I want to swipe off my entire computer and reinstall windows xp for a fresh start to erase a few viruses infecting my system. I have an inspiron 6000 labtop and did not receive cds with it. Can i reinstall it on this website and if so how??
Thanks for your responses.
2007-06-12 19:45:37 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
You will need a cd,
When u reinstall XP it will only format one drive ( The drive on which u will install XP, u will need to format the other drives manually, O would suggest to format those BEFORE setup XP, Cause viruses form other drives may spread again if u do that after setup.
2007-06-12 19:55:16 · answer #1 · answered by Sky Guy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When the computer was first up and running, you could have made the recovery cd, Dell is too cheap to send a cd along. Good news is you might still be able to make them.
First kill the viruses if possible. You can run a free scan at http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/free_security_tools/housecall_free_scan.php to kill what's there. A couple other sites have on-line scanners as well. It would be fine to run different ones to ensure you're clean. Then install a free virus scanner, both AVG and Avast are good.
If you can get it running long enough, use the Dell tools to make the recovery cds.
If you still want to go through with the recovery process, boot from the cds and let it rip. Just realize that using recovery cds will wipe off everything, all your files, everything!!!
If the above fails, try to find a regular Windows XP install disk, boot from it. MAKE SURE you have it delete the "partitions", then continue the install. This will ensure everything is wiped clean. And don't worry about the drivers from a generic XP cd, it will pick up nearly every driver automatically, and once you connect to the internet, you can get any remaining ones you need.
2007-06-13 03:35:48 · answer #2 · answered by Jim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can obtain a recovery disk from the laptop manufacturer - it differs from a standard installation disk in that it will contain all the drivers to run the special features of your laptop.
Alternatively, use a regular Windows XP disk and download the drivers from the manufacturer's website - go to the website and look up "Inspiron 6000", then download all the drivers and copy them to a CD (an OEM copy of Windows XP is much cheaper than a boxed version).
To format the hard drive you will have to connect another PC to the laptop or take out the laptop hard drive and install it in another PC - I think that's the easier method, but don't forget to change the jumper on the hard drive to "slave" (there's a diagram on the drive to show you where it goes). and then change it back to "master" when you put it back in the laptop.
Install Windows XP as normal and then install the drivers.
2007-06-13 03:09:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have an XP COA sticker, and a service tag on the bottom of the laptop, Dell will send you a system restore CD. Go to the Dell website under Support > Drivers and Downloads and enter your service tag number. If it validates, then you need to get them on the phone.
It is also possible that your Dell was shipped with the restore CD in a hidden partition on the HD. Use the dell service utilities off the start menu to see if it has a system restore option.
2007-06-13 02:56:16 · answer #4 · answered by charlyvvvvv 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before formatting make sure you have all the drivers for the laptop. Getting some of them might be a big issue. Also backup all software installations provided by the manufacture.
To install XP from scratch you will be requiring a boot up CD.
1.Set the default boot option to CD..it will be Harddisk by default.
2.When you boot up from CD, you will get the necessary instructions to format, partition, assign the filesystem and install XP.
All the best.
2007-06-13 03:09:12 · answer #5 · answered by FJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need to order a set of Recovery CDs, even if you has a recovery partition. If it ever gets corrupted you will needthe CD. Order from Dell for around $20 or you can go to the following site.
http://www.restoredisks.com/index.asp
As far as cleaning your hard drive so no lingering m,alware is left behind use Kill Disk to do a "Quick Wipe". This will destroy all data and programs on the drive prior to install XP.
http://www.KillDisk.com/
.
2007-06-13 03:10:55 · answer #6 · answered by acklan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HOLD ON! before you do anything you need your drivers for your mouse pad and most important your Internet adapters LAN and wifi. other wise you wont get back on line. you can down load these on dell web site along with all the others you will need. then put them on disk or thumb drive. you mite even have recovery on a part ion of your hard drive. lap tops are much harder then desk tops to get back on line. if its to late use another computer to get the drivers you need.
2007-06-13 03:03:23 · answer #7 · answered by 4-Dog Film Worx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put the xp cd , n follow the instruction
2007-06-13 02:52:33 · answer #8 · answered by GAV 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
no you need an image file or cd
2007-06-13 02:48:22 · answer #9 · answered by Douglas G 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