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Install Windows XP Professional

Before reinstalling Windows XP on a Dell computer try the System Restore command. This command uses the original configuration that is stored on a separate partition of the hard disk. For this command to work, the hardware should be returned to the same state as when the computer was new. That is, remove any added PCI cards. Execute the System Restore command by pressing Ctrl-F11 after the computer is turned on.

To install Windows XP

  1. Locate the Windows XP reinstallation CD
  2. Start the computer and press F2 to enter the ROM BIOS
  3. Move to the Boot Sequence section
  4. Press Enter to change the order
  5. Move the CD ROM drive entry so it is just after onboard hard drive
  6. Press Enter
  7. Insert the XP reinstallation CD
  8. Press Esc and pick Save/Exit
  9. When Press any key to boot from CD appears, press Enter (Wait)
  10. At Welcome to Setup screen press Enter
  11. At Licensing screen, press F8
  12. Select Drive C and press Enter
  13. Select Format NTFS (Quick) and press Enter
  14. Press F to start the formatting (Wait)
  15. At Regional and Language Options pick Next
  16. Fill in Name and Organization fields, click Next
  17. Fill in Computer Name and Administrator Password fields
  18. Set the time and time zone, click Next (Wait)
  19. At Display Settings click OK
  20. At Monitor Settings click OK

Starting Windows XP

  1. At the Welcome to Microsoft Windows screen click Next
  2. Pick Help protect my PC and click Next
  3. Fill out the Your name field and click Next
  4. At the Thank you screen click Next

Installing drivers

  1. Windows XP is now running, however, five hardware drivers need to be installed
  2. The needed drivers are for Video Adapter, Audio, Communication (Modem), Chipset, and Network
  3. Try to install these from the Dell Drivers and Utilities CD
  4. If not, get the drivers from the Dell Support web page
    • Click Drivers and Downloads
    • Click Enter a Tag and type the Service Tag from the back of the computer and click Go
    • Next to Category: click Change Category
    • In the list, select one of the five driver types to reduce the choices
    • For each driver, click Download Now and save the file
    • If downloaded to a different computer, copy to a flash memory key put the key in the computer being set up
    • Under C:\Dell make a new folder called Drivers
    • Copy the drivers to this folder
  5. From Explorer, execute each of the drivers in this order
    • System utilities
    • Chipset Software Installation Utility
    • Two other chip sets in either order
    • Video
    • Audio
    • Modem
    • Network
  6. Restart the computer
  7. Update Win XP
  8. Install antivirus
  9. Install Abouttime
  10. Others

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Last revised: July 2, 2008 -- Copyright © 1998-2008 ARMiller