You need to boot the Windows XP CD and kick off the installation. You'll be given the option to format the drive as part of the installation.
Be sure to install SP2 and all subsequent patches - enable the Windows firewall before going online, or you will find yourself hit almost immediately with a worm or virus.
To find the reinstall guide, downloads and other information for your system, hover your mouse cursor over the Product Support button (upper left of this page), and select Reinstall Guide (or Downloads or whatever). Then enter your service tag number and operating system, and you'll find all the information you need. The specific instructions for installing XP include a detailed explanation of deleting and re-creating the hard drive partition.
To find the Dell reinstall guide, that's specific to your system, go here
Prior to installing, remember to disconnect all external peripherals from the computer, except the keyboard, monitor and mouse.
While installing, delete all existing partitions (Paragraph 5) when you are prompted, then remake and format
them (Paragraphs 6 & 7), followed by installing XP.
You will have to reload the drivers and applications, etc, that should be on the CDs sent with the computer, starting with the chipset driver.
After the installation, you will need to download and install the MicroSoft Critical Updates, plus any
other updates you deem necessary, also remember to enable the firewall before going online.
Printing a copy of these instructions, as a reference while installing XP could also be a help.
ejn63
9 Legend
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87.5K Posts
0
January 29th, 2005 23:00
Be sure to install SP2 and all subsequent patches - enable the Windows firewall before going online, or you will find yourself hit almost immediately with a worm or virus.
osprey4
4 Operator
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34.2K Posts
0
January 30th, 2005 00:00
Capone:
To find the reinstall guide, downloads and other information for your system, hover your mouse cursor over the Product Support button (upper left of this page), and select Reinstall Guide (or Downloads or whatever). Then enter your service tag number and operating system, and you'll find all the information you need. The specific instructions for installing XP include a detailed explanation of deleting and re-creating the hard drive partition.
Please post back if you need more information.
shesagordie
10 Elder
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46K Posts
0
January 30th, 2005 02:00
To find the Dell reinstall guide, that's specific to your system, go here
While installing, delete all existing partitions (Paragraph 5) when you are prompted, then remake and format
them (Paragraphs 6 & 7), followed by installing XP.
You will have to reload the drivers and applications, etc, that should be on the CDs sent with the computer, starting with the chipset driver.
After the installation, you will need to download and install the MicroSoft Critical Updates, plus any
other updates you deem necessary, also remember to enable the firewall before going online.
Printing a copy of these instructions, as a reference while installing XP could also be a help.
Bev.