Reformatted, now computer only runs in safe mode

[Johna]

I reformatted my friend's Dell Dimension using windows xp home edition last week, but now it only boots in safe mode. When I was reinstalling, it kept getting stuck on the part where it says something like "installing devices". I'd have to shut the whole thing down then when I'd start it back up it would resume, but when it finished I could only get it to work in safe mode.

I was thinking maybe it was the cd or the drive, but the CD was brand new when I used it, right out of the package, and I tried it in both of the cd drives. What else could this possibly be? Any ideas or advice will be appreciated!

Thanks!

[Fed]

Does the screen say 'Safe Mode' in each corner?

[Johna]

no, it does not.

[Fed]

Then you are not in safe mode.
Try installing video drivers.

[Johna]

I tried reinstalling the drivers. The computer doesn't even recognize the video card, or the monitor, or the modem, and it has no sound. Anything else you can think of?

[Fed]

What does your Device Manager show for the above items?

[GX1_Man]

Download the appropriate drivers from the dell web site for that model and that operating system. Be sure and install the Intel drivers FIRST!

[Mac]

There should be a DELL CD with all of the drivers, etc. No?

[johna]

Wow thanks for all the help!

What does your Device Manager show for the above items?
The device manager shows a yellow question mark for most of the devices.


Download the appropriate drivers from the dell web site for that model and that operating system. Be sure and install the Intel drivers FIRST!
I cannot download any drivers from the dell website because I cannot even get online with that computer.


There should be a DELL CD with all of the drivers, etc. No?

I reinstalled the drivers with the drivers CD that came with the computer.


ARgh! So frustrating. Anything else it could be?

[Raptor]

I tried reinstalling the drivers. The computer doesn't even recognize the video card, or the monitor, or the modem, and it has no sound. Anything else you can think of?

The videocard should be detected after the drivers are installed.

You are most likely not installing the drivers correctly. Refer to the videocard manual or search the computerhope.com database.

[johna]

You are most likely not installing the drivers correctly.

I'll try it again, but shouldn't the drivers load on their own?

[merlin_2]

Has your friend added,new hardware to the system.....even a printer/scanner.

[pcdoc4christ]

Johna:

Did the comptuer previously have Windows XP?  If not, and it had only Windows Me or 98, then the hardware may not be compatible with Windows XP.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314062

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/compat.mspx

Best regards,
Doc

[johna]

Hi,

the computer previously had windows xp, and there was no new hardware added.

[pcdoc4christ]

Jonah:

OK.  The Windows XP CD you are using--is it the Dell system restoration CD that came with the computer or a different Windows XP CD?

Doc