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Dell Dimension 8300 - cannot reinstall XP

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by fcruzdj

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Greetings All,

I am having a problem with a Dell Dimension 8300 that I am trying to reinstall Win XP.

The desktop has a DVD-ROM and CD-ROM drive.

I changed the hard drive because the original died.

The drive type is IDE with the jumper setting set to CS like the original. It is a 40GB drive (like original) that I know works because I removed it from another system.

When I attempt to boot from the XP CD, the disc is not read. Instead I get a message that says to hit F1 to retry, and F2 for setup (BIOS Setup).

In BIOS, I have tried a number of different options in forcing boot from CD.

*Moved the CD-ROM was the first boot device.
*Removed the hard drive from the boot order
*Upon startup, hit F12 for boot menu and select CD-ROM.
*Replaced the CD-ROM drive with a known working CD-ROM drive from another system.

I've also reset the BIOS to make sure that I am running off default settings.

At this point, I am out of options.

I know my CD works, for I have used it before; especially recently; yet I haven't a clue why this 8300 just remains stubborn.

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

1 reply

by oh smeg

So remove the DVD Drive and set the CD Drive to Master and move it to the End Connector on the IDE data lead.

Now enter BIOS and set the CD Drive tot he First Boot Device and the HDD to the Second Boot Device and save the changes when you exit the BIOS.

Now insert the Windows Install Disc and restart the computer and let it boot off the Windows CD. If it gives a message to [b]Press Any Key to Boot Off CD[/b] Press any Key to run the Windows Installer.

After you have Windows Installed you can return the CD and DVD Drives tot heir original Positions and settings.

Col

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