Windows XP is installed from the Windows XP CD. This includes reformatting the drive. See This.

Steve

The XP installation CD will partition and format . . no need to use anything else . . This is a good guide for reinstalling on a Dell:  http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm

oooo not fast enough was I?

wrs

hi

Thanks for the info. I am now wondering whether I need to worry about drivers when reinstalling Windows XP (video card network card etc.)-all the cards in the computer came with the dell when I bought it. Does that mean the reinstall cd has all the necessary drivers.

Thanks,

Zigi

zigi1212,

The Windows XP reinstallation CD will have sufficient drivers to allow the computer to boot after XP is installed but you will need to install specific drivers for the system before it is fully operational, starting with the chipset drivers (unless they are included in XP, which is the case for older Dimensions such as my three year old 4300). All necessary drivers can be downloaded from the downloads link in the drop down menu under Product Support above this forum and directions for installation (which will probably refer to a Resource CD if you received one with your system) can be found in the Reinstall Guide in the same drop down menu.

HI

Will I be able to go online in order to download any drivers that I might need. I am not sure which drivers I should download, there are so many in the dell product supportdownloads link for my system. Should I download all of them-for all of my components that is or just the one for the chipset that you mentioned?

Thanks

You need to install the video drivers and the sound card drivers. You may also need to install the chipset drivers, but without knowing which model computer you have it is difficult to give you any details.

Steve