Dell do not provide a factory restore disc. You should have a Windows XP Reinstallation disc, which you'll be able to use to reinstall XP if needed.

There is actually a way to create a Windows XP SP2 disc from your reinstallation disc if you follow these instructions: Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2).

I thought he meant whenever he needs to use the disc. I wasn't thinking he was reinstalling but maybe you're right.

Hi back:;

Thanks for your reply. Perhaps as usual I failed to make myself clear Yes, I did get a restore disc from Dell which would reinstall XP home and any other programs that were included with my unit. I'm pushing 3 years on this computer and I like to wipe the HD clean and format and completely reinstall a clean version of XP home. I already have tried this and When I get to the point of wipeing the HD clean. It rejects the reinstallation because the restore disc does not have SP#2 on it and I do have it on my present HD which I added from SP#2 microsoft disc. It has a message saying that my present HD has a newer version than I'm trying to install. One reply gave posting about "slip streaming" which is way above my knowledge. Could I simply take the present SP#2 out via Install & remove in Control Panel???? Shortly after I purchase I had a slight problem and per Dell's service advisor I did just that with no sweat, But this was before I put the SP#2 on the HD. I'm well backed up as I have 2 HDs and full data back up on it.

 

Thanks much for your help

the gman:

Bev is right. You are not deleting the current partition. And again, Dell do not supply Restore discs. What you have is a regular Windows XP Reinstallation disc. There are no applications on it (other than those included with XP).

By deleting the current partition, you'll be able to do a clean installation and adding SP2 will not present any problem.

Hi back again:

I'm holding in my hand a purple &  white cd. Reads ( REINSTALLATION CD MICROSOFT XP HOME EDITION INCLUDES SERVICE PACK 1)

At the side is also ( ONLY USE THIS CD TO REINSTALL THE OPERATING SYSTEM ON A DELL COMPUTER. THIS CD IS NOT FOR REINTALLATION OF PROGRAMS R DRIVRES) Ihave no idea what is being refered to when asked about partions, I know what a partion is, I have Drive C original drive, I added a Drive D as a safe haven to back up data and to store pictures. As stated in past posting early on the first month I was instucted by a Dell service dept. via phone to use the above disc, and follow directions and I would have a complete reinstallation. It worked without a hitch, because at that time I had no SP#2 installed. Now I want to do the same, but disc fails and tells me I have a newer version of XP and I can't get past to do anything else.

 

Thanks again for the interest to be of help 

Follow Denny's Reinstall guide. Read carefully and he'll explain how to delete all information from the hard drive to ensure a clean installation:

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

You'll also want to refer to the reinstall guide for your system to install drivers and applications. To find that, click Desktops above, enter your service tag number and select Reinstallation Guide from the drop-down list. The order of reinstallation is as follows:

1. Windows SP1, then SP2 and critical updates,
2. Chipset drivers,
3. Video drivers,
4. Audio, network, etc.

Someone will be here if you need help during the process. Good luck. Merry Christmas!!

Thanks alot:, Now I think that web site you recommended is what I need. I don't have time to devote to the project til after the Holidays ( perhaps a snowy day ) I printed most of it, and try to digest the info. But now we're on the same page.

Thanks sooooo much.