ray:
It's pretty much the same as with the notebook . . enter BIOS ( Setup ) and set the first boot device as CD/ROM. Put your XP Disc in the drive and disconnect all external peripherals except the monitor, keyboard and mouse, and be sure those are not USB, or wireless. Any internal USB card should also be removed.
If you are using an upgrade version installation CD, you'll also need a CD with an older operating system ( Windows 98SE or Windows ME ) to complete the install. Also Make sure you have the 25-digit product code for the Windows XP CD.
Once you set your BIOS to boot first from cd . . when it restarts you will see a black screen with a prompt "Press any key to boot from CD" . . do that and you will be able to delete any or all partitions and recreate one or more, then proceed to formating and installing XP.
That message can pass quickly, so have a finger on the keyboard when you boot. This will delete all data on the drive so be sure you have your important data backed up. The prompt will appear after every reboot, but do not press any key on subsequent reboots. The setup process will continue with no action required from you.
If you do not get that message, and if you have another optical drive, try the XP CD in the other drive.
If you are installing on SATA drive, there is an additional step:
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp_on_a.htm
You can get a reinstallation guide specific to your Dell here
http://support.dell.com/support/top...install/en/index?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn
This is a great guide for reinstalling on a Dell: http://www.djdenham.com/Install Procedures.htm
This is a site that walks you thru a simulated XP installation:
http://www.echoproject.net/en/software/catalog.html
These are good guides to reinstalling XP . . you might want to print one for reference during the install.
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
http://www.socrtwo.info/cleanxpinstall.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm
You will likely have to load drivers (Chipset first) and applications, If your XP installation disc does not include SP2, after the installation, you will need to download and install SP-2, while windows is clean. Prior to connecting to the internet be sure you enable the XP firewall.
For help entering BIOS: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
If you are using an upgrade version installation CD, you'll also need a CD with an older operating system ( Windows 98SE or Windows ME ) to complete the install. Also Make sure you have the 25-digit product code for the Windows XP CD.
Once you set your BIOS to boot first from cd . . when it restarts you will see a black screen with a prompt "Press any key to boot from CD" . . do that and you will be able to delete any or all partitions and recreate one or more, then proceed to formating and installing XP.
That message can pass quickly, so have a finger on the keyboard when you boot. This will delete all data on the drive so be sure you have your important data backed up. The prompt will appear after every reboot, but do not press any key on subsequent reboots. The setup process will continue with no action required from you.
If you do not get that message, and if you have another optical drive, try the XP CD in the other drive.
If you are installing on SATA drive, there is an additional step:
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp_on_a.htm
You can get a reinstallation guide specific to your Dell here
http://support.dell.com/support/top...install/en/index?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn
This is a great guide for reinstalling on a Dell: http://www.djdenham.com/Install Procedures.htm
This is a site that walks you thru a simulated XP installation:
http://www.echoproject.net/en/software/catalog.html
These are good guides to reinstalling XP . . you might want to print one for reference during the install.
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
http://www.socrtwo.info/cleanxpinstall.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm
You will likely have to load drivers (Chipset first) and applications, If your XP installation disc does not include SP2, after the installation, you will need to download and install SP-2, while windows is clean. Prior to connecting to the internet be sure you enable the XP firewall.
For help entering BIOS: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
