Install Win XP 64 bit on Dell Dimension 8400

Thanks theflash1932

OK I can install Win7. But, do you think that all original hardware (video, audio, network, etc) came with PC will be working properly? I'm worried if I need to buy and change the existing stuff.

Please help me of solving this, I'm very urgent of fixing my computer :(

1. Use "RAID Autodetect/ AHCI" ... you will need to load the driver at the F6 prompt during Windows Setup or use nLiteOS.com to integrate the driver into the installation files.  Use nLite without a floppy drive (choose Multiple Driver Files and TextMode Drivers).

Because Dell does not support XPx64 on the 8400, you need to get the drivers from Intel.com (f6flpy64.zip ... must first be unzipped before use):

downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx

2. Many of the specific device drivers can be deduced, but if you are unsure which device you need, go to Device Manager, right-click the device, Properties, Details tab, change dropdown to Hardware Ids, and provide the VEN and DEV ID's, so we can look them up and get you the right drivers.

ALWAYS start by installing the System Software (available from support.dell.com, supports XPx86/x64), then the chipset drivers (must get from Intel.com), THEN you can install other devices.

In any case, this system runs Windows 7 superbly ... I would recommend skipping reinstalling XP and upgrade to Windows 7 instead.

I'll be here.

Ok thanks..Once ii find Win 7, I may have problem when I install OS and drivers. I may need your advice again.

You don't "need" a 64-bit OS, but you "can" install it if you want/need to.  64-bit processors will run 64-bit or 32-bit OS's.

One more thing, Please tell me what are the setting before installing (by pressing F2, F12 etc)? eg; Sata operating mode, etc ??

Windows 7 takes 15 minutes to install, so the time invested to see if it will work is very minimal.  The 8400 is almost identical to the XPS G4 ... my old XPS runs better with Windows 7 than it ran with XP.  The ONLY thing that didn't work was the game port on the sound card ... no big deal.

ok thanks !!!

F2 to access the BIOS, then set Sata Operation to RAID Autodetect/AHCI.

When I press F2, it shows that the processor has following features:

Pro. type= Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.40 GHz; Pro. speed= 3.40 GHz, ............, 64-bit Technology= Yes (Intel EM64T)

I'm thinking that I essentially need 64 bit OS. Is that right?

Thanks again !!!

I'll try to install Win 7 once I find the OS. Does Win 7 Ultimate 64 bits work for this particular machine? Or is there any better Win 7 version?

I never install Win 7 before. Please let me know if there are any special steps to be followed before or while installing.

Frey  

I already installed Win 7 Ultimate SP 1. It looks great. Thanks !!!

But I need your directions of installing drivers. Should I have to go DELL site and download all drivers such as System utility, chipset, video. network, audio, modem, etc?And install in order?

Next, there are 2 hard disks in PC, but after installation is shows only one which has OS. How can i active other one? Both are same type.

For Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit with Service Pack 1 you will get most the functionality natively. If you want to update the drivers use the following: 

BIOS

A09

OS Updates

Microsoft Security Essentials

Latest Definition (MSE)

Internet Explorer 10*

**requires internet connection

System utilities

Dell Notebook Software

Chipset

Intel Update Utility

Video

ATI AutoUpdate [Variant A]

nVidea AutoUpdate [Variant B]

Check Windows Reinstallation Guide A Clean install of Windows 7 Step 12 for any errors in the Device Manager.