setup cannot continue because the version of windows on your compu

I have two dell GX280's and BOTH of them are giving me this message

"setup cannot continue because the version of windows on your computer is
newer than the version on the cd"

I have changed my boot order to start from CD. I am using the restoration
CDs that came with each pc, (I have even tried a stand alone cd), however,
once prompted to press any key to boot from CD, Windows just starts up again.
I have reformatted many machines in the past and this has NEVER happened
before (oddly I get two in the same day).

HOW can I get these machines to boot from the CD in order to delete the
partition and do a clean install??

Laurie

PD43
Fri Mar 28 11:04:12 PDT 2008

laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>HOW can I get these machines to boot from the CD in order to delete the
>partition and do a clean install??

They are Dell restore CDs that will put the machine back into the same
condition that it was when it was first purchased.

Why your machine won't boot to them is definitely strange.

Check the Dell documentation so see how to use those CDs. Make sure
that they are pristinely clean.

laurieg
Fri Mar 28 11:16:17 PDT 2008

thanks, haven't found anything on dell site yet, but still looking. did come
across some interesting info about creating a "slipstream" cd.

i thought the cd might have been damaged too, but THREE of them??! The drive
is working fine -- can read from and burn without any problems otherwise.

will keep looking...





"PD43" wrote:

> laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
> >HOW can I get these machines to boot from the CD in order to delete the
> >partition and do a clean install??
>
> They are Dell restore CDs that will put the machine back into the same
> condition that it was when it was first purchased.
>
> Why your machine won't boot to them is definitely strange.
>
> Check the Dell documentation so see how to use those CDs. Make sure
> that they are pristinely clean.
>

Big
Fri Mar 28 11:35:11 PDT 2008

laurie_g wrote:
> thanks, haven't found anything on dell site yet, but still looking. did come
> across some interesting info about creating a "slipstream" cd.
>
> i thought the cd might have been damaged too, but THREE of them??! The drive
> is working fine -- can read from and burn without any problems otherwise.
>
> will keep looking...
>
>
>
>
>
> "PD43" wrote:
>
>> laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>>
>>> HOW can I get these machines to boot from the CD in order to delete the
>>> partition and do a clean install??
>> They are Dell restore CDs that will put the machine back into the same
>> condition that it was when it was first purchased.
>>
>> Why your machine won't boot to them is definitely strange.
>>
>> Check the Dell documentation so see how to use those CDs. Make sure
>> that they are pristinely clean.
>>
There have to be downloads some place to make a dos boot disk floppy.
I see reference to them all the time in ug. If you can boot from A:
floppy with drivers to see the CD, you can do that maybe? 'drawing at
straws'.

John
Fri Mar 28 11:38:56 PDT 2008



"laurie_g" <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:18704422-8E8F-4F57-AA4E-9E772B198E7D@microsoft.com...
>I have two dell GX280's and BOTH of them are giving me this message
>
> "setup cannot continue because the version of windows on your computer is
> newer than the version on the cd"

At which step exactly did you see that message?

> I have changed my boot order to start from CD. I am using the restoration
> CDs that came with each pc,

AFAIK Dell doesn't give us restore CDs. Recovery image is stored in a hidden
partition on the HD. They provide (although sometimes we must ask/pay for
it) Restoration CD which is an Windows OEM setup CD.

> (I have even tried a stand alone cd), however,
> once prompted to press any key to boot from CD, Windows just starts up
> again.

Bad/scratched CD?? Bad CD drive??

> I have reformatted many machines in the past and this has NEVER happened
> before (oddly I get two in the same day).

Yep, that is odd.

> HOW can I get these machines to boot from the CD in order to delete the
> partition and do a clean install??

Perhaps you can try a different Reinstallation CD from Dell.

PD43
Fri Mar 28 11:39:49 PDT 2008

laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>thanks, haven't found anything on dell site yet, but still looking. did come
>across some interesting info about creating a "slipstream" cd.

Can't do that with a Dell Restore CD. It CAN be done with any of a
number of the XP CDs from Microsoft.

