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trying to downgrade from vista to xp, but having partition issues


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#1
lost1987

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hey there

am new here looked over a few forum sites and this one seemed one of the better ones for handing out info that is actually useful

im having some trouble with downgrading to xp, my computer really need to be wiped cleaned

1st off, my computer is a dell and actually used to be a xp computer, but upgraded it (stupid mistake, as i dont actually need any thing vista offers, i think, as i only really use it for gaming)

i put the xp disk in, start setting up xp, but then i find my problem with creating a new partition, i am able to delete wats there, create a new one but when i press enter this message comes up

"Your computers startup programs cannot gain access to the disk containing the partition or free space you chose. Set up cannot install windows XP on this hard drive.
This lack of access does not necessarily indicate an error condition. For example, disks attached to the SCSI adapter that wasnt installed by your computer manufacturer or to the secondary hard disk controller, are not typically visible to the startup program unless special software is used. contact your computer or hard disk controller for more information
On x86-based computers, this message may indicate a problem with the CMOS drive type settings."

i have no idea what this means, asked some of my mates and they also have no idea wats wrong with my computer

if any1 could help it would greatly appreciated :)
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#2
isimaster

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Which Dell Model is it?
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#3
lost1987

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its a dell xps 600

Edited by lost1987, 26 February 2009 - 07:08 AM.

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#4
isimaster

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Have you added anything to the base system?
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#5
lost1987

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um not sure is there any way to check?
i used to let a friend use this computer dunno what they have done but they have well and truly messed it up (its filled with junk) thats why i wanted to start fresh again
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#6
isimaster

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Just an FYI for the future regarding Dell Rollback to factory install.
Read this: http://support.dell....o...toggle=&dl=

Since you already did a format on the drive, your out of luck using this method.

I'll get back to you. Need some time to sorrt through this.
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#7
lost1987

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ok thank you,

its strange even though i went to delete partition to create the new one, i dont think it actually did as this is the computer i did it on,

well anyways ill look forward to hearing back from you, and thank you
:)
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#8
isimaster

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Oh, Well That makes thing Much Easier.
When did you buy the PC, looks like dell made a change in their restore recently.
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#9
lost1987

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well the computers about 4 years old, got it wen it came out back in 05
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#10
isimaster

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OK.

Do this.

Reboot your System.

press down the Ctrl key, press down the F11 key, then release both keys together. The keys must be pressed after the appearance of the F2/F12 prompts and before the end of the blue-line's 2-second pause.

If you don't catch it in time the system will just boot normally.

Edited by isimaster, 26 February 2009 - 08:12 AM.

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#11
lost1987

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ok ill try it and see what happens

do i try this with the disk inside? or with no disk?

thing is like i said this computer is full of junk and i think windows on this comp is damaged, and sometimes when i switch it on, it gets to the windows loading up screen but then a blue screen comes ups saying windows couldnt start cause its damaged (usually switches on after 4-5 attempts :) )
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#12
isimaster

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No Disc.

Dell ships their systems with a hidden partition.
Used to restore the system to the same state as it was when shipped from the factory.

Exactly what your trying to do.

Note: There are reasons why this might not work.
There are some possible solutions to repair or find this partition, if the partition
has been modified.
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#13
lost1987

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ok kool,
well ill try this out and see what happens, heres hoping it does work, but knowing my luck.....
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#14
lost1987

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i tried doing as u said, but either i kept missing the gap to press them or it just aint working for some reason, ill keep trying it out but so far no luck
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#15
isimaster

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OK, let me think on this a bit, I'll get back to you.
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