Tou computer isas follows:
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: OptiPlex 745
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 2.6.2
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 3.40GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 2046MB RAM
There does not seem to be any problem with that.
I have install Windows 7 on a Dell 280 using an external DVD and made it into a dual boot with the XP.
So you can boot the DVD, but after it starts up you get an error message? It says it does not have the driver for the DVD?
Is this a Sony OEM Smart Bay DVD-ROM?
It wont work in Windows 7 **
Any way you can beg or borrow another DVD reader?That is the best solution. Later you can get the proper drivers from Sony.
**
Otherwise, you just have to try and try again until it works. The generic driver in Windows 7 will time out before the Sony is ready. If you keep on forcing a retry, it will somehow install windows7, but it will be a hard job.