Reinstall problem

J

jjonsalt

New Member
I would like to keep my files and programs if possible. Here is the situation.

Dell Studio XSP 435MT computer

Vista Home Premium 64 bit OS

Only power cord, key pad, mouse and monitors connected

-computer turned on
-onscreen message, “missing operating system”
-computer turned off
-DVD, “Operating System Reinstallation” disc installed in disc drive
-DVD, “Drivers & Utilities For Reinstalling” disc installed in 2nd disc drive
-Computer turned on tapping “F12” (boot options)
-Booted from “Operating System Reinstallation” disc
-onscreen message, “press any key to boot from CD or DVD…..“ appears briefly followed in a moment or two with additional “..missing operating system” although I did press “any key” several times

Ideas, suggestions? thanks
 
Remove the 2nd cd and only have the vista install cd in the drive. Go into the bios and make sure the correct cd rom is set for first boot device. Some motherboards will allow for multiple cdroms. If its an original vista install cd it will bootup and then choose to repair your computer.
 
Followed instructions

-Windows is loading files
-my language English
-select an OS, however none displayed
-instructed to load drivers
-installed "Drivers and Utilities" DVD and chose drive
-showed "sources", dropped down menu and clicked "resource_CD"
-shows this list (files)
DIAGS ..... HTML
INSTALL ..... SUPPORT
UPC32 ..... X64
ZIPFILES

What now please? thanks
 
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Whatever brand drives Dell installed. Has 2x500 GB (RAID 0) for 1 TB total. I had an additional 80 GB drive installed that is used only as a scratch disc for PhotoShop. How would I test drives for errors as you ask?
 
Ok. That makes sense now since you are running raid. Does the dell website have the raid driver download? If so, put the driver on a flash drive and have the install look on the flash drive for the driver.
 
So do you have windows installed now? Basically the only thing that should be installed first is the chipset drivers, then you can go in any order.
 
I'm wondering. I'm running VISTA Home Premium 64 bit. What about just upgrading to '8' ot RT? I guess I get a lower price because I already have Windows and a clean install should wipe my discs clean. What you think?
 
I have tried to follow your instructions, which I dearly thank you for. However, I'm too old and too ill to have it all together. So, it seems pilot error (me) is standing in the way. Even-though it will involve expense (I'm too poor too) I think I need to pursue a different course than trying to repair this from afar. The choices I see are, take to a computer shop (Central Florida-Winter Haven) in hopes they can restore or perhaps clean the drives and reinstall VISTA or maybe an upgrade, sent to a highly recommended shop, or get a new computer or at least new hard drives. Fortunately I have laptops, so I'm not completely out of service (news, email, etc.), but I would like to get back to using a powerful desk computer, dual monitors, scanner, printers, all in a dedicated media room. Photo and illustration are my main hobbies. Thoughts? Many thanks.
 
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