Where are the Bios for clean install

[Diane]

I have read lots of answers for a clean install, but none of say how and
where are these "Bios" at. This is a Dell Dimension 8100. I have two programs
(?) on start up. One is setting, and the other is boot setting. Is one of
these Bios. I am a beginner at this, and really need some help. But could you
put it into simple terms, pretty please.
If you ask, why do I think I need a clean install, I will tell you. Did a
clean install years ago with the help of Dell. Computer came with WinMe on
it, and we had to do alot of re-installs on it. Finally give up on WinMe, and
ask Dell to help me do a clean install for XP Home, which I bought. They said
that they could only help me thru the debug and that it. Dell won't talk to
me now. About a 2 years ago, the Dell clashed. A friend suggested that we
put in SP2 disk, which it putted back which it needed for run the computer.
About four days ago, the computer can't run some of the programs that I use
to. Including Java, which I need to play on POGO. Try uninstalling and
reinstalling four times. Computer won't run Java running time, and now I
notice a program thats been on the computer for over a month, is a new
program. I think I told you every thing you need to know.
So please, in simple terms. How do I get to bios to be able to run debug.
XP has all current updates including SP3
Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Peter Foldes]

Diane

The Bios is a complete different thing. You do not need to touch it. To reformat
your system to a clean install do the following after saving all necessary data and
files unto a CD\DVD
First slipstream you SP3 into your XP Sp2 disk.
Instructions on how to do this is below
http://apcmag.com/how_to_create_a_bootable_xp_sp3_cd.htm?page=1


Next when done with the above insert the XP SP3 CD into your computer and shut it
off with the CD in there. Then when you open the computer it will give you the
options and one of them being to reformat and to install the CD. You select it and
let the computer reformat and install the XP SP3.When done remove the CD
Next when it finished installing you go Windows or Microsoft Update and install all
the available Updates. When done install your Anti Virus or Security based programs.
After that you can start to install all your programs back unto your computer

 

[LVTravel]

I have read lots of answers for a clean install, but none of say how and
where are these "Bios" at. This is a Dell Dimension 8100. I have two
programs
(?) on start up. One is setting, and the other is boot setting. Is one of
these Bios. I am a beginner at this, and really need some help. But could
you
put it into simple terms, pretty please.
If you ask, why do I think I need a clean install, I will tell you. Did a
clean install years ago with the help of Dell. Computer came with WinMe on
it, and we had to do alot of re-installs on it. Finally give up on WinMe,
and
ask Dell to help me do a clean install for XP Home, which I bought. They
said
that they could only help me thru the debug and that it. Dell won't talk
to
me now. About a 2 years ago, the Dell clashed. A friend suggested that we
put in SP2 disk, which it putted back which it needed for run the
computer.
About four days ago, the computer can't run some of the programs that I
use
to. Including Java, which I need to play on POGO. Try uninstalling and
reinstalling four times. Computer won't run Java running time, and now I
notice a program thats been on the computer for over a month, is a new
program. I think I told you every thing you need to know.
So please, in simple terms. How do I get to bios to be able to run debug.
XP has all current updates including SP3
Thank you so much for your help.

There is no "debug" in the bios.

Read Peter's post first.

Now that you are back, The Dell Dimension 8100 which originally came with
Windows ME and was upgraded to XP Home with an install disk provided by Dell
probably has an XP Upgrade disk and not a retail disk. When I got my Dell
8100 XP Home upgrade disk to upgrade ME it was just that, an Upgrade disk.
(You should have also received a driver disk.) If your XP disk says it is an
upgrade on the label you will also need the original ME disk when installing
from scratch. By default Dell shipped the 8100 with the bios set to boot
first from the CD drive then the hard drive. If this has not been changed
you do not have to anything to start the rebuild process but follow Peter's
instructions. When the installation program asks for the upgrade qualifying
operating system simply remove the XP installation disk, put in the ME disk
and accept the response. It will then tell you to remove the ME disk and
insert the XP disk again to complete the install.

