XP Reinstallation issues

[Prakman]

I have a XP version that was installed by Dell at time of purchase. It has
been extensively corrupted by spyware -- When i try to reinstall using the
"reinstall CD" that came with the desktop, it says that the version on the
computer is newer than that on the reinstall CD. How can I overcome this
challenge and reinstall XP and get my computer to start running again?

 

[Big_Al]

I have a XP version that was installed by Dell at time of purchase. It has
been extensively corrupted by spyware -- When i try to reinstall using the
"reinstall CD" that came with the desktop, it says that the version on the
computer is newer than that on the reinstall CD. How can I overcome this
challenge and reinstall XP and get my computer to start running again?

Dell usually has a restore partition and some keystroke like F2 to
restore the image from that partition. Mine did before I did a full
partition and reformat of the HD to gain the space. I have the Full OS
and APPS on cd's they sent me. And I made sure they sent me OEM OS
CD's, not a restore / Image CDs.

 

[Nepatsfan]

I have a XP version that was installed by Dell at time of purchase. It has
been extensively corrupted by spyware -- When i try to reinstall using the
"reinstall CD" that came with the desktop, it says that the version on the
computer is newer than that on the reinstall CD. How can I overcome this
challenge and reinstall XP and get my computer to start running again?

You're getting that error message because you're trying to start the
installation while Windows XP is running. You need to boot your computer from
the installation CD. Once you do that you will be able to format your C drive
and install a fresh copy of XP. Keep in mind that you will have to install
drivers for some of your hardware devices. You should have received a Resources
CD from Dell that contains those drivers. If not, go to Dell's support web site
and download them before formatting your drive. Enter the information from the
service tag attached to your computer.

Dell Drivers and Downloads
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~ck=gp

If you're not sure what hardware is installed on your computer you can use a
program such as Belarc Advisor to identify them.

Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit (Version 7.2x)
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

You should back up any important files you want to keep. Also, make sure you
have the installation CD and installation keys for any software you plan on
reinstalling.

Here are a couple of articles that you may find helpful.

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

Clean Install Procedure with Illustrative Screen Captures
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have a XP version that was installed by Dell at time of purchase. It has
been extensively corrupted by spyware -- When i try to reinstall using the
"reinstall CD" that came with the desktop, it says that the version on the
computer is newer than that on the reinstall CD. How can I overcome this
challenge and reinstall XP and get my computer to start running again?

How are you trying to use the CD? If you're trying to do it from
within Windows, that's why you're getting the message. Boot from the
CD (change the boot order to CD first in the BIOS setup program) and
install from there.

 

[Prakman]

Thanks guys.
I got a 'wipe' CD from my office IT help that will basically wipe the
existing XP version and all my files and then i would be able to reinstall
using the recovery CDs provided by Dell. I will try to recover as much as I
can.
I have been booting from the CD drive from what I can tell.

 

[Daave]

Thanks guys.
I got a 'wipe' CD from my office IT help that will basically wipe the
existing XP version and all my files and then i would be able to
reinstall
using the recovery CDs provided by Dell. I will try to recover as much
as I
can.
I have been booting from the CD drive from what I can tell.

Please describe both CDs in as much detail as possible.

Also, you said "from what I can tell." Since that doesn't provide any
clues, please tell us the *exact* steps you are taking in order to boot
from the CD.

What is the model/number of your Dell? Is it your home or work PC?