Hi D-A-L my computer has been through alot, and i do mean lot, from viruses to automatic reboots... My final objective is to remove everything and start my computer from brand new in how i first gotten it from the box. I have a Operating System System Model
Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (build 2600) Dell Computer Corporation Dimension 4600i


3.00 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4
8 kilobyte primary memory cache
512 kilobyte secondary memory cache


After i have wiped evrything out of my computer, theres some stuff in such as pics i liked to keep and a couple programs i like to save on a Cd if possible, if anyone can help me step by step it would be much aprreciated

Pics and data you can burn to CD/DVD.

Programs will need to be reinstalled.

If you are using Dell Disks you need to follow their instructions and they have a good interactive guide here:

http://support.dell.com/

Click: Troubleshooting and FAQ's then enter Dimension 4600 then:

How Do I Install the Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system on My Dell Computer?

ic wat if i do not have the disk for the programs such as the downloads i have done on the internet?

also if i am missing the boot disk of XP would it matter is i buy another one?

Newer Dells have built-in hard drive recovery options as seen in the Dell link.

If yours does not then I would suggest getting Dell Recovery disks also seen in the Dell link.

To try and install a Microsoft version of XP on a Dell computer would not be the best nor most economic idea.


As to programs. If they were free just re-download them. If you paid for them you can find your activation key and then reinstall on-line again in most cases.


Belarc will show your software keys:

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

ic makes sense thanx alot jephree ill let u kno how it goes once i get the time and chance to get it done

good thing i have belarc installed and yes i have the dell recovery disks, they r blue I have alot of disks that had came with the computer ill have ot look through them as well

[QUOTE=jephree]Newer Dells have built-in hard drive recovery options as seen in the Dell link.

If yours does not then I would suggest getting Dell Recovery disks also seen in the Dell link.

To try and install a Microsoft version of XP on a Dell computer would not be the best nor most economic idea.

Hi jephree so far i looked through all my disks, found that my dell has came with all the recovery disks. Ive also had found the windows XP plus as well, how should i begin cleanign evrything out and making it band new?

I've also found great help on the dell site u have given me.http://support.dell.com/support/topi...s&l=en&s=gen#4

when i have done the repair installation, the dell recovery disks wont be need at this time? and will all my files be goen and started all over as if it was never touched?

As seen in the link you posted the second Repair option should reinstall XP while leaving your data and programs intact. Try that first. If you still have problems after that you might need to do a Clean (fresh) Install which will remove all data and programs save XP itself.