I had a 4100 that went to XP without a hitch but I did a clean install which most of the regular will advise you to do.

Enter your BIOS at startup and chnage the order of your boot device to make the CD-ROm be the first boot device, exit and save.  Place the XP CD in the tray and start.  You will need to delete the partition that now holds your OS so rememebr to backup any documents, etc. before do this.

Dimension 8300 with Windows XP Pro (SP1a) -Intel P4 3.0 Ghz-1024mb PC2100 RAM - Disk 0: 80Gb Maxtor HDD (7200 RPM) - Disk 1: 80Gb HDD (7200 RPM) Samsung DVD 16x IDE -Sony DRU-510A DVD-/DVD+ DVDRW - Iomega ZIP 100 USB Drive -Dell 18" Ultra Sharp Flat Panel - nVidia GeForce 5200 AGP 8x(128mb RAM) -Intel Pro/100 Internal NIC- HP LaserJet 5L -Linksys BEFCMU10 Modem- Linksys BEFSR41 Router - Linksys BEFW11S4 Router configured as Access Point

Power Edge 600SC with MS Server 2003 - P4 2.4Ghz - 384mb Ram - Disk 0: 40Gb Maxtor HDD (7200 RPM) - 48x CD ROM - Intel Pro 1000 Gigabit NIC

A+ Network+ Certified Microsoft Partner

First of all, when you boot to the BIOS (by tapping the Delete key when your keyboard lights start to flash) check the BIOS version. If you don't have Version 11, download it from here:

http://support.dell.com/FileLib/Type.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&Category=1&OS=NAA&OSL=EN&SvcTag=&SysID=DIM_PNT_P3C_4100&DeviceID=308

You don't have to format the disk previous to the install. The formatting (and repartitioning) is done then.

If your XP cd is an 'Upgrade' version and not a 'full' version then you will be promted to put the 98 cd in during the install procedure. If you need a site to help you with the install or the flash update, post back.

A good site with clear instructions

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

Hi,

I have a full version of XP Pro, my BIOS is "A02" so it seems it is well out of date.

I dont have a clue how to change the BIOS.

Regards

Paul

You can download the new BIOS from here & just follow the instruction to create Floppy.
http://support.dell.com/FileLib/Format.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&Category=1&OS=NAA&OSL=EN&SvcTag=&SysID=DIM_PNT_P3C_4100&DeviceID=308&Type=&ReleaseID=R45081

Download B4100
Format Description   
This file contains a compressed (or zipped) set of files. Download the file to a folder on your hard drive, and then run (double-click) it to unzip the set of files. Follow the instructions to create a set of floppy diskettes, and then use the diskettes to complete the installation.
 

Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 12-19-2003 10:25 AM

I have formated and done a clean install of XP Pro, I have also updated the BIOS to A11.

XP seemed to install drivers for almost everything, do I still need to install the chip set drivers like I did when I reformated with Windows 98se.