Can I reformat Dell computer

[Satoshi]

I have a year old Dell computer.
I would like to reformat C-drive.
When I looked at the manual, it described about re-installing WinXP.
There is no comment on re-formatting harddrive.
I am wondering whether WinXP Pro CD came with Dell computer is not designed
for reformatting harddrive. Your comment would be appreciated. Satoshi

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

I think Dell CDs will function as a retail CD:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/cleanxp.htm

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

The Dell reinstallation CD works the same way as a conventional
Windows XP installation CD. Follow this procedure:

The Windows XP CD is bootable and contains all the tools necessary
to partition and format your drive. Follow this procedure and allow
Windows XP to partition and format your drive:

NOTE: It would be best to physically disconnect all your peripheral hardware
devices, except the monitor, mouse and keyboard, before installing XP.

1. Open your BIOS and set your "CD Drive as the first bootable device".

===> Accessing Motherboard BIOS
===> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

2. Insert your Windows XP CD in the CD Drive and reboot your computer.
3. You'll see a message to boot to the CD....follow the instructions.
4. The setup menu will appear and you should elect to delete the existing
Windows partitions, then create a new partition, then format the primary
partition (preferably NTFS) and proceed to install Windows XP.

5. Clean Install Windows XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-MVP]

6. ** Immediately after installing Windows XP, turn on XP's Firewall **
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

7. After Windows XP is installed, visit the Windows Update website
and download the available "Critical Updates".

8. After installing the critical updates, be sure and visit the support website
of the manufacturer of the computer to download and install any
available Windows XP compatible drivers, such as video adapter
and audio drivers.

9. If you happen to run into any installation difficulties, use the following resources:

How to Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;310064

Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Kelly Theriot]

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

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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| I have a year old Dell computer.
| I would like to reformat C-drive.
| When I looked at the manual, it described about re-installing WinXP.
| There is no comment on re-formatting harddrive.
| I am wondering whether WinXP Pro CD came with Dell computer is not designed
| for reformatting harddrive. Your comment would be appreciated. Satoshi

 

[XCalibur]

I have done the same with my Dell Optiplex 260 model with the Windows 200
Pro installation CD many times successfully!

However when I tried to upgrade via a retail CD for WIndows XP Pro I lost
all use of my USB ports. I've tried updating drivers from the driver CD
supplied by Dell as well as from their website. The imbedded chipset is
Intel so I've tried installing their updated drivers and still NOT
successful. I've even updated my bios to the current version and double
checked that USB emulation and functionality is enabled in the bios, and
still NOT successful. Lastly I've tried all windows XP Pro downloads and
updates and still nothing.

I do not wish to format my drive, because I don't think my upgrade Windows
XP Pro retail CD will accomplish this without still giving me errors of
files that it couldn't copy (usbcamd.sys , usbcamd2.sys , usbui.dll ,
fsvga.sys , usbintel.sys , kbdhela3.dll , and these igfxext.exe ,
e1000.25.sys)

Say Satoshi could you email me those files once you've successfully
installed your Windows XP Pro, please?? thanks. I'm not sure I should
publicly post that request but I cannot return my software nor get an
exchange for the same product for copyright reasons upheld by the local
retailer. Furthermore unable to sit for 1/2 hour on hold and be walked thru
for another by Microsoft via long-distance phone call; no credit card for
their services.

Can anyone help me please??