if you are going to do a clean install, first go HERE and download and install Belarc Advisor. When you run this, it will give you an inventory of everything on your computer. That way you will now exactly what devices you have on your system, so you will know what dirvers you need to make everything work after you have installed Windows. Once you know which devices you have, you should make sure you have available all of the necessary drivers for those particular devices. All drivers can be downloaded from the Dell Support site, so you should download the ones you need, including the chipset drivers, as these will have to be installed first, and burn the installation files to a CD-R so that they are ready and available when you need them.

Too many people simply reformat and reinstall Windows and then come here to tell us that their video/sound/network/modem etc. doesn't work and they don't know exactly which drivers are necessary for their particular system. Taking the time to know which devices you have and having the drivers for those devices available before you reformat, will save you lots of time.

For reinstalling Windows you will need a valid licensed Windows XP CD-ROM.  You will boot from that CD and start the installation process by partitioning and formatting the hard drive.  Full instructions can be found at:

http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm

Steve

What happens if you don't have your Windows XP CD? I don't remember one coming with my Inspiron B130 laptop.

Thanks,

Mark