>i thought the cd might have been damaged too, but THREE of them??!

Unlikely.

Still, there has to be something obvious that is being overlooked that
is keeping you from booting to them if you've properly set the BIOS to
boot from the CD first.

On my system, I don't have to hit any key to boot from the CD. It
boots automatically if a bootable CD is in the drive.

Are you sure that you're hitting a key quickly enough to start the
boot?

PD43
Fri Mar 28 11:43:42 PDT 2008

"John" <a> wrote:

>
>"laurie_g" <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>news:18704422-8E8F-4F57-AA4E-9E772B198E7D@microsoft.com...
>>I have two dell GX280's and BOTH of them are giving me this message
>>
>> "setup cannot continue because the version of windows on your computer is
>> newer than the version on the cd"
>
>At which step exactly did you see that message?

KNOW WHAT? I missed that.

That message won't come from a "restore CD". But it WILL come if
someone is trying to do a REPAIR INSTALL using a MS XP CD that doesn't
have SP2 included, and the system being repaired has SP2 installed.

FESS UP "laurie_g"!!

laurieg
Fri Mar 28 12:07:01 PDT 2008

I am using the "Reinstallation CD for Microsoft Windows XP Professional" that
came with the PC from Dell. I have a lab FULL of these machines and have used
these CDs several times without ever having this issue.

The two machines in question will not boot from the CD (and yes I am hitting
a key fast enough to trigger a cd boot) :)

Since the cd wouldn't boot, I tried using the "install Windows" option from
setup on the CD, -- this is where I got the "setup cannot continue because
the version of windows on your pc is newer than the version on the cd"
message. It does not allow me continue even though this is what I want to do.
I have the option to Cancel or Details -- when I click Details it tells me to
change the boot order and boot from the cd ... blah blah blah --- and here we
are again!




"PD43" wrote:

> "John" <a> wrote:
>
> >
> >"laurie_g" <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >news:18704422-8E8F-4F57-AA4E-9E772B198E7D@microsoft.com...
> >>I have two dell GX280's and BOTH of them are giving me this message
> >>
> >> "setup cannot continue because the version of windows on your computer is
> >> newer than the version on the cd"
> >
> >At which step exactly did you see that message?
>
> KNOW WHAT? I missed that.
>
> That message won't come from a "restore CD". But it WILL come if
> someone is trying to do a REPAIR INSTALL using a MS XP CD that doesn't
> have SP2 included, and the system being repaired has SP2 installed.
>
> FESS UP "laurie_g"!!
>

PD43
Fri Mar 28 12:27:10 PDT 2008

laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>Since the cd wouldn't boot, I tried using the "install Windows" option from
>setup on the CD, -- this is where I got the "setup cannot continue because
>the version of windows on your pc is newer than the version on the cd"
>message.

Question: did you do that from WITHIN Windows?

I feel like a kid twirling around in circles to get dizzy... except
that I'm not twirling <g>

PD43
Fri Mar 28 12:25:43 PDT 2008

laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>Since the cd wouldn't boot, I tried using the "install Windows" option from
>setup on the CD, -- this is where I got the "setup cannot continue because
>the version of windows on your pc is newer than the version on the cd"
>message. It does not allow me continue even though this is what I want to do.

WAIT A MINUTE!

It "wouldn't boot", yet you are able to try "install windows"???

IT BOOTED!

I still say you are somehow trying to run a repair install instead of
a clean install. Maybe that Dell disk won't allow a clean install???

John
Fri Mar 28 12:52:00 PDT 2008


"laurie_g" <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:5FA299C6-645C-4659-A841-7DFAC9AD3729@microsoft.com...
>I am using the "Reinstallation CD for Microsoft Windows XP Professional"
>that
> came with the PC from Dell.

Just as I thought, it's not a recovery disk. By "recovery disk" I meant a
CD/DVD that contains factory shipped image that you can restore onto HD.

> I have a lab FULL of these machines and have used
> these CDs several times without ever having this issue.

