Re-installing Windows XP

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Xyph111

New Member
Hi,

I'm not sure if this is an appropriate question for the "Operating Systems" forum, but I'll try anyway: Basically, I am planning on formating my hard disk and re-installing windows XP. Unfortunately, the CD-rom drive in my computer (a Dell Inspiron 8100) does not work, so I use an external CD/DVD drive, connected by USB cable. My question is, since I only have the Windows installation software on a CD, will I be able to re-install the operating system using and external CD drive once I format my hard disk? If not, do you know how else I can go about this?

Thanks very much,
Arjun
 
Xyph111 said:
Hi,

I'm not sure if this is an appropriate question for the "Operating Systems" forum, but I'll try anyway: Basically, I am planning on formating my hard disk and re-installing windows XP. Unfortunately, the CD-rom drive in my computer (a Dell Inspiron 8100) does not work, so I use an external CD/DVD drive, connected by USB cable. My question is, since I only have the Windows installation software on a CD, will I be able to re-install the operating system using and external CD drive once I format my hard disk? If not, do you know how else I can go about this?

Thanks very much,
Arjun
Click to expand...

You should look in your BIOS to see if there are any options to boot to USB or if there is a "Legacy USB Support" option to enable.

To get into the BIOS in your Dell, reboot. Then "At the first text on the screen, or when the Dell logo appears, press the <F2> key every three seconds until the message Entering Setup appears."

(Reference)
 
Last edited:
you can pick up a cheap cd/dvd drive for next to nothing from ebay. a brand new dvd-rw is only £30. splash out cheapskate :P
 
i said in my post i just bought a cd/dvd drive...it's just external. let me look into this BIOS business first. then i'll think about buying another one cheap. thanks for the suggestions!
 
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