[awlucky3k]

We were having all sorts of pop-up and spyware problems with my Dell Dimension 4600, so I formatted its 80GB drive using the OEM Windows XP CD from Dell and then used the same CD to install XP with Service Pack 1A (Because that is what is on the CD and it's all I have). Now, I think something didn't go quite right during the install because it never prompted me for the product key for the copy of XP, it never asked me for the Computer Name w/ Admin Password, and it didn't welcome me to Windows XP upon startup and it never asked me to register my copy of Windows. So, I am basically asking, should I do this all over again or just work with it?

I saved all of my files that I wanted to save on a USB drive, but I didn't keep any drivers. I figured it would be easy enough to find them on the internet.

Now, I can't change the display settings from 640 x 400, but luckily the USB wireless internet card is working. All around I think this was a very odd thing.

I haven't tested the sound yet. I have not tested the ethernet card either.

During the reformatting process, I did get rid of two small (like 30MB) partitions that were on the drive for some reason. So now it is one big 76GB partition. Also, it never asked me what format I would like to use during the format.

Oh, and one last thing. It still prompts me to chose which operating system to boot from: the top one works and the bottom one doesn't exist, but it still makes me choose.

Any advice?

 

[Old Rich]

When you use a Dell Reinstallation CD to install XP on a Dell, you will rarely be asked for the Product Code nor will you usually have to activate the installation. . . so that's normal.

One of the two small partitions was your diagnostics partition . . noi big deal, you can download them from Dell Support if you ever need it.

You need to load video drivers before you can change the resolution . . You can find all the drivers for the Dell here

Be sure to update to SP2 quickly . . and then the rest of the 70 or so updates

To fix the boot option Try this . . Click on Start . . Run . . type msconfig . . click on the Boot Ini tab and click on Check all boot paths . . if it comes back with one in invalid, click Fix invalid boot paths

 

[awlucky3k]

Thank you! Your advice about using msconfig worked for the dual operating system thing. I found my system resource CD (Thank God!) and now I have reinstalled my video adapter driver, which fixed the resolution issue, and also my audio driver, so I have sound again. I think I am all set!

 

[Old Rich]

Well done . . don't forget the M/S updates! . .