in both the Utilities tab and the Drivers tab for a DSS or NSS, and don't see it when selecting "ALL" in models.

When I go to Applications I do see DDSS Rev A08 and DDSS Rev A07

zekedancin

All the Dell Dimension e510/5150 drivers can be downloaded from here:

http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/Product/dimension-5150x

Best to download the drivers to a USB thumb drive and do'nt use the Download Manager, use the Single-File procedure instead.

Bev.

I answered this question for you in your other thread. :emotion-5:

zekedancin

If the DSS driver is for the E510, then it can be installed, if not, then download and install the correct driver from Dell's download site.

Bev.

Grr...any chance I can use either DSS Rev A08 and DSS Rev A07 straight from the disk that was sent by dell without any trouble?

Thanks for the help guys...this is so frustrating!

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