NOTICE: Before performing the installation, back up all data files on your primary hard drive.
For conventional hard drive configurations, the primary hard drive is the first drive detected by
the computer.
To reinstall Windows XP, you need the following items:
Dell Operating System CD
Dell ResourceCD
NOTE: The Dell ResourceCD contains drivers that were factory-installed during assembly of the
computer. Use the ResourceCD to load any required drivers, including those drivers required if
your computer has a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controller.
Product Key (Product ID Number) ____________________
NOTE: The Product Key is the bar code number on the sticker that is located on the external
side cover of your computer. You may be prompted for the Product Key when using the Operating
System CD under certain conditions.
To reinstall Windows XP, perform all the steps in the following sections in the order in which they are listed.
The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options
can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not
reinstall Windows XP unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.
NOTICE: To prevent conflicts with Windows XP, disable any virus protection software installed
on your computer before you reinstall Windows XP. See the documentation that came with the
software for instructions.
When the Windows XP Setup screen appears, press <Enter> to select To set up
Windows now.
Read the information on the Microsoft Windows Licensing Agreement screen, and
press <F8> to accept the license agreement.
If your computer already has Windows XP installed and you want to recover your
current Windows XP data, type r to select the repair option, and then remove the CD
from the drive.
If you want to install a new copy of Windows XP, press <Esc> to select that option.
Press <Enter> to select the highlighted partition (recommended), and then follow
the instructions on the screen.
The Windows XP Setup screen appears, and the operating system begins to copy files and install the devices. The computer automatically restarts multiple times.
NOTE: The time required to complete the setup depends on the size of the hard drive and the
speed of your computer.
NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to
boot from the CD.
When the Regional and Language Options screen appears, select the settings for your
location, and then click Next.
Enter your name and organization (optional) in the Personalize Your Software screen
and click Next.
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Home Edition, at the What's your computer's name
window, enter a name for your computer (or accept the name provided) and click
Next.
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional, at the Computer Name and Administrator Password window, enter a name for your computer (or accept the one provided) and a password, and then click Next.
If the Modem Dialing Information screen appears, enter the requested information
and click Next.
Enter the date, time, and time zone in the Date and Time Settings window and click
Next.
If the Networking Settings screen appears, click Typical and click Next.
If you are reinstalling Windows XP Professional and you are prompted to provide
further information regarding your network configuration, enter your selections. If you
are unsure of your settings, accept the default selections.
Windows XP installs the operating system components and configures the computer. The computer automatically restarts.
NOTICE: Do not press any key when the following message appears: Press any key to
boot from the CD.
When the Welcome to Microsoft screen appears, click Next.
When the How will this computer connect to the Internet? message
appears, click Skip.
When the Ready to register with Microsoft? screen appears, select No, not at this
time and click Next.
When the Who will use this computer? screen appears, you can enter up to five users.
Click Next.
Click Finish to complete the setup, and remove the CD from the drive.
Reinstall the appropriate drivers using the ResourceCD.
NOTICE: The Operating System CD provides options for reinstalling Windows XP. The options
can overwrite files and possibly affect programs installed on your hard drive. Therefore, do not
reinstall Windows XP unless instructed to do so by a Dell technical support representative.
The reinstallation process can take 1 to 2 hours to complete. After you reinstall the operating system, you must also reinstall the device drivers, virus protection program, and other software.
Save and close any open files and exit any open programs.
Insert the Operating System CD. If any program starts automatically, exit the program
before proceeding.
Shut down the computer through the Start menu and restart the computer.
Press <F12> immediately after the DELL™ logo appears.
If the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Windows desktop, and then shut down the computer and try again.
Press the arrow keys to select CD-ROM, and then press <Enter>.
When the Press any key to boot from CD message appears, press any key.
When the Windows 2000 Setup window appears, ensure that To setup
Win2000 now, press ENTER is highlighted. Then press <Enter>.
When the Windows 2000 Professional Setup window appears, press the
arrow keys to select the Windows 2000 partition option that you want. Then
press the key for the partition option you chose.
When the Windows 2000 Professional Setup window reappears, press the
arrow keys to select the type of file system that you want Windows 2000 to
use, and then press <Enter>.
Press <Enter> again to restart your computer.
Click Next when the Welcome to the Windows 2000 Setup Wizard window
appears.
When the Regional Settings window appears, select your region, and
then click Next.
Enter your name and organization in the Personalize Your Software window,
and then click Next.
Enter the Windows product key, which is printed on the Microsoft label on
your computer. Then click Next.
When the Computer Name and Administrator Password window appears,
enter a name for your computer and a password, if desired. Then click Next.
Enter the date and time in the Date and Time Settings window, and
then click Next.
Windows 2000 installs components and configures the computer.
When the Completing the Windows 2000 Setup Wizard window appears,
remove the CD from the drive, and then click Finish.
The computer automatically restarts.
Reinstall the appropriate drivers using the Drivers and Utilities CD.
