dell latitude cxi

azwebs · 03-09-2008, 06:22 PM

The idea of reinstalling Windows on a laptop like this would probably not be a good idea, because (stating generally), if the HDD is not big enough to support the operating system decently, may I ask what kind of state the RAM is in? If you need to upgrade the RAM, the older the machine, the higher the price climbs, and if it's too old, you won't even be able to buy new RAM. May I state on the behalf of Windows, that XP requires 128mb RAM to run. This is a lie. XP REQUIRES 256mb RAM, otherwise you can boot, and view a desktop, but then you're out of RAM. Would you mind posting up the full specs of your machine, because sometimes Dell's are customized before purchase, so it may not be at factory specs.

voyagerfan99 · 03-09-2008, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azwebs

The idea of reinstalling Windows on a laptop like this would probably not be a good idea, because (stating generally), if the HDD is not big enough to support the operating system decently, may I ask what kind of state the RAM is in? If you need to upgrade the RAM, the older the machine, the higher the price climbs, and if it's too old, you won't even be able to buy new RAM. May I state on the behalf of Windows, that XP requires 128mb RAM to run. This is a lie. XP REQUIRES 256mb RAM, otherwise you can boot, and view a desktop, but then you're out of RAM. Would you mind posting up the full specs of your machine, because sometimes Dell's are customized before purchase, so it may not be at factory specs.

I was able to run Windows XP with no issue on an older Dell Dimension 2100 with only 128MB of RAM.

BluesFan · 03-11-2008, 12:18 AM

I have tried to start and restart the laptop with the windows XP install disc. It would not install.

I tried taking the hard drive out and put it in an enclosure to reformat. It wouldn't access it.

What else can I try besides buy a new hard drive?

voyagerfan99 · 03-11-2008, 01:13 AM

Nothing.

BluesFan · 03-11-2008, 02:08 AM

No other way to format the hard drive?

voyagerfan99 · 03-11-2008, 02:41 AM

Not that I know of.

BluesFan · 03-11-2008, 12:34 PM

Any specific type of hard drive I should look for? What do I need to know when shopping for one? Where is the best place to pick one up at low cost?

voyagerfan99 · 03-11-2008, 08:58 PM

This should do the trick.

BluesFan · 03-12-2008, 02:06 AM

I don't know a whole lot but I thought it was an IDE hard drive. What's the difference between IDE and ATA?

voyagerfan99 · 03-12-2008, 03:00 AM

IDE and ATA are pretty much the same thing. There is an adapter on the end of the hard drive that turns it into an IDE drive.

03-09-2008, 06:22 PM	#21 (permalink)
azwebs Gold Member Join Date: May 2007 Age: 14 Posts: 415	The idea of reinstalling Windows on a laptop like this would probably not be a good idea, because (stating generally), if the HDD is not big enough to support the operating system decently, may I ask what kind of state the RAM is in? If you need to upgrade the RAM, the older the machine, the higher the price climbs, and if it's too old, you won't even be able to buy new RAM. May I state on the behalf of Windows, that XP requires 128mb RAM to run. This is a lie. XP REQUIRES 256mb RAM, otherwise you can boot, and view a desktop, but then you're out of RAM. Would you mind posting up the full specs of your machine, because sometimes Dell's are customized before purchase, so it may not be at factory specs. __________________ In no way should my posts be taken as professional advice. Use the information I provide at your own risk. Intel Core 2 Quad QX6850 3.0Ghz @ 4.5Ghz 16GB OCZ ReaperX 1333Mhz DDR3 RAM (going for 32GB soon) 3 x 1TB Seagate SATA II 7200RPM 32MB XFX GTX280 1GB OC'ed Edition in 3-Way SLi 4x BluRay Writer, 24x DL DVD Burner 2 x Samsung SM245B+ 24" (1920 x 1200) Windows Vista Ultimate 64-Bit

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Dell Latitude Help	hollywoodfw	Laptop and Smartphones	5	01-28-2008 07:51 PM
Random FPS/Performance Issue with Dell Latitude D820	famousp	Laptop and Smartphones	5	12-27-2007 07:26 PM
Dell laptops strike back!!!	gamerman4	Laptop and Smartphones	16	08-17-2006 11:23 PM
I think I just killed my laptop!!!	los7883	Laptop and Smartphones	13	07-15-2005 06:46 PM
need operating system - dell latitude C800	noalibi	Laptop and Smartphones	3	05-16-2005 07:03 AM

03-11-2008, 12:18 AM	#23 (permalink)
BluesFan Bronze Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 69	I have tried to start and restart the laptop with the windows XP install disc. It would not install. I tried taking the hard drive out and put it in an enclosure to reformat. It wouldn't access it. What else can I try besides buy a new hard drive?

03-11-2008, 01:13 AM	#24 (permalink)
voyagerfan99 Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,418	Nothing.

03-11-2008, 02:08 AM	#25 (permalink)
BluesFan Bronze Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 69	No other way to format the hard drive?

03-11-2008, 02:41 AM	#26 (permalink)
voyagerfan99 Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,418	Not that I know of.

03-11-2008, 12:34 PM	#27 (permalink)
BluesFan Bronze Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 69	Any specific type of hard drive I should look for? What do I need to know when shopping for one? Where is the best place to pick one up at low cost?

03-11-2008, 08:58 PM	#28 (permalink)
voyagerfan99 Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,418	This should do the trick.

03-12-2008, 02:06 AM	#29 (permalink)
BluesFan Bronze Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 69	I don't know a whole lot but I thought it was an IDE hard drive. What's the difference between IDE and ATA?

03-12-2008, 03:00 AM	#30 (permalink)
voyagerfan99 Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2,418	IDE and ATA are pretty much the same thing. There is an adapter on the end of the hard drive that turns it into an IDE drive.