I have a dell laptop (old) that will not boot. I would like to do a low level format and reload with XP or Linux and give to Granddaughter. The computer has a floppy drive and a CD drive available. I have no clue what to do next. I am a Gray-Beard neophyte who knows enough to be dangerous. I do not need the data on the HD. Can someone help using the KISS method please? Thank You.

Put Windows disk into a CD-ROM and let it start, then follow instructions on a screen.

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Thanks, I'll give it a try...will let you know if successful...

Tried to repair the current installation...Hard drive is corrupt

Tried to install a new XP on top of the current XP, no go

Tried to format the partition (entire HDD) No luck

Restarting computer to try and format one more time, if that doesn't work can someone explain how I can start a low level format from a floppy?

While I agree that HDD could be corrupt, you could also have bad RAM. What are using to test to see if the drive is corrupt? You could have a master boot record virus (doesn't get removed even on a clean install of XP). What errors are you getting?

To me, the faster solution to this, is if you can lay your hands onto another -known good- HDD, replace old drive and try to install XP. if success, then old HDD should be heading to the bin. If not success, then there is some other underlying error, like bad RAM, faulty XP disk, faulty CD ROM device...

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I know Win7 has the option to test the memory but as your using XP there is nothing included on the cd.
To test the RAM why not download Microsofts Memory tester from http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp#top
You can then create either a bootable floppy or cd to run he test from.

If you can boot to the XP setup cd then the cd rom should be ok.

If you suspect a faulty XP setup cd you could try downloading Ubuntu which is free & see if you can install that on the hard drive. http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop if that works then the hdd & cd/dvd rom drive is ok.


Hopefully you should be able to narrow down the fault

Loki

I'm headed out for awhile so won't be able to try everyone's suggestions. I would like to install Ubuntu and I have that on a floppy disk. Can it be installed from the floppy, will the .exe file open automatically when trying to boot 'puter up?

I am not going to try and find another HDD because I don't want to put anymore $$$ into this old 'puter, just figured I would try and get it running for one of my G-daughters to use for email and browsing only.

Ubuntu setup files will not fit on a floppy. the 64bit iso I downloaded is 715Mb.
Just burn the iso file to a cd & then boot to that. It will then give you the option to run as a bootable cd or to install Ubuntu on the hard drive. If you need iso burning software you could try this http://www.freeisoburner.com/

Loki