Fresh Start w/XP

The Kids CPU is more recent than my 2001 Dell with a larger PSU and Memory capacity. I would like to wipe it, reload and move from there. It has XP SP 3 and the original disk with the unit is XP SP 2. I was thinking I could just format c: /s and move from there but am running into a brick wall. Any insight/direction greatly appreciated as thinking one knows what one is doing evidently doesn't make it so.

 

TapperIsTicked...

Just a little bit more information might help. Have you tried to reinstall Windows XP using the SP2 disk? If so, what kind of problem did you encounter?

The installation disk you have (if is a full retail installation disk) should be all you need to wipe, format, and reinstall Windows XP SP2. Then you can simply add SP3 once you get your networking going and go from there...

 

AltBo:
First, thanks for your assistance. Last night I plugged in the Dell Reinstallation CD that came with the unit. It came back with a message, paraphrased from an old memeory, that the current system, SP3 was more current and the installation was cancelled.
I then changed the boot drive to Boot from CD and attempt the same thing with no luck.
I look under Add/Remove Programs and SP-3 doesn't have a Remove Option so that the two, Dell Disk and System, would be in sink if I could remove it.
I have gone through the Microsoft site looking for resolution but have found that next to worthless. I tried to do some things with Mr. Fix It within the existing system but that only bogged down what wasn't bogged down already. I thought I may have picked up some Malware but ran all the programs suggested through MG Malware support and received a clean bill of health from them earlier today. It was their recommendation that I post under Software.
Personally, I believe I have some Registry or other OS issues and a clean install would be the easiest/fastest fix.
Any suggestions getting me there are greatly appreciated.

 

Ok Tapperls Ticked, AltBo is definitely on the right path, and so are you. A clean install should be the way to go. As AtlBo said, Put in the disk and boot from CD, then format and reinstall XP SP2, after the install and you are connected to the internet, you can go to Windows Update, or just go here, http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=24 for SP3.

 

TapperlsTicked...

Sorry I should have asked before. What is the model of the Dell?

There are plenty of Dell experts around, but I am unfortunately not one of them. If I am right, the disk that you have is a master restore disk that restores the PC to original factory settings. If so, I see how that would be a big problem for you, since it is obviously not working as it should...won't run in Windows or outside of Windows leaving you no options for restoration.

The simplest thing I can think of would be to download a boot disk repair tool .iso like UBCD (Ultimate Boot CD), burn it (use the create disk from disk image option in your burner software) to a CD or DVD. Then place the disk in the CD/DVD tray and boot. Use the partition tool to delete your C drive partition (careful to leave any restore partition that may be present) and to format the newly created unallocated space. Then you could test your restore disk again. This is assuming you have access to a computer that can burn a CD or DVD to create the repair disk.

Ultimate Boot CD:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/ultimate_boot_cd_(ubcd).html

Maybe someone has a better idea, but Dell support forum may be something to consider using if you are not interested in going through the trouble of creating the boot repair disk. Personally, I think the boot repair disk is a good idea. I have a couple of them just in case, and it will work on any PC with any OS...an indispensable tool for me...

 

TapperIsTicked, I'm not sure from this statement whether you're using the installation disk as a boot media or trying to install Windows from Windows. What you need to do is to use the installation disk as a boot disk to boot into the pre-Windows installation environment. That way, Windows isn't even running yet and I don't see how it could perceive, much less block you from installing whatever you wanted to install at that point. I apologize if I'm missing something obvious here.

 

Now THAT'S a good idea! Just assassinate Windows before you install. AtlBo the Impaler.
I'll second the use of UBCD. It's a great tool for fixing boot problems, recovering lost partitions, undeleting deleted files, transferring files from a dead drive, cloning disks, and yes...... assassinating an uncooperative Windows installation (all from a comfortably familiar Windows-like Linux GUI).

 

Now that you mention it, rusty, I might have mentioned that the operating system partition will be "wiped out" completely. Assuming your disk that is not working is a restore disk, TapperIsTicked, the only way to get the OS back will be with the restore disk should you choose to wipe and format the OS partition as I suggested. That means if it doesn't work after removing the partition, you will be without an operating system on the PC and with no way to install one.

There are options if you can retrieve the key from the hard drive. This is why I recommended the Dell forum. If your restore disk does not work, provided you have written down the Windows XP license key for your PC (there are programs for retrieving the key), all you would need is any normal Windows XP installation disk (of the same type i.e. Home or Pro, etc. as the one the key is for), and you can use your key to finish the installation. However, someone on the Dell forum board may also be able to use the service tag on the machine to point you to help getting a restore disk that will work or possibly getting your hands on a Windows XP .iso you can burn to install the OS. I'm just not sure about this, but I do know that as long as the key you use (the one for your currently installed OS) matches the type of Windows XP being installed from a disk (Home or Pro etc. (also 32 or 64 bit)), you are within your rights to use anyone's installation disk. It's only the key that matters in this situation.

I know this is more complicated than it should be, but from what I have seen, Dell is pretty good on issues pertaining to situations where a restore disk fails, even for machines out of warranty such as yours. On the Dell forum, you should be at least able to find out what options you have...

 

AtlBo:
First, sorry I screwed up the name on the first reply. If Atl is Atlanta that brings back some fond memories of my first 23 years. A whole bunch of miles since then though.
I'm looking at a screen that shows installing Windows and will complete in approximately 34 minutes. UBCD is a handy utility.
Thanks to you and all that replied. The other pro was correct, I was trying to kill Windows from within Windows. Its survival instinct kicked in.
I'm assuming I can handle it from here but if not it's great to know the squad is a click away.

 

TapperIsTicked...

Yes, it is indeed Atlanta. Other than the first 3 years in Columbus GA, some years in college, and a year in Chicago, I've been here all my years. rolleyes

Glad you got the installation running. Sounds like you have it well under control. :-D

If you hit a snag, please just let us know, and we'll see if we can help...

 

AtlBo, I honestly thought your strategy was a great idea at the time I typed it (I should never post after taking my nightly meds). Hope I didn't offend you. Juxtaposing you and Vlad the Impaler (15th cent.) just struck me as hilarious, if only because the concept is so blatantly far from the truth.

 

This was my suggestion in the first place. I was actually installing XP Pro SP3 at the same time on another computer when reading this forum. Glad it worked out.

 

For future reference it was also suggested to retrieve the key from the hard drive but that won't work if a full installation disk is being used to reinstall Windows to a machine having an OEM copy of Windows. The required key is the one on the CoA sticker on the case. Didn't apply in this case in the end as the pre-activated recovery disk was eventually used.

 

rusty, seriously, Vlad the Impaler is most misunderstood...probably just shy and reclusive and wanting everyone to be happy and fed up with poverty and despair :tas. Anyway, I received the designation as an honor and wear it as a tribute...:-D:confused :major

Thanks for the correction Earthling. It's these little details that I seem to never be able to remember. I have very little hands on experience with Dells and with PCs with a factory restore partition in general, but I still feel like I should know this stuff as much as I have read about them. Anyway, thanks for straightening that out...

OK...OEM key is on the case and not found on the hard drive,..got it...rolleyes

 

Well...you will find a key on the hard drive but it won't work to activate Windows. I guess the whole batch of identical machines will have the same key...maybe Just Playin or someone can clarify.

Whatever, I'm sure the OP is very pleased with the outcome you guys helped him to :clap

 

He is indeed. Kudos