New user here (any patience??)

Just registered.

Wanted to fix my laptop (Dell Inspiron).

Splashscreen comes up then goes blank.

Won't even reinstall the Opr system CD.
Won't even go into Safe Mode

Is there hope???

Thanks,

Dave

 

You say it's not even booting to the WinXP installation CD? Double check your BIOS settings (press F1 or F2 repeatedly upon powering up) and make sure that the boot order is set for CD first. It should say 'Press any key to boot from CD....' when you restart. If it doesn't, then either the CD is damaged/scratched or the CD drive may be faulty. If the drive is faulty, it is still possible to reload the OS, but it's a fairly involved process and not for the novice and you'll lose any data currently on the PC, but it'll run at least.... let us know what happens after double-checking the BIOS settings. Good luck!

hopperdave2000

 

I think you fixed it!
New message says "welcome to setup"
Gives 3 choices: 1. setup 2. repair windows XP 3. quit setup (N/A).
Do I enter REPAIR?
Thanks so much.
Dave

 

Please help Grandpa

Cant get full screen and tried FAQ. Nuttin.
Had to reinstall XP OS (Dell Inspiron 1100).

Tried everything. Nobody can help.
Can anyone on this site help me?

Thanks much,

"pap pap" David

 

Ok.......Lets see if we can fix this. So far you say you have reinstalled xp. correct? What do you mean you can't get full screen?

 

Trinity- the first time you're given a choice after booting to the CD, you want to choose 'setup Windows XP'. The other choice should be to press 'R' to repair via the Recovery Console. DO NOT CHOOSE 'R'!!! The next time you're asked how to proceed, you can then choose 'R' to replace the current installation of Windows, or your can do a 'clean' install and format (erase) the hard drive. Choosing 'R' at the 2nd question will only replace your Windows system files, and should leave all other programs, data, documents intact. Try the repair install first so you don't lose any personal data. Keep us posted!

hopperdave2000

 

Thanks for reply.
After installed XP the I get a 6 x 8 inch picture right in the middle of the screen on laptop. I can work with it, access control panel, etc. It's like a partial minimized screen that won't go full.
Went into Appearance and Themes and got into advanced but could'nt change any settings.

Thanks,
Dave

 

You will need to go to Dell support and download video drivers. It is easy to find your downloads just enter your service tag. This should be on the bottom of your laptop.

 

Thank goodness I chose "setup XP." Everything went OK, EXCEPT now the screen displays just half of the 8x10 moniter, smack in the middle.
Tried everything with display troubleshooter in control panel, advanced, etc. Nothing.

I Really thank you. Trying to finish my dissertation and need a full screen for WORD.

 

Thanks, Peter.

Afraid I would have to do that. My DSL keeps saying the screen is too small to open for drivers. (???)
I am going to download drivers on desktop and transfer over to thumbnail then into laptop. Sound like a plan?

Thanks Again,
Trinity