roundabout XP upgrade?

[fuzzba11]

Alright, here's my deal.

In mid november, just before I got out of school for winter break(we have a huge one), there was a massive virus strike on our dorm, and somehow my laptop got infected. I couldnt' get rid of it all the way, because it had corrupted some of my system files in ME, and I couldn't get explorer to work properly. I had just bought Windows2k for my desktop, and so I figuired I could fix the problem by installing w2k over XP. I emailed Dell support(for my laptop), and asked them if the windowsXP upgrade kit would work if I fixed my problem by installing win2k. They sent me back an email which just danced around the problem and didnt' give me a real answer, so I figuired, hey, I need my laptop, I'll just do it. So I did, and there was much rejoicing.

Now, of course, I receive my upgrade copy of WindowsXP, flash my BIOS for the transition(required by Dell), and insert the disc, ready for install, and it rejects my ass like an 9 foot NBA star. So, now I have a problem. Is it actually possible to revert to WindowsME after 2000? How about 98? Because I don't think Dell actually sent me a disc for reinstalling ME, odly enough. Or at least I can't find it. If not, would I have to reformat? I can back things up on my desktop, no problem, but that's a pain, and reformatting is always my last resort if it's an option at all. Any brilliant ideas?

[outhouse]

After what ive read I think a format is in your best interest for a clean stable system. Any time you do an upgrade edition i would always reccomend a format. You may even want to write 0's to your hard drive before formatting for a top notch format.

[Yodums]

I would go for the re-fdisk and reformat as you went through alot of Operating Systems and the refdisk will really make sure they're all gone and clear the MBR.

[martyt]

Didn't Dell send any type of system restore disks? My friend's Dell had these.

They don't look like regular Microsoft Discs. If you use them it is almost like reformating as all you data will be lost. So you must back up the data before using any such original system restore disks.

[jay_stealth]

dont use f-disk it is gay!buy the full xp vers NOT the upgrade.insert the disk delete the current OS partition format and do a clean install..easy

[takiwa]

whatever decision you make should include a THOUROUGH format, including your boot secctor, as you may have remnants of the virus lurking around in there. DO NOT do a quick format! I would also suggest using a third-party partitioning utility, such as partition manager, from www.ranish.com ...also, after installation, put Norton on there, and protect yourself from viruses...just update on a regular basis, and it'll pick up most anything out there. Good luck, hope you get it straightened out soon!

[fuzzba11]

Originally posted by jay_stealth
dont use f-disk it is gay!buy the full xp vers NOT the upgrade.insert the disk delete the current OS partition format and do a clean install..easy

I got the upgrade from Dell for $20 extra when I bought my system...paid for by my parents! No way I'm going to go spend $100+ on another copy, damnit.

Still searching for the Dell OS reinstall discs, otherwise going to have to reformat...