If the computer will not boot from the XP CD and boots from the hard drive
you may need to enter the bios to change the boot order. Pressing the F2
key immediately when it prompts for it will start the bios system setup.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dsleest/syssetup.htm is the
support manual for your computer.

 

[db]

you may have a splash
screen set up that hides
the bios testing at startup.

however if you need/want
to do a clean install,

then it is likely you have
to enter the bios to set
up the cd/dvd drive as
the primary boot device.

if the above is what you
are seeking then,

you might try holding down
the f2 key immediately after
powering up the pc.

if you enter the bios then
set your cd/dvd drive as
primary boot device,

then look around for that
splash screen setting and
disable it.

click to save and exit the
bios.

if the f2 key doesn't work
then consult the dell
website or your computer
manual on how to enter
the bios at power up.

perhaps, you may have to
hold down the del key instead
of the f2 key.

incidentally, I would also
check with the dell website
for your model.

you may not have to use
a xp cd for a clean install
if you computer is capable
of initiating a "factory
restore"

the above could mean that
you have a hidden partition
on the hard drive containing
the setup files to restore your
machine back to its factory
state.


--
db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- @Hotmail.com
- nntp Postologist
~ "share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have read lots of answers for a clean install, but none of say how and
where are these "Bios" at. This is a Dell Dimension 8100. I have two programs
(?) on start up. One is setting, and the other is boot setting. Is one of
these Bios.

No. It is not any part of Windows. How to get into your BIOS depends,
not on Windows, but on what motherboard/BIOS you have. As a matter of
fact, you have to access the BIOS before Windows even starts to boot.
One common way is to press the Del key when you first power on, but
that's not necessarily right for your computer. Watch the screen
carefully when you first boot; there's often a message there telling
you what to do. If not, check your system documentation or check with
your vendor.

Also look here: http://michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
Or just try the Del key. There's a good chance that's correct for you.

 

[Anna]

I have read lots of answers for a clean install, but none of say how and
where are these "Bios" at. This is a Dell Dimension 8100. I have two
programs
(?) on start up. One is setting, and the other is boot setting. Is one of
these Bios. I am a beginner at this, and really need some help. But could
you
put it into simple terms, pretty please.
If you ask, why do I think I need a clean install, I will tell you. Did a
clean install years ago with the help of Dell. Computer came with WinMe on
it, and we had to do alot of re-installs on it. Finally give up on WinMe,
and
ask Dell to help me do a clean install for XP Home, which I bought. They
said
that they could only help me thru the debug and that it. Dell won't talk
to
me now. About a 2 years ago, the Dell clashed. A friend suggested that we
put in SP2 disk, which it putted back which it needed for run the
computer.
About four days ago, the computer can't run some of the programs that I
use
to. Including Java, which I need to play on POGO. Try uninstalling and
reinstalling four times. Computer won't run Java running time, and now I
notice a program thats been on the computer for over a month, is a new
program. I think I told you every thing you need to know.
So please, in simple terms. How do I get to bios to be able to run debug.
XP has all current updates including SP3
Thank you so much for your help.

Diane:
Forget, for a moment, about the BIOS and similarly forget, for a moment,
about "debug", OK?

When you mention a "clean install" (of the Windows XP operating system (OS))
do you understand that a "clean install" generally means a "fresh install"
of the OS? And if you fresh install the XP OS that means that *all* the data
on your hard drive (HDD) disappears and is gone for good. So a fresh install
means that *only* the OS is installed on the HDD.

So is that what you really want - a fresh install of the OS? Or do you
*really* mean you want a re:install of the OS so that all the present data
on your HDD - all your programs & personal data - would be retained, but you
would have a new install of the OS that is free from corruption, is bootable
without any problem, and is perfectly functional?

From what I can gather from your post, you were able to purchase (from Dell)
a Windows XP OS installation CD (Home Ed.) some years ago. And you used that
CD to originally install the XP OS onto your HDD? And eventually you
installed SP2 onto your machine?

Presumably the machine has been working just fine for the past few years and
it's only been recently that you've experienced the problems you relate?

As to the problem(s) you're experiencing at this time...

