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Thread ID: 104605 2009-11-02 08:15:00 XP Reformat on Dell not complete. KeyboardBob (8849) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
826539 2009-11-02 08:15:00 I have done a format to reinstall XP home edition on my Dell Dimenson 2400 today. It missed out a couple of important parts in the set up part, such as the licence serial number and the page to install either the typical or custom set up!
Now I have no sound and the screen resolution is set so I can't change it.
Where have I gone wrong?
Do I have to be connected to the internet for the serial licence, do you think.
All help and ideas gratefully appreciated.

Cheers
KeyboardBob (8849)
826540 2009-11-02 08:19:00 Umm did you use the restore cd's / dvd's? It doesnt sound like it, if you have no sound. But this maybe the reason why it didnt ask for the key. If you have no sound or the resolution is wrong, you need to install drivers for both of them Speedy Gonzales (78)
826541 2009-11-03 02:10:00 Yes I did use the Reinstallation CD's that came with the machine. I also used a programme called Drivermax to back up the drivers, so I could reinstall them, however the resolution being what it is (640 x 480) I can't use the programme at all, as the window doesn't expand big enough to move to the next page. Tried dragging the edges but no go. KeyboardBob (8849)
826542 2009-11-03 02:13:00 Umm, the restore cd's / dvd should have everything on it / them, inc drivers. They should have installed, when you reinstalled windows. You'll have to go to the dell site, search for the model then download then install the drivers Speedy Gonzales (78)
826543 2009-11-03 02:16:00 Or use the drivers (old as they may be) on the supplied reinstall CDs.

You weren't prompted for the product key as it is integrated on the CD and it can detect you're using a Dell system.
jwil1 (65)
826544 2009-11-03 02:23:00 Yep, the dell recovery CDs have never installed the drivers with the OS. There is a separate disk for that. wratterus (105)
826545 2009-11-04 00:57:00 Would this be a good time to install another operating system like Linux instead, do you think?
Is it easy to do?
KeyboardBob (8849)
826546 2009-11-04 01:39:00 It maybe easy to do, but it'll take some time to get used to it Speedy Gonzales (78)
826547 2009-11-04 02:11:00 Would this be a good time to install another operating system like Linux instead, do you think?
Is it easy to do?

Boot from a live Cd and try it out first, see how it goes.

Try out Mint, seems to be a popular option for new users
Blam (54)
826548 2009-11-04 22:53:00 Sometimes restore CD's just dont work properly, occasionly they dont work at all. I often think that Restore disks have NEVER been tested with some PC's.
Just download the missing drivers from Dells website, or as mentioned, there may be another CD to run that installs software & drivers
sroby (11519)
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