dell inspiron 910 mini. need help

[leemarcs]

dell inspiron 910 mini
tried to install new os on system via usb. mounted the os and copied to usb.
started to install but will not finish. i get . setup cannot acess the cd now. previous version wont work either. tried to boot from usb but nothing.
 get disc error when do that.
 if i buy an external dvd rom will this install the os on my systenm cos is pretty useless at the moment.
 thanks

[dahlarbear]

1.  Dell Computer (Inspiron 910 Mini).
     a.  Please provide the "service tag" number off your computer to provide direct access to the Dell support page for that machine.  That link may describe the restore/recovery options available for that machine.
     b.  Did any restore/recovery or install CD/DVDs come with the computer?
     c.  Did it come with an "internal" CD-ROM drive?  (I'm guessing no.)

2.  Operating System(s).
     a.  Which operating system version and service pack level came pre-installed on the system?
     b.  There may be a restore/recovery partition on the hard drive (possibly "hidden").  Did you delete any hard drive partitions during your installation attempts?
     c.  Which "new" operating system version and service pack level were you trying to install?
     d.  Trying to install from a CD-ROM drive or USB drive?

3.  Boot Device(s).  Whether or not you can install from "external" DVD drive, depends upon whether the system BIOS supports booting from an external DVD drive (and possibly whether install software has driver for it?).

[leemarcs]

hi was running xp home model no pp39s

[leemarcs]

has no discs with it no dvd/cd rom but am getting one for it , an external one so hope it works

[dahlarbear]

2.  Operating System(s).
     a.  Which operating system version and service pack level came pre-installed on the system?
     b.  There may be a restore/recovery partition on the hard drive (possibly "hidden").  Did you delete any hard drive partitions during your installation attempts?
     c.  Which "new" operating system version and service pack level were you trying to install?
     d.  Trying to install from a CD-ROM drive or USB drive?

1.  Can you answer these questions?

2.  Setup Guide.
     a.  Dell Diagnostics are on a "hidden" partition of the disk drive.  See "Using Support Tools -> Dell Diagnostics" section of the Setup Guide.

     b.  System restore/recovery.  To best of my knowledge, there is no "hidden" partition on your system for this.  Although I guess it wouldn't hurt to try the typical Dell system restore function key.

From "PC Restore for Windows XP" link:

2   When the Dell splash screen appears during the computer startup process, press and hold <Ctrl> and then press <F11>. Then, release both keys at the same time.

Note:  Some systems like Inspiron Mini 9 (910) do not support System Restore as they do not have <F11> nor any substitute.
If the key strokes are not working or you do not have PC Restore any more. You will have to do a manual reinstall. Click here for manual installation instructions.

     c.  Reinstall operating system.  See section "Restoring Your Operating System -> Windows Operating System Reinstallation".  (I've a feeling you've already read this.)

Well the setup guide says you may:

Use an external optical drive or any external storage device for the procedures that involve disks.

But other than an "optical" drive, it's not clear how that's done...

3.  Reference(s):
     a.  Manuals - Dell™ Inspiron™ 910
     b.  PC Restore for Windows XP
     c.  Manually Reinstall Windows XP

[dahlarbear]

1.  I came across this link in my bookmarks:  http://myeeeguides.wordpress.com/2008/11/15/winsetupfromusb-install-windows-xp-from-usb-flash-drive

It looks like it does what you were trying to do (install Windows XP from USB flash drive).

Caveat:  I've never tried it...

2.  Also some more reference links:
     a.  http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop-inspiron-9
     b.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Inspiron_Mini_Series

[patio]

You can't simply copy the OS files to a USB drive and then insatll them....

What does it mean you "mounted" the OS ? ?

[leemarcs]

ah right.
 i opened file with daemon tools and copied over but didnt work for me.
tried the link above to put files on the usb but would not work either.

[patio]

You can't simply copy the OS files to a USB drive and then insatll them....

What does it mean you "mounted" the OS ? ?

This will never work...you need an XP CD...the good ones say Microsoft all over them and have shiny holograms.

[leemarcs]

there is no cd drive on these notebooks hence trying on usb

[Computer_Commando]

Follow dahlarbear's instructions.  See Note under Reference 3b.
Some systems like Inspiron Mini 9 (910) do not support System Restore as they do not have <F11> nor any substitute.
If the key strokes are not working or you do not have PC Restore any more. You will have to do a manual reinstall. Click here for manual installation instructions.
See Note under Step 3, which says:
If you ordered your laptop computer without an optical drive, you may instead choose to mail-in your computer for repair, or you can purchase an external optical drive to continue your installation.

[patio]

there is no cd drive on these notebooks hence trying on usb

You still need an XP CD...whether you are doing this from an external drive or not...

[leemarcs]

yes i have an xp pro disc that i can use so just waiting on a usb dvd writer now so can try it

[dahlarbear]

hi was running xp home model no pp39s

yes i have an xp pro disc that i can use so just waiting on a usb dvd writer now so can try it

1.  Product Key.  You're going to need a legitimate (and compatible) "product key" for that Windows XP Professional installation.

Your existing Windows XP Home Edition product key(s) will not work with the Professional disc.  They also will not work across categories within a version; e.g. an "OEM" key with a "retail" installation disc (although you could call Dell and/or Microsoft in that situation to see if they will provide a "valid" key).

Just when you thought you were out of the woods - you enter the "labyrinth" of Windows XP product keys...

2.  References.
     a.  Windows Product Activation (WPA) on Windows XP
     b.  Frequently Asked Questions About Windows Product Keys
     c.  Everything you always wanted to about Windows Product Activation
     d.  Using an OEM Key
     e.  You receive an error message after you enter the product key when you try to install Windows XP

[leemarcs]

hi yes have genuine xp pro and key so when burner arrives hope all goes well as notebook  just sitting there. will post when i do and let know the story