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Replacing Windows 2000 with Windows XP

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by zepplindio

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I have a Dell Dimension L700CXE with Windows 2000.My daughter put a disc in for a game and now it barely runs.I have a newer Dell with XP and I would like to install XP into the older Dell.Can anyone walk me through the process.I'm also getting the following error coming up on the older Dell :a required .DLL,WINSPOOL.DRV was not found.I love this old computer and want to save it if at all possible.Will someone PLEASE help me.My e-mail is zepplindio@yahoo.com

6 replies

by jesus_c

bios and make sure the cd-rom is set as the primary boot device.Put the xp disc in.Boot from cd rom.Select setup windoes xp.Press f8.Delete the existing partition.Create a new partition format ntfs.Then it starts to copry files and reboots.Do not boot from cd rom.The instalation continues with a gui.Select your time and keyboard settings.Enter in the reg key and continue.The computer reboots and again dont boot from cd.Set up your accounts and log in and activate over the internet or by phone.Job done.
NB:This will wipe all data from your hdd.To upgrade , just load up windows 2000 insert the cd and upgrade.

by tech_monkey

computer manufacturers (Dell,HP,Compaq)include a recovery/system restore CD or an OS image on a hidden partition.
The instructions on 'how to' should be in the owners manual.
The steps usually range from a repair to a
complete wipe and rebuild to factory default.

by dumphrey

and reload is always better to a "repair" install if the situation allows it. An XP Pro upgrade disk will allow a clean install, but will ask you to insert a previoius version disk at some point to prove validity. This does not always work with MS partner resellers such as Dell, Gateway, HP, etc. In these cases I recomend doing a clean re-install of the original OS then upgradeing to XP. Keep in mind that an XP machine should be a min og 1Ghz processor and 512Mb of ram to be productive. You can run it on a 450Mhz PIII with 256 Mb ram (I have done so) but, you really dont want to. =\

by Member 33682032

I just did a quick search to get the specs on the system could only find ram listed and unless you have the max of 512MB ram in the system then it may not be the best system for XP. (not that it is impossible if you can make a stripped version or get xplite to remove the extra bloat you might get by)
If you are willing to run it with 2k there are a few things that I would check to see what is holding the system back.
The first thing to check is that the old system has the specs to run the game/app. (I will assume that you have check that) Next I would check how much stuff there is running in the background using resources. (Not positive most users don't check this but will assume that you did) The last is if you have not already maxed the ram at the 512MB then that would be the last simple solution to get a boost in preformance.
I would not suggest trying to install the xp that came with the new system. They are usually configured for that exact setup or one very close to it. I have had oem disks that you not install because of a different version of the exact same MOBO. There is a chance that it will work but not 100%. (and MS wouldn't like that anyway)
You might be able to run a windows repair to fix the winspool or check your services to make sure that the spooler is running.

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