how do you uninstall Vista and install XP?

I have a XP disk and want to get rid of Vista. Is there link outlining the steps? Does anyone know how to do it?

Also, does XP include a program that will allow me to use the wifi on my e1505?

(Vista has proven to be a nightmare. I tired of talking to Dell tech support to get it working...)

 

All you need to do is pop the CD/DVD in and reboot.

Make sure that you can boot from a CD in the pc BIOS, and that before you do this you have a disk with your machines XP drivers ready to go. nLight will also help you create a XP install CD with the drivers already integrated.

Try Googling nLite, it's an amazing program.

 

Step by step guide.

 

make sure your bios is booting from CD then put the xp CD in and reformat then install

 

1. Printable Microsoft® Windows® XP Reinstall Guide

The purpose of this document is to guide you through the full installation or reinstallation process for the Windows XP operating system family on your Dell computer. This document has been designed to be printed and followed if Internet access is unavailable to you during the process.
It is recommended that you read through the instructions completely before beginning. This will allow you to take note of any necessary items needed before you begin.

1. Check the Dell Reinstall Guide Site
2. Necessary Items
3. Back Up Your Data
4. Unplug External Devices
5. Install Windows XP:
a. Using Dell PC Restore
b. Using the Windows XP CD
6. Install Microsoft Windows XP
7. Install Hardware Drivers
8. Install Your Internet Connection Software
9. Verify that Internet Connection Firewall is Enabled
10. Perform Critical Windows Updates
11. Install Software Applications
12. Update Antivirus Software
13. Create a System Restore Point
14. Restore the Data You Backed Up

1. Check the Dell Reinstall Guide Site
If you have a second computer with Internet access available, a step-by-step guide for reinstalling Windows® XP on specific Dell computers can be found at the following Web address:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/software_reinstall/en/index?

2. Necessary Items

•Gather the CDs that came with your computer: the Operating System Windows XP CD, the Drivers and Utilities CD, the Applications - Dell Tools CD, and any other separate software CDs.

•Blank CD's, floppy disks, or USB key for backup purposes. Network cables and hardware to back up your data over a network, if possible.

•Software application and hardware driver CD's purchased after you received your computer.

•Internet Service Provider and E-Mail account and password information.

Note: If you did not receive the mentioned CD's with your computer you can e-mail or chat with someone in Customer Hardware Warranty Support to obtain them.
Contact Us - Support for Every Need

3. Back Up Your Data
Back up all user data to avoid data loss prior to proceeding with the operating system installation.
This would include such files as Word and Excel files, Quicken (or other financial software) checkbook registers, Internet settings and Favorites file, your address book, Outlook® calendar and archives, photograph and picture files, music files, your My Documents files or files you have saved on the desktop, and anything else that you cannot restore from an external source like a CD or an Internet download site.
Test the backup copies by accessing them before you begin preparing the hard drive to ensure the backup copies are good.
NOTE: If you are able to access the Internet browse to support.microsoft.com and search for the article number listed. The following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles may be useful for backup instructions:
302894 — "HOW TO: Install Backup from the CD-ROM in Windows XP Home Edition"
308422 — "HOW TO: Use Backup to Back Up Files and Folders on Your Computer in Windows XP"

4. Unplug External Devices
Examples of attached devices: Scanner, Printer, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), Camera, TV, Stereo. These items are usually connected to the USB ports.
NOTE: Do not disconnect the external monitor, keyboard, or mouse if you have a desktop computer. Only portable computers need to have these devices removed.
Disconnect the modem or high-speed Internet connection cables from the back of the computer.
5a. Install Windows using Dell PC Restore
NOTICE: Performing the following steps will lead to the loss of ALL DATA on the hard drive. Be sure that all necessary backups have been created prior to proceeding.
To perform a restore of the operating system using PC Restore, perform the following steps:

NOTE: Dell PC Restore by Symantec is available on Dimension and Inspiron systems that shipped on or after 7/16/2004 in the Americas and 8/30/2004 in Europe

1. Power the computer on.
2. When the Dell screen appears press and hold the <Ctrl> key on the keyboard, press the <F11> key, then release them both at the same time.
The Dell PC Restore by Symantec window appears.
NOTE: Press the keys one time only. If you press them more than once, a keyboard error occurs and the process has to be initiated again. If you find the utility does not start after several tries or you receive an error you will need to proceed to Install Windows Using the Windows XP CD.

3.Press the <Tab> key to highlight Restore and then press the <Enter> key.
A caution message appears advising that all data will be lost.

4.Press the <Tab> key to highlight Confirm and then press the <Enter> key.
The Progress window appears. Once the process is begun, Dell PC Restore usually takes only 8 to 10 minutes to complete.
When the restore is complete, the message The system recovery process was successful appears.