Are you able to boot to your Desktop without any problem? No error messages
of any kind? A normal bootup?

Assuming no problem with the boot, could you describe *precisely* the
problem(s) you're experiencing? Is it that you can access some programs/data
but not other programs/data?

Are you able to connect to the Internet and use your mail program with no
problem?

You've been able to post your message to this newsgroup using your Dimension
8100?

Are you aware that pressing the F2 key during the initial stage of booting
up your machine will access the BIOS? Is that *really* where you want to go?

Anyway, if you decide to respond to this post please answer the above
questions in some detail and as best you can. Please try to detail the
precise nature of the problem(s) you're experiencing and what your specific
objective(s) is/are, OK?
Anna

 

[Diane]

Thank you so much Peter Foldes, LVTravel, db, Ken Blake, MVP and Anna for
answering me. So I will answer your question.
Peter Folders: Sorry, I don't have a XP SP2 disk. It was a friends disk that
he used on this computer.
LVTravel: I have read Peter suggestion and wish I could do it. But I don't
have a disk with SP2 on it. It was a friends. Yes, I do know Dell Dimension
8100 had WinMe on it. In fact I held the record for reinstalling it. When
Dell helped me thru debug they said nothing about adding Dell things back on
the computer. As far as booting from XP Home Disk (this is "not" from Dell,
got it from Best Buy), I have tried, but still boots off of hard drive. I
think I am suppose to change something but don't remember what. Just looked
at it, and it says on the disk "upgrade". Thank you LVTravel, but the support
manual's is as clear as mud. Thats why I ask for "simple terms". Beginner
here, and still learning.
db: Splash screen setting???? What are those??? I am having enough trouble
finding these things call BIOS. Thank you, but I don't want WinMe back on
here. Would love to have my XP working again, with sound and etc.
Ken Blake MVP: Thank you, I really thought BIOS was part of Windows. Guess
my gray hair is showing. I will try your suggestion on the Del Key. Like I
said in first posting. After Dell screen come up, two little programs (?) are
on top right . I think first one says setting and I know the second say boot
setting. Where I am trying to get to is debug. I wrote down what Dell was
telling me to do in debug to remove WinMe. I assume it would also work to
remove XP.
Anna: Yes I know what "clean install" means. If I knew how to do it, I would
even do a low level format on the hard drive. What I read that formatting
doesn't really remove all of the data. Maybe I am still having some of WinMe
problems on the hard drive. No didn't purchase XP Home from Dell, got it from
Best Buy. Yes I am able to boot from the hard drive, in fact talking to you
on the Dell. So yes on the internet. Problems: No Sound. Java running time
won't load, yet Java say its loaded right. But the whole Java program isn't
in Add and Remove. Java won't run. Memory is forget full. Programs that were
load month ago are now being showed as "new". Program that were running
before, don't run on the internet. Yes I can use MSN mail. Anna what I would
like, is a clean install, from the ground up. Format, fdisk, etc. I hope this
answer all your question. All I really need to know is how can I get to debug
to start typing all the stuff in. Pretty Please
Thanks again all

 

[Peter Foldes]

Diane

Best you take your computer to a reputable computer repair shop.

 

[Desk Rabbit]