I've never seen that problem either. I've always been able to use Dell
reinstallation CD to partition, format and install WinXP regardless what
data is in the HD.

> Since the cd wouldn't boot, I tried using the "install Windows" option
> from
> setup on the CD,

Ummm... do you mean you boot to Windows XP (on the HD), pop reinstall CD in
the drive, autorun kicks in and you try to install Windows??

Daave
Fri Mar 28 13:28:44 PDT 2008

laurie_g wrote:
> I have two dell GX280's and BOTH of them are giving me this message
>
> "setup cannot continue because the version of windows on your
> computer is newer than the version on the cd"
>
> I have changed my boot order to start from CD. I am using the
> restoration CDs

<snip>

We've established elsewhere in this thread that these are
(re-)installation CDs, not recovery CDs (a different animal). :-)

> that came with each pc, (I have even tried a stand alone cd),

I'm not really sure what you mean by a "stand alone cd."

> however, once prompted to press any key to boot from CD,
> Windows just starts up again.

It sounds like you didn't press the key! Or perhaps there's something
wrong with your keyboard.

> I have reformatted many machines in the
> past and this has NEVER happened before (oddly I get two in the same
> day).
>
> HOW can I get these machines to boot from the CD in order to delete
> the partition and do a clean install??

It sounds like you were trying to perform a repair install (not a clean
install). The message you mentioned will come up if the version of
Windows on your PC is newer than the version on the CD. For example, the
PC has XP with Service Pack 2, but the disk is only for SP 1. For those
who want to perform a repair install in this type of situation, there
are two choices:

1. Uninstall SP2. Run the repair install, Reinstall SP2.

2. Make a *new* installation disk, slipstreaming SP2 along with the
files from your original disk. Since Dell disks are a little different
than regular installation disks, sometimes the slipstream won't go as
expected. Many times people give up and just opt for method 1. If you
ever do want to try the slipstream method, here is some information:

http://vbdotnet.home.comcast.net/~vbdotnet/XP_SP2.htm

If you want to perform a clean install, this is a very good guide:

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

Good luck.

laurieg
Fri Mar 28 13:52:00 PDT 2008

No, it will not "boot to the cd" in order to do a clean install (delete
partition, create partition, install)... instead it bypasses that part and
boots to windows where I can "run" the cd and select "install windows" (this
is where i get the error that setup cannot continue because the version of
windows on your pc is newer than the version on the cd".

I NEED to completely reformat and start fresh, but i am unable to do that
because it won't boot to the CD.



"PD43" wrote:

> laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
> >Since the cd wouldn't boot, I tried using the "install Windows" option from
> >setup on the CD, -- this is where I got the "setup cannot continue because
> >the version of windows on your pc is newer than the version on the cd"
> >message. It does not allow me continue even though this is what I want to do.
>
> WAIT A MINUTE!
>
> It "wouldn't boot", yet you are able to try "install windows"???
>
> IT BOOTED!
>
> I still say you are somehow trying to run a repair install instead of
> a clean install. Maybe that Dell disk won't allow a clean install???
>

laurieg
Fri Mar 28 13:53:01 PDT 2008

Yes, that's all the cd would let me do. I can install a new copy of windows
but I cannot reformat the drive - which is what i want to do.


YOU feel dizzy!! My head is spinning!! :)



"PD43" wrote:

> laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
> >Since the cd wouldn't boot, I tried using the "install Windows" option from
> >setup on the CD, -- this is where I got the "setup cannot continue because
> >the version of windows on your pc is newer than the version on the cd"
> >message.
>
> Question: did you do that from WITHIN Windows?
>
> I feel like a kid twirling around in circles to get dizzy... except
> that I'm not twirling <g>
>

PD43
Fri Mar 28 13:56:45 PDT 2008

laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>No, it will not "boot to the cd" in order to do a clean install (delete
>partition, create partition, install)... instead it bypasses that part and
>boots to windows where I can "run" the cd and select "install windows" (this
>is where i get the error that setup cannot continue because the version of
>windows on your pc is newer than the version on the cd".

