See answers in blue.

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@npd424 wrote:

I have a print out from Dell for formatting and reinstalling win xp in my Dimension 4600. Most of the steps seem straight forward but it's the beginning I am vague about especially when they say 'configure' and I have never seen the layout. Here are my questions;

1-Do I use the xp disk first to format and install then the resource disk to install the drivers?  Yes.

2-Here is what the first steps are that I need broken down, please:

   a- insert the (?they say black operating system reinstallation cd-mine is purple) into the top cd/dvd/cd-r-rw/\dvd+r +rw drive.       [My top drive is a dvd read only+ my bottom drive is a cd-rw read + write drive.  Do I simply use the top drive?

    b- remove any external devices from the pc.   Is there a reason this is not step one?

    c- Configure your computer to boot to the top cd/dvd/cd-r-rw/\dvd+r +rw drive.  This is the part I really need simplified, please.

Do B first, then C (reboot and hit F12 to tell it to boot from CD), then stick in the Reinstall CD into the TOP drive.

 

Is this the order for drivers 1-chipset 2-sound 3-video 4- network 5- modem  After chipset you should do 4.  Then you will have the ability to update Windows XP.

 

I have a Comcast hispeed disk-can I assume this is what I use for # 5?  No, it's for a dialup modem.  Comcast is via the network adapter.

 

Your help would be appreciated-thank you,

Grampy Pete

 

If the computer shipped after 7/15/04, just reboot and hit CTRL F11 and it's back to "as shipped" condition.  No work to do.

Thank you for the help- I printed it out and am trying to collate.

 I was told by the Dell forum to move cd rom drive up to # 1 in boot sequence.

 The Dell instructions say to press F2 to enter the system set up and use up and down keys to place ide cd-rom to top of list.

You seem to say to press F12 to do so. Are these all in agreement and IS THIS DONE PRIOR TO INSERTING THE XP CD?

Sorry to be somewhat redundant but I want to be sure of ambiguities to avoid errors the average user can easily make.

Grampy Pete

npd424,

The Dell instructions (use F2 to alter the boot order in BIOS) are generalized in that they will work for any system. Older systems (such as my 4300) do not offer the "Press F12 to boot from CD" option. Users of systems which do have that option can use either F12 or modify the BIOS. The XP CD should be in the drive when you start the system. As soon as you direct it to boot from the CD it will access the drive and begin the installation process.

Message Edited by Denny Denham on 08-10-2005 02:15 PM

You have been a big help and thank you. The machine is stable at this point but I believe now I'm ready.