Thank you so much Peter Foldes, LVTravel, db, Ken Blake, MVP and Anna for
answering me. So I will answer your question.
Peter Folders: Sorry, I don't have a XP SP2 disk. It was a friends disk that
he used on this computer.
LVTravel: I have read Peter suggestion and wish I could do it. But I don't
have a disk with SP2 on it. It was a friends. Yes, I do know Dell Dimension
8100 had WinMe on it. In fact I held the record for reinstalling it. When
Dell helped me thru debug they said nothing about adding Dell things back on
the computer. As far as booting from XP Home Disk (this is "not" from Dell,
got it from Best Buy), I have tried, but still boots off of hard drive. I
think I am suppose to change something but don't remember what. Just looked
at it, and it says on the disk "upgrade". Thank you LVTravel, but the support
manual's is as clear as mud. Thats why I ask for "simple terms". Beginner
here, and still learning.
db: Splash screen setting???? What are those??? I am having enough trouble
finding these things call BIOS. Thank you, but I don't want WinMe back on
here. Would love to have my XP working again, with sound and etc.
Ken Blake MVP: Thank you, I really thought BIOS was part of Windows. Guess
my gray hair is showing. I will try your suggestion on the Del Key. Like I
said in first posting. After Dell screen come up, two little programs (?) are
on top right . I think first one says setting and I know the second say boot
setting. Where I am trying to get to is debug. I wrote down what Dell was
telling me to do in debug to remove WinMe. I assume it would also work to
remove XP.
Anna: Yes I know what "clean install" means. If I knew how to do it, I would
even do a low level format on the hard drive. What I read that formatting
doesn't really remove all of the data. Maybe I am still having some of WinMe
problems on the hard drive. No didn't purchase XP Home from Dell, got it from
Best Buy. Yes I am able to boot from the hard drive, in fact talking to you
on the Dell. So yes on the internet. Problems: No Sound. Java running time
won't load, yet Java say its loaded right. But the whole Java program isn't
in Add and Remove. Java won't run. Memory is forget full. Programs that were
load month ago are now being showed as "new". Program that were running
before, don't run on the internet. Yes I can use MSN mail. Anna what I would
like, is a clean install, from the ground up. Format, fdisk, etc. I hope this
answer all your question. All I really need to know is how can I get to debug
to start typing all the stuff in. Pretty Please
Thanks again all

You are so out of your depth. Take it to an expert before you wipe all
your data and make the job take twice as long and cost four times as much.

 

[Anna]

On 07/04/2010 03:31, Diane wrote: (SNIP)

Diane:
1. I'm going to assume that there is no hardware-type problem with your PC
and whatever problems you've experienced now & in the past are due to (for
one reason or another) a corrupted OS.

2. I'm further assuming that when you installed the XP OS onto your Dell PC
some years ago using the XP OS installation CD you purchased from Best Buy
you also were able to obtain & install the necessary drivers, e.g., sound,
video, motherboard, etc. following the installation of the OS so that the
system operated without any problems.

Some time later, after experiencing some problem(s) with the PC you
installed SP2 and somehow you were able to return the system to a bootable,
functional state.

Is all the above correct?

3. So now all you're interested in is fresh-installing the XP OS. And you
fully understand that if you're able to do this all your programs and
personal data will disappear. Presumably you've backed up whatever data you
can.

4. Hopefully you can install the OS onto your HDD using your XP OS
installation CD. There is no need to pre-partition, pre-format your HDD; the
setup of the OS will take care of that. There is no need to invoke the fdisk
or debug commands or any other commands.

Again, I'm assuming that you have available the necessary drivers as I
indicated in 2. above. You do understand that if you are able to
fresh-install the OS it is necessary to subsequently install the required
drivers so that the system will be completely functional, right?

5. You must set the boot priority order of your Dell machine so that the PC
will boot to your bootable XP OS installation CD (and not to your HDD).
After powering-on your machine and inserting the CD you press the F2 key a
number of times while the system is booting up. This will access the
motherboard's BIOS so that you can change the boot priority order in order
that the first boot will be made to your CD-ROM drive (and not to your HDD).

Hopefully you'll then be able to boot to the XP OS installation CD and use
the setup process to fresh-install the OS onto your HDD.

Again, please understand that if you're able to successfully install the OS
you will need to install the necessary drivers as explained above. And, of
course, install all the programs & personal data you desire.

If all goes well you should later install SP2. And still later, SP3. Both of
those SPs are available for downloading from Microsoft.
Anna

 

[Diane]

Thank you very much for your help, Desk Rabbit. I may be out of my depth, as
you put it. Yes I do know I will lose all data, and thats what I want. What I
wanted to save, has been saved else where. Like on MSN, and Yahoo. Since that
save is on their servers, I think. If not, no big deal. Only thing I still
want to save, which I will have to get hold of MSN, is my favorites. But
again, thank you for your help.