it's an UPGRADE....you have ti install xp and do all the updates first before upgrading,reason why intend to purchase full program.

 

hope you find a solution

 

"you get what you pay for"

That sounds an awful lot to me like either bad media or a flaky ROM drive Jimbo.

 

Did you have any problems at all reading / writing to media under XP?

 

Might me worth having a look through the removeable storage section on the downloads page and see perhaps if there is a firmware update available for your particular drive.

 

Obviously you'll have to install XP back to get a working environment, but it might be worth a try.

 

While you're on the downloads page, also have a look for any updated BIOS images for your system, as there are several models that Dell has released 'Vista compliant' BIOS updates for.

 

Hope this helps, let me know what you find (if anything).

 

Hi,

 

Thanks for the replies...I actually subscribed to the Technical Updates (I'm a software System Tester) so the first thing I did was update the BIOS.

 

The computer works awesome using XP. No problems whatsoever.

 

I'm wondering if I should attempt the 2nd Vista Upgrade option which is called "Advanced?" However I'm not familiar on what that actually does to be honest with you.

I am going to attempt to do the Advanced upgrade tonight.

 

Do Dell Techs read this Support Forum? Can I post my Case ID for additional assitance or is it just a waste of time?

Try to re-install XP-Pro.  If this goes smoothly, then it will also resolve any of your problem installing Vista in either 32 or 64 bit.  By the way, do not forget the Clean the disks if you run a RAID array and later load your RAD drivers when you install Vista.  Good luck 

Have you tried this site? http://support.microsoft.com/windowsvista

Thanks for the site. I've just reviewed it and have followed or know about most of what is mentioned.

 

The site says this: Custom installation (clean installation) of Windows Vista A custom installation or clean installation of Windows Vista does not preserve the currently installed personal files, settings, and programs. Windows Vista is installed without third-party programs. You can perform a custom installation of Windows Vista by using either an upgrade license or a full product license. However, if you own an upgrade license, you must start the installation in the current version of Windows. At the installation choice menu, select Custom to perform this action.

 

Can this be done with the Vista Upgrade CD? I don't believe so. I saw two options...one was to upgrade and the second option was Advanced (I'm sorry I haven't tried the Advanced option yet so I don't know what it entails-will be doing so tonight).

I have made progress! Choosing the Custom install worked. It saved all my old files in a Directory called Windows.Old. Does anyone know if it safe to delete this file?

 

OK, couple of questions now. One problem I have is that whenever I install an update and have to restart, my monitor lights change to orange but my CPU never restarts. I have to push the power button for a few minutes. This is happening every time. I have the 2007WFP monitor and after Vista was installed a download from Microsoft was done. I notice when it's booting up there's a green dotted line on the top of the screen for a few minutes.

 

In Device Manager I have something in yellow called MultiMedia Audio Controller when I right click on properties it says no drivers installed. I try reinstall or update from online and nothing is found.

 

Also, can someone provide me with the link for a driver (if one is available for the Creative Labs X-FI)? It would be really GREAT if I had sound to this :)

 

Thanks in advance for any assistance. The restart thing is really bugging me. I updated the Bios so I don't know what it could be.

" (I'm a software System Tester) "  ?????

 

As a " Software System Tester " didn't you think maybe you would need Vista Drivers for your systems components Before you upgraded to Vista?

 

Check the drivers section on the Dell Site for Vista drivers.

 

pcgeek11