Apparently that option is setup to run a "repair installation" because
such a message NORMALLY comes when one tries same from a MS CD.

>I NEED to completely reformat and start fresh, but i am unable to do that
>because it won't boot to the CD.

It sure sounds as if your CD is "proprietary"... it certainly doesn't
seem to conform to what most everyone here is used to.

Have you given Dell a call??? <hint>

Bill
Fri Mar 28 13:59:43 PDT 2008

For the nth time, you don't normally need a CD to restore the Dell to the
factory condition. When you boot up and press Ctrl-F11, it will execute
that program. Just keep in mind if/when you do this, you'll lose
everything added since that time, so it's pretty much a last resort.

PD43 wrote:
> laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
>> HOW can I get these machines to boot from the CD in order to delete the
>> partition and do a clean install??
>
> They are Dell restore CDs that will put the machine back into the same
> condition that it was when it was first purchased.
>
> Why your machine won't boot to them is definitely strange.
>
> Check the Dell documentation so see how to use those CDs. Make sure
> that they are pristinely clean.

laurieg
Fri Mar 28 13:59:01 PDT 2008


"John" wrote:

>
> "laurie_g" <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:5FA299C6-645C-4659-A841-7DFAC9AD3729@microsoft.com...
> >I am using the "Reinstallation CD for Microsoft Windows XP Professional"
> >that
> > came with the PC from Dell.
>
> Just as I thought, it's not a recovery disk. By "recovery disk" I meant a
> CD/DVD that contains factory shipped image that you can restore onto HD.

No it is the "Reinstallation CD" - I've never had trouble before this.
>
> > I have a lab FULL of these machines and have used
> > these CDs several times without ever having this issue.
>
> I've never seen that problem either. I've always been able to use Dell
> reinstallation CD to partition, format and install WinXP regardless what
> data is in the HD.

Exactly, me either.
>
> > Since the cd wouldn't boot, I tried using the "install Windows" option
> > from
> > setup on the CD,
>
> Ummm... do you mean you boot to Windows XP (on the HD), pop reinstall CD in
> the drive, autorun kicks in and you try to install Windows??

I put the "Reinstallation CD" in the drive.
My boot sequence is set to the cd drive (I've even disabled the hard drive
in setup and windows still boots bypassing the cd)
When the screen says "press any key to boot to cd"... i press Enter (or
spacebar or any other key)
and still Windows boots...

I have tried uninstalling XP SP2 and trying the sequence all over to no avail.

I thought it was just a fluke on one pc but now i have two that are giving
me this grief!

I have even created a "slipstream" cd which integrates the version of XP
that is on my reinstallation cd with XP SP 2... it is a bootable cd but still
won't boot to it.

very very frustrating!!




>
>
>

PD43
Fri Mar 28 14:00:54 PDT 2008

laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>Yes, that's all the cd would let me do. I can install a new copy of windows
>but I cannot reformat the drive - which is what i want to do.

Installing a "new copy of windows" means WHAT? That you can install a
SECOND copy?

NORMALLY installing a "new copy" will wipe the drive and install it...
i.e., there is no need to format first.


>YOU feel dizzy!! My head is spinning!! :)

Mine is now about to explode!! ;->

laurieg
Fri Mar 28 14:03:00 PDT 2008



"Daave" wrote:

> laurie_g wrote:
> > I have two dell GX280's and BOTH of them are giving me this message
> >
> > "setup cannot continue because the version of windows on your
> > computer is newer than the version on the cd"
> >
> > I have changed my boot order to start from CD. I am using the
> > restoration CDs
>
> <snip>
>
> We've established elsewhere in this thread that these are
> (re-)installation CDs, not recovery CDs (a different animal). :-)
>
> > that came with each pc, (I have even tried a stand alone cd),
>
> I'm not really sure what you mean by a "stand alone cd."

Just a fresh copy of Windows XP purchased directly from Microsoft - it did
not come with any PC.