5.Press the <Tab> key to highlight Finish and then press the <Enter> key.
The computer will restart.
Your software is now as it was when you first received your computer.
For information about Dell PC Restore refer to the Dell Knowledge Base article at the following Web address:
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1090152

5b. Install Windows Using the Windows XP CD
NOTICE: Performing the following steps will lead to the loss of ALL DATA on the hard drive. Be sure that all necessary backups have been created prior to proceeding.
Boot Your Computer from the Windows XP CD
Turn the computer on. When the Dell logo screen appears, perform the following steps:
1.Press the <F12> key on the keyboard. (A Boot Menu appears.)

2.Insert the Windows XP Operating System Reinstallation CD into the top CD Drive of your computer.

3.Press the <Down Arrow> key to highlight the first CD-Rom listing.

4.Press the <Enter> key to boot from the Windows XP CD.

5.Press the <Spacebar> to boot from the Windows XP CD when prompted. You will have only a few seconds, watch closely for the message. (The Windows XP installation begins.)
Install Microsoft Windows XP
After several moments of initializing some modules, the Windows XP Setup screen appears.

1.Press the <Enter> key on the keyboard. (The Windows XP Licensing Agreement appears.)

2.Read the license agreement.

3.Press the <F8> key to agree and continue. (Setup searches for previous versions of Windows.)

4.Press the <Esc> key if any previous versions of Windows are found. (The Windows XP Setup partition window appears.)
NOTE: If C: Partition2 [NTFS] is listed on the screen, complete all of the steps below. If you do not see the listing, you can skip to step 9.
NOTICE: Performing the following steps will lead to the loss of ALL DATA on the hard drive. Be sure that all necessary backups have been created prior to proceeding.

5.Use the arrow keys to highlight the listing and then press the <D> key.

6.Press the <Enter> key to delete the partition.

7.Press the <L> key to confirm deletion of the partition.

8.Use the arrow keys to highlight Unpartitioned space.

9.Press the <Enter> key to create a new partition using the size listed.

10.Press the <Enter> key to start formatting with NTFS.

