Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Old but perfectly working Dell Dimension.

by valerie fasig Feb 21, 2010 6:53AM PST

Recently, I decided to format the hard drive in order to get rid of some old programs and start afresh with more room. I formatted and it works perfectly. Trouble is, it doesn't seem to have any more room. It also lists all the programs that should have been erased. Methinks there was something wrong with the format and I might have two of them on the same drive. I have WinXP. When it starts, it asks me to choose which program I would like to use and lists two just the same. It is, of course quite possible that I have no idea what is wrong. I always have to wait to pick a program and then it works but with very little memory

I'd appreciate any advice you can offer.

Thank you.
Valerie

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
Yep, double install . . .
by Coryphaeus Feb 21, 2010 9:42PM PST

How did you format? Actually, you didn't or there would be only one OS. Tell us exactly what you did and with what. Do you have the XP CD?

- Collapse -
Double install for Coryphaeus
by valerie fasig Feb 21, 2010 11:28PM PST

I used the Dell WinXP disk which came with my computer. I followed all the instructions and it told me that it was formatted. I thought that maybe the problem came from partitioning. I didn't want to and didn't try.
Thanks for helping me.

- Collapse -
System reload
by Willy Feb 22, 2010 12:56AM PST

I suggest you use either DBAN or KILLDISK to totally wipeout the HD. That way, you can truly start anew and provided you the orginal OEM install discs, reload the system back to day 1. If so, then google for those pgms. and use one. I strongly suggest you get the .ISO version that can be burned to CD and make it "bootable" for ease of use. Hopefully, you understand all this and can proceed once in hand. Otherwise, review the procedure and then start. If all this seems too much, then visit the Dell support website and review the docs. for re-install of OS, etc. and it doesn't matter usually what model Dell, you have provided it is for XP use.

tada -----Willy Happy

- Collapse -
I'll bet . . .
by Coryphaeus Feb 22, 2010 1:24AM PST

you inserted the CD with the computer running.

If you boot from the CD it should do what you ask.

- Collapse -
Double installation
by valerie fasig Feb 24, 2010 7:06AM PST

Thank you guys for your help. I wish I could tell you what did it. It got worse before better. Anyway, it's up and running and has the original configurations. Now I just have to reconnect to my wireless network and get back on line. I must admit that none of these things are easy for me.

Thanks again!

Back to Desktops forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info