[biddle1]

I didn't know and don't remember the other expert instructing me to post my previous conversations,logs,etc. I also didn't mean to make this any harder or more complicated for you and I offer my most sincere apologies for doing so. My previous experiences with TSG have always been positive and I would never intentionally do anything to jeopardize that. My references to the "other forum" were only within the confines of TSG. I wondered early on if those log files would be of any use but Cybertech apparently thought there was nothing else that could be done on his/her end so I simpy thought this was a whole new deal. Again, my apologies.

It will doubtless take me some time to get the files together and saved but I will be back here as soon as I figure out how to do it.

[flavallee]

No apology is needed.

If you have all your personal data in My Documents and it doesn't amount to more than about 650 MB, you can burn off the entire My Documents folder to a CD-R. If it amounts to more than that, then you need to burn it off to a DVD-R.

This is a good time to go through your personal data and delete all unneeded and outdated files.

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[biddle1]

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back...Thanksgiving was an obvious set-back but going through all my "stuff" and trying to make sure I didn't miss anything was pretty extensive as well. Okay- here's where I am...I have got all(I think) my data,pics,important keeper stuff on 2 separate flash drives. This includes all my outlook,address book,pics,Dell Drivers, etc etc...and I think I'm about ready to proceed with the reformat. The question I have at this point is this- I unfortunately read on some website that I need to have SP3(or at least SP2) backed up somewhere to install before reconnecting to the internet following the reformat. Is this right or is it some hype thing? If so, how do I do this? I couldnt drag it out of my Control Panel and couldnt find a way to "redownload" it as it was listed as installed on the Microsoft website. I had intended to just put it on the flash drive with the other items. Thought I had better touch base with you before going ahead. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!

[flavallee]

You can download the full 316 MB SP3 upgrade from here and then burn it off to a CD-R.

What are you going to use to format the hard drive and do a fresh install of XP?

What's the "service tag number" on that Dell?

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[biddle1]

My Dell service tag number is 8J63H31;
I have all the Installation CDs which came with my pc necessary to perform the reformat.
Thank you for the link to SP3 and will download and put it on my flash drive with my other back up components.

[flavallee]

Originally Posted by biddle1

My Dell service tag number is 8J63H31

Here is the support and software site that's specific to your Dell Dimension 2400 desktop. I highly suggest that you save this site in your browser favorites list for reference to when needed.

Here is the site to download the device drivers that you may need that don't get installed during the install of XP. I highly suggest that you download and save and burn them off to a CD-R before you start so you'll have them immediately available as needed.

These are the primary device drivers that you should download and save and burn off to a CD-R, just in case you need them.

Intel 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphics Controller

Analog Devices ADI 198x Integrated Audio

Broadcom 4401 Integrated NIC (wired network adapter)

Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility

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[biddle1]

I had already downloaded and saved the Dell drivers per your earlier instructions and link to the site. I have just downloaded and stored on the flash drive. Are there other items I will need to download? Should these reload without a big problem? I am always worried that when I try to reload from my flash drive or other removeable media that XP will have problems "reading" the saved info.
Told you I was nervous about this...an old friend of mine used to say "just grab it and growl".

[flavallee]

Go the Dell site and look for specific instructions for using the CD's that you have - unless you already have them printed off with the CD's.

If the reinstall of XP doesn't install all the device drivers, you'll know it in one way or the other. The display will be too large and washed out, the sound won't work, and the internet connection won't work - depending on which driver(s) doesn't get installed.

The Device Manager list will also confirm which devices are present and working properly. If the drivers haven't been installed in one or more device, you'll see them listed in the Device Manager under "Other Devices" or "Unknown Devices".

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[biddle1]

Okay- the reformat is pretty much done...I think. I've spent a couple of days trying to reload everything and most has gone especially smoothly. The only thing so far that I can't or don't know how to resolve is getting my Outlook Express 6 saved emails reloaded. They were saved in a .dbx format onto the flash drive with all the rest of my saved material. When I open the flash drive in the File>Import list, the files on the F drive dont show up. I can open the flash drive and see that the Inbox,Outbox,Drafts,Sent, Deleted files so they are apparently there. I just can't figure out how to import them back into my reformatted version of Outlook.
If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know.
I appreciate all your help to date. It has been tough finding extended periods to work on the reformat but so far , so good. Thanks again.

[flavallee]

USB flash drives don't work all the time - which is why I save personal data on CD-R's to transfer to a computer.

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[biddle1]

I went to another forum where I received some actual help on this problem. Thank you for your time and assistance on the first part of the reformat.