how do you re-install windows xp pro on a dell computer?

Question

i am having problems in re-installing windows xp pro sp2 on my dell computer. the thing is i wnat to completely format my computers hard drive, howeveram having problems in doing so with my disc (which is genuine). normally i would insert the disc in the cd-drive and restart and would go through the simple process. however in this case this does not seem to work. any help please...

Answer 1

Perform a clean install of Windows XP
A clean installation refers to removing all data from your hard disk by repartitioning and reformatting your hard disk and reinstalling the operating system and programs to an empty (clean) hard disk. You should back up all important information before you perform a clean installation of Windows XP.

For additional information about important things to consider before you partition and format you hard disk and how to partition and format your hard disk by using the Windows XP Setup program, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
313348 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348/) How to partition and format a hard disk in Windows XP
After you have backed up all your important information, follow these steps to install Windows XP:
1.Start your computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM. To do this, insert the Windows XP CD-ROM into your CD drive or DVD drive, and then restart your computer.
2.When you see the "Press any key to boot from CD" message, press any key to start the computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM.
3.At the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to start Windows XP Setup.
4.Read the End-User License Agreement, and then press F8.
5.Follow the instructions on the screen to select and format a partition where you want to install Windows XP.
6.Follow the instructions on the screen to complete Windows XP Setup.

Answer 2

There is no such thing as an "XP Pro for refurbished computers." There is simply Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. -- STRIKE THIS>>>MORE INFO IN THE ADDENDUM! You could reformat both computers and install the Windows XP Professional on your home PC (using the validation code on your daughter's computer) and then install the Windows XP Home on your daughter's PC (using the validation code on your home computer). But in reality and practicality, there's no reason for you to go through all that trouble. The main differences between XP Professional and XP Home Edition have to do with networking and domains. Windows XP Professional has several features that allow it to become part of a corporate domain. However, since you are using both of these computers in a home environment without any kind of server or domain structure, you won't see any of the differences between the two versions in effect. Save yourself the effort. With your use, there's absolutely NO reason at all to change which version of XP is running on which computer. ADDENDUM: Did a little more research for you, despite the rudeness of your reply (really, does it make you feel better calling someone volunteering their own free time to help you a MOFO?) I've been professionally involved in the IT field for over 15 years and must admit this was the first time I had ever heard anyone make mention of a Windows XP Pro for refurbished computers... so I took a dig around and found out that Microsoft has a program known as the Community MAR (Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher). The goal of this program, as stated by Microsoft is: "The Community MAR program was created to increase the number of usable PCs available to nonprofits, schools, and low-income families across the globe by reducing the cost of software to refurbishers." Obviously, you got your hands on a computer that was offered by one of these organizations. The licensing specifics are a bit vague... I'm going to have to contact Microsoft to find out how well those licenses travel between computers... It shouldn't affect you, however. As you can see from some of the other references, there really isn't a compelling reason for you to switch versions anyway. Remember, even if it were as simple as upgrading the XP Home on your computer to XP Professional, you'd have to use the license key on your daugher's computer. You'd then have two computers using the same license key, and that would violate the software license, most likely making one of the two computers stop working.

Answer 3

Look in the BIOS for boot priority, and make sure the CD drive is before the Hard Disk

If this doesnt work call dell.

Answer 4

is you disk a full version if it is you can do it from dos if not......