>
> > however, once prompted to press any key to boot from CD,
> > Windows just starts up again.
>
> It sounds like you didn't press the key! Or perhaps there's something
> wrong with your keyboard.

Nope, i PRESSED... nothing wrong with the keyboard. Remember it is happening
on 2 different PCs (albeit both of them are the same GX260 animal)


>
> > I have reformatted many machines in the
> > past and this has NEVER happened before (oddly I get two in the same
> > day).
> >
> > HOW can I get these machines to boot from the CD in order to delete
> > the partition and do a clean install??
>
> It sounds like you were trying to perform a repair install (not a clean
> install).

NO I am trying to do a clean install - but was running out of options and
willing to try anything to get this stupid thing to reformat. that's where
the error message appeared when trying to run from windows.

The message you mentioned will come up if the version of
> Windows on your PC is newer than the version on the CD. For example, the
> PC has XP with Service Pack 2, but the disk is only for SP 1. For those
> who want to perform a repair install in this type of situation, there
> are two choices:
>
> 1. Uninstall SP2. Run the repair install, Reinstall SP2.

Tried that... didn't work. Still won't boot to CD.


>
> 2. Make a *new* installation disk, slipstreaming SP2 along with the
> files from your original disk. Since Dell disks are a little different
> than regular installation disks, sometimes the slipstream won't go as
> expected. Many times people give up and just opt for method 1. If you
> ever do want to try the slipstream method, here is some information:

tried that too... still no luck.


>
> http://vbdotnet.home.comcast.net/~vbdotnet/XP_SP2.htm
>
> If you want to perform a clean install, this is a very good guide:
>
> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
>
> Good luck.
>


Thanks, will check out last link and see if there is anything i have yet to
try.


>
>

PD43
Fri Mar 28 14:03:48 PDT 2008

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote:

>For the nth time, you don't normally need a CD to restore the Dell to the
>factory condition. When you boot up and press Ctrl-F11, it will execute
>that program. Just keep in mind if/when you do this, you'll lose
>everything added since that time, so it's pretty much a last resort.

Let's HOPE this ends the discussion and helps our damsel in distress
(who has used a CD umpteen times in the past).

I build my own computers - have done that since '93 - so I have no
expertise with Dell.

John
Fri Mar 28 14:13:11 PDT 2008


"laurie_g" <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0853E2A1-B137-40D4-B5AC-B4AC2F4F3A64@microsoft.com...
> I put the "Reinstallation CD" in the drive.
> My boot sequence is set to the cd drive (I've even disabled the hard drive
> in setup and windows still boots bypassing the cd)
> When the screen says "press any key to boot to cd"... i press Enter (or
> spacebar or any other key)
> and still Windows boots...
>
> I have tried uninstalling XP SP2 and trying the sequence all over to no
> avail.
>
> I thought it was just a fluke on one pc but now i have two that are giving
> me this grief!
>
> I have even created a "slipstream" cd which integrates the version of XP
> that is on my reinstallation cd with XP SP 2... it is a bootable cd but
> still
> won't boot to it.
>
> very very frustrating!!

I get the feeling there's something wrong with your keyboard. You think that
you've pressed a key but the system doesn't detect it. Try a different
keyboard.

PD43
Fri Mar 28 14:17:26 PDT 2008

"John" <a> wrote:

>I get the feeling there's something wrong with your keyboard. You think that
>you've pressed a key but the system doesn't detect it. Try a different
>keyboard.

You need to update your "feeling" drivers.

Colin
Fri Mar 28 14:17:25 PDT 2008

Are you pressing a key when the message displays "Press any key to boot from
the cd...." ?

