Unless you are formating large capacity Hard Drive, before the actual intallation (This can take a long time). 3 hours seems like a long time. On a 80GB HD installation is less then an hour. You should see a progressbar on the bottom.

Ratz

Thank you for your reply.  The formatting was the easy part.  I'm stuck at the 'installing windows' part.  It

Just seemed to be requesting the same information over and over again.  I then realized I didn't unplug all my peripheral and in my haste to unplug, I unplugged the monitor cable instead.  Now I have the floating self test on my screen, that won't go away. (I've already posted on the Monitor section).  Thanks.

 

You may want to start all over again. Unplugging all the peripherals except mouse and keyboard is important part in OS installations. Sorry to hear that.

 

Do not forget to install chipset driver first before any other drivers.

 

Follow this Order to Install Drivers in Microsoft Windows on Dell Systems

 

The drivers for your Dell computer can be installed from the Resource CD/DVD or from the Dell Drivers and Downloads page.

Actual system configurations may vary. The list below is a overview of the correct order to install drivers on Dell desktop and portable systems. After reinstalling the Operating System, follow the order in which these are listed when reinstalling drivers.

1.     Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) - A vital utility that provides critical updates and patches for the operating system. If you are reinstalling the operating system or updating all the computer's drivers, it is imperative that this software be installed 1st.
This is located under the System and Configuration Utilities Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

2.     Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers.
This is located under the Chipset Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

3.     Video Adapter - Enhances video performance.
This is located under the Video Adapter Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

4.     Network Interface Card (NIC) - Enhances the network controller for Internet or network access.
This located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

5.     Audio Adapter - Enables and enhances the audio controller.
This is located under the Audio Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

6.     Modem - Allows dialup capability.
This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

7.     Wireless Network Card - Enables and enhances the wireless network controller.
This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

8.     Touchpad, Pointer, Trackstick, Mice, and Keyboards - Enhances the pointing device features.
This is located under the Mouse & Keyboards Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

 

Cheers,

Ratz

Thank you Ratz!  You are most helpful and your instructions are very clear.

 

I did not get a resource cd with my XPS400 system, so I will have to do a download from

the our old Dimension 4100.  Question: After I download the chipset driver onto a cd, will

the cd load automatically onto the XPS400?

 

Thank you! 

Download your new drivers here

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&ServiceTag=&SystemID=XPS/DIMENSION%20400/9150&os=WW1&osl=en&catid=&impid=

Double click on each file and it will install into Dell folder on your drive and start installation automaticaly.

Each driver has "Installation Instructions" how to do it on the respective page.

Ratz