Hey. I need ALOT of help. I am trying to reinstall Windows XP on my other computer(a Dimension 4600), but when I try to do it through the boot thing I get that stupid blue screen. I can't do anything on my computer because of that. How can I reinstall XP and get the computer working again?

Hi and welcome to D-A-L

is the disc a recovery one or a full copy of XP?,
is the version on a partition of the hard drive that need a recovery disc?

Hey. It's a disk that has the full XP but it also has a recovery feature.

Just to clarify: Is it a Microsoft XP CD or a Dell Recovery XP CD?

Are you sure that the BIOS is set to boot the CD drive prior to the hard drive?

If so when you boot do you get the BIOS POST or the Dell Logo screen?

Is it after this that it blue screens? Is the blue screen blank? No error reported?

It is a DELL XP reinstallation CD. What happens is that I put it in, go to the boot from CD thing, and when I try to do the thing where I reinstall Windows it takes me to that stuid blue screen. I don't know what's up.

Here is a general guide from Dell. If your computer is newer than 7/16/2004 in the Americas and 8/30/2004 in Europe the following quote might work for you. Otherwise look thru the Dell guide to see if any of their tips help.

Let us know

http://support.dell.com/support/topi...30030ABD62041A

STEP: Perform a PC Restore of the operating system.


NOTICE: To help prevent further complications, it is important to disconnect the system's modem or network cable before starting the restore process.


To perform a restore of the operating using PC Restore, perform the following steps:

NOTE: Dell PC Restore by Symantec is available on Dimension and Inspiron systems that shipped on or after 7/16/2004 in the Americas and 8/30/2004 in Europe.

Power the computer on.
When the Dell screen appears press and hold the <Ctrl> key on the keyboard, press the <F11> key, then release them both at the same time.
The Dell PC Restore by Symantec window appears.
NOTE: Press the keys one time only. If you press them more than once, a keyboard error occurs and the process has to be initiated again.

Click the Restore button or press the <Tab> key to highlight Restore and press the <Enter> key.
A caution message appears advising that all data will be lost.
Click the Confirm button or press the <Tab> key to highlight Confirm and press the <Enter> key.
The Progress window appears. Once the process is begun, Dell PC Restore usually takes only 8 to 10 minutes to complete.
When the restore is complete, the message The system recovery process was successful appears.
Click the Finish button or press the <Tab> key to highlight Finish and press the <Enter> key.
The computer will restart.
Your software is now as it was when you first received your computer.

NOTE: After the Operating System has been restored, it is important to run Windows Update as soon as possible, to bring the system to the latest level of security.

Thanks for that. Ill go try it out in a little while. I promise to report back and say if it worked or not.

Hey. It didn't work because I got my computer in March 04. So, I need a little more help.

This guide has the steps you need to follow. It is quite tedious at times so let us know if you get stuck somewhere. Basically just keep answering the prompts and you will be led into the CD reinstall guide.

Again let us know if you need more assistance with the guide.

http://support.dell.com/support/topi...30030ABD62041A

Thanks for the link. Ill post if I need any help.