"laurie_g" <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0BF667FA-F1A8-4D7F-B27D-AE1A974C1A51@microsoft.com...
> No, it will not "boot to the cd" in order to do a clean install (delete
> partition, create partition, install)... instead it bypasses that part and
> boots to windows where I can "run" the cd and select "install windows"
> (this
> is where i get the error that setup cannot continue because the version of
> windows on your pc is newer than the version on the cd".
>
> I NEED to completely reformat and start fresh, but i am unable to do that
> because it won't boot to the CD.
>
>
>
> "PD43" wrote:
>
>> laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>>
>> >Since the cd wouldn't boot, I tried using the "install Windows" option
>> >from
>> >setup on the CD, -- this is where I got the "setup cannot continue
>> >because
>> >the version of windows on your pc is newer than the version on the cd"
>> >message. It does not allow me continue even though this is what I want
>> >to do.
>>
>> WAIT A MINUTE!
>>
>> It "wouldn't boot", yet you are able to try "install windows"???
>>
>> IT BOOTED!
>>
>> I still say you are somehow trying to run a repair install instead of
>> a clean install. Maybe that Dell disk won't allow a clean install???
>>

Colin
Fri Mar 28 14:19:36 PDT 2008

When you launch Setup from Windows the drive tools are not available because
you have started at stage 2 (graphical stage). Also, the C: drive will not
format while the existing OS is running. That's why you have to boot from
the cd at machine startup in order to format the drive.

"laurie_g" <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:9B5F5C87-6B9B-4291-9BA9-12637DEF80E1@microsoft.com...
> Yes, that's all the cd would let me do. I can install a new copy of
> windows
> but I cannot reformat the drive - which is what i want to do.
>
>
> YOU feel dizzy!! My head is spinning!! :)
>
>
>
> "PD43" wrote:
>
>> laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>>
>> >Since the cd wouldn't boot, I tried using the "install Windows" option
>> >from
>> >setup on the CD, -- this is where I got the "setup cannot continue
>> >because
>> >the version of windows on your pc is newer than the version on the cd"
>> >message.
>>
>> Question: did you do that from WITHIN Windows?
>>
>> I feel like a kid twirling around in circles to get dizzy... except
>> that I'm not twirling <g>
>>

Ken
Fri Mar 28 14:41:21 PDT 2008

On Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:03:00 -0700, laurie_g
<laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>
>
> "Daave" wrote:
>
> > laurie_g wrote:
> > > I have two dell GX280's and BOTH of them are giving me this message
> > >
> > > "setup cannot continue because the version of windows on your
> > > computer is newer than the version on the cd"
> > >
> > > I have changed my boot order to start from CD. I am using the
> > > restoration CDs
> >
> > <snip>
> >
> > We've established elsewhere in this thread that these are
> > (re-)installation CDs, not recovery CDs (a different animal). :-)
> >
> > > that came with each pc, (I have even tried a stand alone cd),
> >
> > I'm not really sure what you mean by a "stand alone cd."
>
> Just a fresh copy of Windows XP purchased directly from Microsoft - it did
> not come with any PC.
>
>
>
> >
> > > however, once prompted to press any key to boot from CD,
> > > Windows just starts up again.
> >
> > It sounds like you didn't press the key! Or perhaps there's something
> > wrong with your keyboard.
>
> Nope, i PRESSED... nothing wrong with the keyboard. Remember it is happening
> on 2 different PCs (albeit both of them are the same GX260 animal)


A USB keyboard? Read here:
http://www.techarp.com/showfreebog.aspx?lang=0&bogno=226


--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

laurieg
Fri Mar 28 14:58:01 PDT 2008

uh, YES!

"Colin Barnhorst" wrote:

