Hi,
In addition to others' suggestions, you have at least two alternatives,
(1) Contact Dell support for detailed instructions:
http://support.dell.com/support/topi...n&s=gen&~tab=1
(2) Refer to the following Dell's articles:
(a) Pre-reinstallation check list:
http://support.dell.com/support/topi...40A68F5B28205C
(b) Installation Guide in PDF format:
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...p/en/index.htm
Select "Installation Guide (Dell OptiPlex, Dell Precision)" and read
"Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP" section. Note: Even it's for the said
models but it's pretty much the same for most models. And for Dell models,
you should be able to get into system setup mode by pressing F2 during boot
time.
For preparations, I assume your resource CD is for Vista, so you need to
download drivers for XP. You can do that from here:
http://support.dell.com/support/down...=us&l=en&s=gen
For driver installation, I'd suggest to install only LAN driver after OS
installation (so you could be online) and then run Windows Update before
installing other drivers and applications. I now do so because I notice
Windows Update will provide certain requirements for subsquent driver or
application installation (in some but not all cases).
Finally, you don't have to activate Windows until you feel the system is in
a stable state.
In addition to this newsgroup, you could contact Dell support and/or visit
their forums (e.g. for XP:
http://www.dellcommunity.com/support...rd.id=sw_winxp) for
specific questions related to Dell's models.
"jenn" <> wrote in message
news:BD096B78-3A1D-4D0A-B623-...
>I need some help...fast. I have a new laptop (Dell Inspiron E1705) that
>came
> with Vista. I am sure Vista will be great one day but for now, I
> want/need
> XP. Dell mailed me a copy of XP and now I need to change my operating
> system. There is no data on the computer that I want to keep. I have no
> spare cash to pay someone to do it for me...or I would. Someone please
> help
> this newly relocated girl get her computer up and running. Thanks,
>
> Jenn