[helpseeker]

I have 2 Dell Dimension computers, a 2400 and a 4700, both running WinXP SP2, and both with Intel chipsets. The 4700 has been hit with a virus. I have a spare HDD and want to put Windows, etc on the spare 7using the 2400, and then put that spare into the 4700, discarding the infected HD. I have the reinstall CDs that came with each machine. My questions are:

1. Which reinstall CD should I use?
2. Can I set up the HDD in one machine and then use it in the other?
3. Or should I just remove the infected HD from the 4700, put in the spare, and set it up there?

The reason I want to do the setup in the other machine is because the 2 computers are in
different towns, and I'd like to leave the infected one where it is (it's still somewhat usable).

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

[Gr3iz]

If you set up Windows in the 2400, then attempt to install the HDD into the 4700, Windows will likely see it as a completely different machine, which it is, and run you through the mill getting it activated through Microsoft. You'd be much better off running the Recovery CD on the system you want it to be on.

It probably won't matter which CD you use (in my experience), so use the newest one you've got. That will be that much closer to up-to-date.

[win2kpro]

It wouldn't make any difference which CD you used since Dell recovery CD's are just XP system builder CD's and Dell separates the operating system CD from the drivers CD so they are not recovery CD's like some manufacturers use that have an image of the operating system, drivers, original applications, etc. all lumped together such as HP does.

Your problem with switching drives around is the fact that the 2400 uses and IDE drive and the 4700 is a SATA drive.

[Old Rich]

You can get a reinstallation guide specific to your Dell here
http://support.dell.com/support/topi...n&s=dhs&~ck=mn

This is a great guide for reinstalling on a Dell: http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm

[Triple6]

Why not just reformat the infected drive and keep using it?

As for what CD to use, use the newer one. The only reason being it should have Service Pack 1 or 2 on it and you'll be able to update it to Service Pack 3 in one step rather then updating to SP1 or SP2 and then going to SP3. But I think both came out in 2004 so both should be a at least SP1 if not SP2 discs.

[helpseeker]

Originally Posted by Triple6

Why not just reformat the infected drive and keep using it?

As for what CD to use, use the newer one. The only reason being it should have Service Pack 1 or 2 on it and you'll be able to update it to Service Pack 3 in one step rather then updating to SP1 or SP2 and then going to SP3. But I think both came out in 2004 so both should be a at least SP1 if not SP2 discs.

Since the stuff I use daily (Office and Firefox) still work, although the computer does do some weird things, I don't want to wipe that drive clean until I have something else that will work, lest I be left with nothing. At least not right away.

Based on the replies I've received -- and thanks to all of you -- I think I'm going to transfer my data files from the 4700 to the 2400 and then try a clean reinstall on the 4700's HD. If it doesn't work, at least I can keep working on the 2400.

Am I going to need a bootable CD in addition to the Dell reinstall CD? If so, what's the safest way to make one? And must I make it on the infected 4700, or can I do so on the 2400?

[helpseeker]

Originally Posted by Gr3iz

If you set up Windows in the 2400, then attempt to install the HDD into the 4700, Windows will likely see it as a completely different machine, which it is, and run you through the mill getting it activated through Microsoft. You'd be much better off running the Recovery CD on the system you want it to be on.

It probably won't matter which CD you use (in my experience), so use the newest one you've got. That will be that much closer to up-to-date.

I'm having enough grief; I don't need more from Microsoft. I'll do as you suggest. But does this mean that the computer/OS identifier is on the motherboard, and not the HDD?

Where on the HDD am I likely to find the installed Dell drivers? Or must I get new ones from Dell?

[Triple6]

The Dell CD's are usually not machine specific, they are not recovery discs but rebranded and ever so slightly modified Windows XP installation CD's.

The drivers you'll have to use the additional CD's from Dell or download them from Dell.

[Old Rich]

Those guides I gave you will answere all your questions. XP will have all the drivers for the 2700. for the 4700, go to the Dell support site, enter your Service Tag Number and downlod the drivers