DELL 4700 XP reinstall nightmare. Help!..Pleeasse!!!

[Paul]

Hi folks

I've just tried to reinstall XP SP2 using the OS install DVD provided
by Dell (I blasted the pre-insalled version by installing Linux; I was
trying to get it setup for dual boot...).

However, it hangs straight after the "Setup is inspecting your
hardware configuration..." message flashes up.

I suspect it's related to the SATA drive in the machine, as if I
disable it from the BIOS the XP DVD boots, but obviously there's no
drive to install it on :\

Much as I enjoy Linux, I need XP!

Can anyone help?

P

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Windows XP Does Not Respond at "Setup Is Starting Windows XP" Message
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310760

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--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

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:

| Hi folks
|
| I've just tried to reinstall XP SP2 using the OS install DVD provided
| by Dell (I blasted the pre-insalled version by installing Linux; I was
| trying to get it setup for dual boot...).
|
| However, it hangs straight after the "Setup is inspecting your
| hardware configuration..." message flashes up.
|
| I suspect it's related to the SATA drive in the machine, as if I
| disable it from the BIOS the XP DVD boots, but obviously there's no
| drive to install it on :\
|
| Much as I enjoy Linux, I need XP!
|
| Can anyone help?
|
| P

 

[Raymond J. Johnson Jr.]

Hi folks

I've just tried to reinstall XP SP2 using the OS install DVD provided
by Dell (I blasted the pre-insalled version by installing Linux; I was
trying to get it setup for dual boot...).

However, it hangs straight after the "Setup is inspecting your
hardware configuration..." message flashes up.

I suspect it's related to the SATA drive in the machine, as if I
disable it from the BIOS the XP DVD boots, but obviously there's no
drive to install it on :\

Much as I enjoy Linux, I need XP!

Can anyone help?

P

The SATA driver has to be installed. At the beginning of the XP install
routine there's a prompt that says something like, 'Press F6 to install
third-party drivers..." That's what you need to do. The SATA driver from
Dell is probably on a separate disk. Check your documentation. You
should also be aware that by altering the default system configuration
you've probably voided your Dell support privileges.

 

[Paul]

The SATA driver has to be installed. At the beginning of the XP install
routine there's a prompt that says something like, 'Press F6 to install
third-party drivers..." That's what you need to do. The SATA driver from
Dell is probably on a separate disk. Check your documentation. You
should also be aware that by altering the default system configuration
you've probably voided your Dell support privileges.

If only it were that straightforward

It doesn't even get *that* far.

"Setup is inspecting your hardware configuration...", blank screen, dead.

Tried hammering f6 straight away without luck.

Any other ideas??

P