installing XP on Dell machine

installing XP on Dell machine (Full Version)

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RickP -> installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 6:58:52)
I've installed XP several times and usually it's an easy job to get started... Change BIOS to boot from CD > boot from CD > start set-up! I need to reload (fresh install) XP on a Dell machine but even with C-Drive boot truned off in the BIOS and Boot from CD is 1st option it keeps loading windows off the H/D instead of offfering the set up option - any ideas/experience of Dell machines?

Mike54 -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 7:19:34)
Is the machine able to read the CD? (is the CD Rom working?) Is this an original CD or a burned copy? I've found that with burned copies sometimes newer machines can't read copies done on older burners and vice versa.

jaybee -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 7:23:22)
Rick, If you don't get a reply that helps or manage to get it going then 2 suggestions: (I'm assuming you're using the Dell disks that came with the machine?) 1. Visit the Dell site and see if there are any FAQs or something in the knowledge base. 2. Email me later today. Other half is a Dell Tech so will be able to suggest something.

RickP -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 7:27:56)
This is all bona fide stuff here I'd have you know![:D] I've looked on the Dell site - it gives simple clear instructions for system reset - but they don't work[:@] Thanks for offer Jaybee, may well take you up later if no progress is made meanwhile. Cheers

Mike54 -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 8:00:13)
quote: This is all bona fide stuff here I'd have you know![:D] I have no doubt. Some people make "backup" copies just in case...[;)]

RickP -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 8:09:48)
of course!

RickP -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 8:18:27)
Progress at last! First of all apologies to Dell (better say this in view of Jaybee's connections[:D]) The instructions I read were for certain release dates after July last year - this one just misses the date! In the end it was just a case of F12, boot from CD... BUT... had to try it several times before it worked! A bit like double-clicking the mouse at the right speed if I hit the Enter key in the wrong way (!!!) it just skipped on and merrily loaded the existing Windows every time![:@] We're on the way...[:D]

jaybee -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 15:24:22)
Good, cos when other half got home I explained your problem. He said, Tell him to hit F12 but tell him to be quick about it or he'll miss it and have to start again! [:D]

RickP -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 15:36:13)
quote: Tell him to hit F12 but tell him to be quick about it or he'll miss it and have to start again! Spot on - only worked out after about 5 goes!!! Almost there now except... I have 2 missing drivers: Ethernet Controller & Multimedia Audio Device I keep scanning all the orignal Dell disks from 'Update Driver' but it's not finding them. Is there a driver scan facility on Dell website where it will scan, locate missing drivers and install them for me? Thanks for any help with this

bobby -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 16:04:28)
I ran into this same problem with a CD-RW drive on a friends Dell.... we either lost a disk (there were 5 of them, including one that said it had the drivers on it) or Dell sucks... not sure which. [8\|] Luckily I found a generic driver that worked okay... alternative was buying a new drive. Another Dell that I had the displeasure of reinstalling wouldn't install the NIC driver so we had to disable the one on the mobo and install a PCI. It was only $5 but still... Try google for drivers, if there's a manufacturer on the part other than Dells stamp try their website. Otherwise you might try looking for forum posts with the same problem you're experiencing. They might lead you to a solution.

jaybee -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 16:27:48)
There's a driver validator but I think that only works with drivers that are there. OK, the expert's arrived.... "Go to dell.co.uk. On the homepage, right hand side there is a technical support thing, click it. You'll go to support homepage, I think from there, ummm, they changed it recently, ummm, cheeky...... what are you typing...... pack it in...... Ok here it is, Service and Support, Online technical Support, ummmm What machine is it?" "I don't know he didn't say" "Tab at the top, Product support > Drivers and Downloads This is where it gets interesting If you know the service tag, type it in the top box or type in the product model, Inspiron, Latitude etc then click on the arrow to go to the next page Choose your opsys English etc then click, find downloads." "The alternative is, ahhh, errrrrr, if it's onboard ethernet and sound they should be on the driver disk. If they're separate cards then there should be separate disks." Get em from the web site! "Failing that ........(should I throttle him now before it gets really confusing?) Failing that the expert has probably got some disks but as it seems we have half the world and his wife turning up at ours a week Friday to get their machines reformatted and re-installed, and one of them is coming from Kent, why don't you just hitch a lift?

dpf -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 16:31:02)
quote: Kent, why don't you just hitch a lift? Kent is only 20 minutes from me....

jaybee -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 16:35:07)
Oh well you fix it then. I'm sure Rick'll be really grateful. [:D]

RickP -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 16:48:51)
Oh, please, let's not fight over who's going to fix my machine [8\|] Anyhow... I'm very grateful to you all (Jaybee - thanks to your hubby please too) The good news is... found 'em!!!![:D] I was asking Win (that's 'Windows' not a lady down the road!) to search for them on the disks but to no avail - I've noticed this before when asking Win to look on the disks for drivers etc. it doesn't look very hard! I looked in the disk for my self and there they were just waiting to be clicked. [The drivers were zipped in there so I suppose that is why Win doesn't see them (?)] ALL DONE! (phew!) Thanks[;)]

bobby -> RE: installing XP on Dell machine (9/28/2005 20:13:40)
Nice... it's good when it's relatively painless. [:)]

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