NOTE: After completing the format, setup will examine the computer and copy files to the Windows installation folders. This process will take some time. Once it has completed, setup will initialize and then restart the computer.
After the computer restarts, setup continues with a graphical user interface. You are required to input information during this phase.
During the graphical user interface phase of setup you will set the following options:
1.Regional and Language Options.
2.Computer Name (Windows XP Professional will also require an Administrator password to be created).
3.Personalize Your Software
NOTE: When creating a password it should be something that is easy to remember but hard to guess.
4.Modem Dialing Information (if a modem is present).
5.Date and Time Settings.
NOTE: Systems with Windows XP Professional could ask for further network information. If you are unsure of these settings, contact your Network Administrator or accept the default selections.
After the networking settings are finished, the computer will complete some other processes. When these are done, the computer will restart automatically.
When the computer finishes restarting the Finishing Setup phase begins. You are required to input information during this phase.
You will do the following:
1.Click the OK button at the Display settings window.
2.Click the Next button at the Welcome to Microsoft Windows window.
3.Click to select No, not at this time at the Ready to register with Microsoft window and then click the Next button.
4.Click to select No, not at this time at the Do you want to set up Internet access now? window and then click the Next button.
NOTE: You can register with Microsoft and set up your Internet connection at a later time.
5.type the user name of your choice in the Your name: text box at the Who will use this computer? window. Type the name of any additional users who will use the computer in the additional text boxes provided and then click the Next button.
6.Click the Finish button at the Thank you! window. (Windows XP will start for the first time.)
6. Install Hardware Drivers
Locate the Drivers and Utilities CD you received with your computer. The common items found on the Drivers and Utilities CD and the order to install them are as follows:
1. Notebook System Software (for portable systems)
2. Intel Chipset
3. Video
4. Audio (sound)
5. Input Drivers (keyboard/mouse)
6. Modem (Desktop computers have a separate CD for the modem)
7. Network Card
NOTE: Do not connect any Internet connection cables, such as your modem cable, network cable, or connect wirelessly until you are ready to perform the steps in the Perform Critical Windows Updates section.
To install drivers from the Drivers and Utilities CD, perform the following steps:
1.Insert the CD into the CD drive.
2.Follow the prompts to install the CD software.
NOTE: This will occur the first time you use the CD.
3.Click the Next button at the Welcome Dell System Owner screen.
4.Click to select your system model from the System Model menu.
5.Click to select Windows XP from the Operating System menu.
6.Click to select Drivers from the Topic menu. (A list of drivers appears on the right.)
NOTE: The drivers that you need to install will have check marks next to them.
7.To install a driver, click the name of the driver you want to install.
8.Click the Extract button.
9.Click through the prompts to extract the files.
The driver installation instructions will appear or the driver installation will begin after the files are extracted.
If the driver installation begins, click through the prompts to install the driver.
If the driver installation instructions appear, read and follow them carefully to install the driver.
If you are not sure how to answer a question during the driver install, leave what is selected and continue through the prompts.
To return to the Drivers and Utilities CD menu when the Drivers and Utilities CD is still inserted in the CD drive, do the following:
1. Click the Start button.
2. Click All Programs.
3. Click Dell Accessories.
4. Click Dell ResourceCD. (The Resource CD window appears.)
Repeat the all of the steps above until all of the drivers that were checked in the Drivers list are installed.
7. Install Your Internet Connection Software
If you do not know how to set up your Internet connection, contact your Internet Service Provider for assistance.
Before connecting to your Internet connection, verify that the Internet Connection Firewall is Enabled specifically for your Internet connection.
8. Verify that Internet Connection Firewall is Enabled
To verify that Internet Connection Firewall is enabled, do the following:
1.Click the Start button.
2.Click Control Panel. (The Control Panel window appears.)
3.Click Network and Internet Connections. (The Network and Internet Connections window appears.)
4.Click Network Connections. (The Network Connections window appears.)
5.Click the listing for your Internet connection.
6.Click Change settings of this connection in the Network tasks menu on the left side of the window. (The properties window for your Internet connection appears.)
7.Click the Advanced tab.
8.Click to place a check in the box next to Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.
9.Click the OK button.
10.Close any open windows.
11.Restart your computer.
Plug in any Internet connection cables, such as your modem cable, network cable, or wireless networking cable and plug these to your Internet source connection. Then follow the Perform Critical Windows Updates section.
NOTE: If you plan to install a different firewall, do not forget to go back and disable this firewall by removing the check from the box next to Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet.
9. Perform Critical Windows Updates
Perform the critical Windows updates to obtain security patches, fixes, and most importantly, to help protect you from unauthorized Internet attacks.
To perform critical Windows updates, do the following:
1. Connect to your Internet connection.
2. Click the Start button.
3. Click Control Panel. (The Control Panel window appears.)
4. Click Windows Update located in the menu on the left. (The Microsoft Windows Update window appears.)
5. Click Scan for updates.
6. Click Review and install updates when the scan is complete.
NOTE: For a Dial-up connection, leave the first two updates checked and uncheck all other updates in the list.
7. Click the Install Now button to install critical updates. Read any license agreements that appear and click Accept to accept them. (The updates are downloaded and installed automatically.)
NOTE: The time it takes for the updates to complete depends on the speed of your Internet connection.
8. Click the OK button to restart your computer when the updates are complete.
For a dialup connection, repeat the steps above downloading and installing the critical updates two at a time, until there are no more critical updates to install.
For a high-speed Internet connection, all of your critical updates are installed at one time.
10. Install Software Applications
Locate the Applications - Dell Tools CD (Drivers, Utilities, and Applications CD for some portable computers) and any separate software CDs for this section.
Some software programs on the Applications - Dell Tools CD are:
• Dell SecurityCenter by McAfee®
• Symantec® Norton AntiVirus®
• EarthLink ISP Version 5.0
• Jasc® Paint Shop™ Pro®
• Jasc® Paint Shop™ Photo Album™
• MusicMatch® Dell™ JukeBox
• Real Networks® RealOne™ Player
• Dell™ Support
• Dell Media Experience
To install programs from the Applications - Dell Tools CD, do the following:
1. Insert the Applications - Dell Tools CD in the CD drive.
2. Click Applications at the top of the window.
3. Install each program you use from the list of programs on the CD.
NOTE: Install only the antivirus software program you were using before you had to reinstall Windows XP; do not install any extra antivirus programs.
To install Dell Support, you must install Microsoft.Net Framework first: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...e3-f589-4842-8157-034d1e7cf3a3&DisplayLang=en
To return to the Applications - Dell Tools CD menu when the Applications - Dell Tools CD is still inserted in the CD drive, do the following:
1. Click the Start button.
2. Click All Programs.
3. Click Dell Accessories.
4. Click Applications - Dell Tools CD. (The Applications - Dell Tools CD window appears.)
When all of the programs you use from the Applications - Dell Tools CD are installed, insert any separate software CDs one at a time and follow their instructions to install all of your separate software.
11. Update Antivirus Software
Use the update feature for your antivirus software. This is important to get your computer’s antivirus protection up to date.
12. Create a System Restore Point
Creating a restore point can help avoid problems when you are making changes to your computer that might make it unstable.
To set a restore point, do the following:
1. Click the Start button.
2. Click Help and Support.
3. Click System Restore under Additional resources.
4. Follow the remaining prompts to setup your restore point.
13. Restore the Data You Backed Up
Use the backup copies you made of your data to restore your data back onto your computer.
Do not restore the registry or any system files if you have reinstalled Windows XP due to operating system instability. If you attempt to restore from a full backup made with a backup utility such as Windows Backup, you should only replace or restore items that are no longer available.

Return to Overview

KB Article
Release Date: 2/16/2005

 

Then, when you are done go here and load the rest of the software you'll need... http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=105916

 

Since you are using a presumably.... standard XP install disk... and not a Dell OEM Windows XP install disk with all the drivers you'll need.

 

just bumping another helpful thread!