Hi,

Eventually I'm going to do a clean install of Vista with my upgrade disc. I've tried the upgrade option to no avail, 4 times. BSOD worker thread returned to QRL or something ..... I'm pretty much aware of what to do. My question concerns this  part of the installation:

In the next screen, you select the type of install. Choose Custom (Advanced) instead of Upgrade. Next, you choose the partition to which to install Windows Vista. If you need to format the disk, select the Drive options (advanced) option to do so and then continue.

What do I need to do as far as partitioning and formatting? I have a xps410 E6300@ 1.85ghz, WIn XP MCE 2005, 250 gb Sata II HD, 2 gigs Ram, geforce 7600gt video card, IEEE firewire pci express, dual drives sony dvd/cd & tsst corp cd/dvd +-rw dl, 13-1 media card reader.

Roger1955

to do a clean install you need to format the partition boot from the CD and then do the clean install work around. You will have to reinstall all drivers and app's you want.

 

if you are computer savy it is not hard at all just time consuming.

 

this tells ya how to do the clean install of vista:

 

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

 

 

 

Simply select the partition where your upgrade version is currently installed. It will be the largest partition on the drive.

Jerry,

 

  it is not really that hard. Just takes time. Remember to download all the needed drivers and burn them to a CD first. Print out the instructions on the webpage i sent you too.

 

set aside time, get some munchies and a few beverages of your favorite kind. Oh and most of all relax you can do this.

 

other option is find some kid that is a geek and ask him to do it for you and watch him.  :smileyvery-happy:

When do you use the disc with the Vista drivers burn on it?

After you install vista you need to install drivers, chipset, video, audio, network and so on. This is the order Dell recommends.

 

 

1. Install the Desktop/Portable Drivers in this Order in Microsoft® Windows® XP.

The list below is a general overview of Dell desktop and portable systems. Actual system configurations may vary.

NOTE:  It is recommended that you print this list for easy referral when installing drivers.

1. Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) - A compilation of critical Microsoft updates.
2. Intel Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers.
3. Video Card - Enhances video performance.
4. Network Interface Card (NIC) - Enables and enhances the network controller.
5. Sound Card - Enables and enhances the audio controller.
6. Modem - Enables and enhances the modem.
7. Wireless Network Card - Enables and enhances the wireless network controller.
8. BlueTooth® Module - Enables and enhances the Bluetooth controller.
9. PCMCIA/Smartcard controller - Enables and enhances the PCMCIA/SmartCard controller.
10. Touch Pad/Track Stick/Pointer - Enhances the pointing device features.
11. Other - Other devices and peripherals such as printers and digital cameras that are connected to the computer.

Hi VMBieg,

 

   Thank you for answering my question but I'm not computer savvy enough to tackle anything that complex.  I'm afraid that I would royally screw this puppy up and not be able to use the computer at all.  Maybe I'll read up a little more on the process, to see what exactly is involved, then give it a try.  Thank you very much again,

           Jerry

Thank you!:smileywink:

Hi VMBieg,

 

   After I burn the drivers to a C.D. and when I try to reinstall the drivers to Vista, if the directions for doing this instructs the user, step by step, then I'll be okay.  You make it sound more time consuming than hard.  If I get up the gumption, I just may give it a try.  It will all depend on if I find a fix for this Verizon 5700 Broadband Express card utility first.  If not, then I will reinstall.  Thank you for your help and I will keep your link and print out the directions.

 

           Jerry

Hi VMBieg,

 

   Contacted Dell's wireless tech support and after all the investigating, it seems that the worst of my problems (Dell's Broadband Wireless 5700 connection) is software related.  I will have to wait for a fix so that's what I will do instead of going back to XP or reinstalling Vista.  Thanks for the help, it is much appreciated.  Have a good one.

       Jerry