> Are you pressing a key when the message displays "Press any key to boot from
> the cd...." ?
>
> "laurie_g" <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:0BF667FA-F1A8-4D7F-B27D-AE1A974C1A51@microsoft.com...
> > No, it will not "boot to the cd" in order to do a clean install (delete
> > partition, create partition, install)... instead it bypasses that part and
> > boots to windows where I can "run" the cd and select "install windows"
> > (this
> > is where i get the error that setup cannot continue because the version of
> > windows on your pc is newer than the version on the cd".
> >
> > I NEED to completely reformat and start fresh, but i am unable to do that
> > because it won't boot to the CD.
> >
> >
> >
> > "PD43" wrote:
> >
> >> laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> >Since the cd wouldn't boot, I tried using the "install Windows" option
> >> >from
> >> >setup on the CD, -- this is where I got the "setup cannot continue
> >> >because
> >> >the version of windows on your pc is newer than the version on the cd"
> >> >message. It does not allow me continue even though this is what I want
> >> >to do.
> >>
> >> WAIT A MINUTE!
> >>
> >> It "wouldn't boot", yet you are able to try "install windows"???
> >>
> >> IT BOOTED!
> >>
> >> I still say you are somehow trying to run a repair install instead of
> >> a clean install. Maybe that Dell disk won't allow a clean install???
> >>
>

laurieg
Fri Mar 28 15:02:00 PDT 2008



"Colin Barnhorst" wrote:

> When you launch Setup from Windows the drive tools are not available because
> you have started at stage 2 (graphical stage). Also, the C: drive will not
> format while the existing OS is running. That's why you have to boot from
> the cd at machine startup in order to format the drive.

Yes, I know that... that is what I am trying to do... but it will not boot
FROM THE CD to get me into the delete partition/create partition/install
stage.





>
> "laurie_g" <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:9B5F5C87-6B9B-4291-9BA9-12637DEF80E1@microsoft.com...
> > Yes, that's all the cd would let me do. I can install a new copy of
> > windows
> > but I cannot reformat the drive - which is what i want to do.
> >
> >
> > YOU feel dizzy!! My head is spinning!! :)
> >
> >
> >
> > "PD43" wrote:
> >
> >> laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> >Since the cd wouldn't boot, I tried using the "install Windows" option
> >> >from
> >> >setup on the CD, -- this is where I got the "setup cannot continue
> >> >because
> >> >the version of windows on your pc is newer than the version on the cd"
> >> >message.
> >>
> >> Question: did you do that from WITHIN Windows?
> >>
> >> I feel like a kid twirling around in circles to get dizzy... except
> >> that I'm not twirling <g>
> >>
>

laurieg
Fri Mar 28 15:04:00 PDT 2008



"John" wrote:

>
> "laurie_g" <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:5FA299C6-645C-4659-A841-7DFAC9AD3729@microsoft.com...
> >I am using the "Reinstallation CD for Microsoft Windows XP Professional"
> >that
> > came with the PC from Dell.
>
> Just as I thought, it's not a recovery disk. By "recovery disk" I meant a
> CD/DVD that contains factory shipped image that you can restore onto HD.
>
> > I have a lab FULL of these machines and have used
> > these CDs several times without ever having this issue.
>
> I've never seen that problem either. I've always been able to use Dell
> reinstallation CD to partition, format and install WinXP regardless what
> data is in the HD.
>
> > Since the cd wouldn't boot, I tried using the "install Windows" option
> > from
> > setup on the CD,
>
> Ummm... do you mean you boot to Windows XP (on the HD), pop reinstall CD in
> the drive, autorun kicks in and you try to install Windows??


tried that... can't reformat that way. I need to be able to boot from the cd
but it keeps bypassing even after i press any stupid key.

found a new slipstreaming site for Dells that Daave recommended... still
working on gathering some of the files i need... keep fingers crossed!

Daave
Fri Mar 28 15:11:30 PDT 2008

laurie_g wrote:
> "John" wrote:
>> Ummm... do you mean you boot to Windows XP (on the HD), pop
>> reinstall CD in the drive, autorun kicks in and you try to install
>> Windows??
>
> tried that... can't reformat that way. I need to be able to boot from
> the cd but it keeps bypassing even after i press any stupid key.
>
> found a new slipstreaming site for Dells that Daave recommended...
> still working on gathering some of the files i need... keep fingers
> crossed!

Although slipstreaming will come in handy when you want to perform a
repair install, it won't address your issue of not being able to boot
from the CD (whether it's your original reinstallation CD or the newly
created slipstreamed one).

Did you catch Ken's post? It sounds like your using a USB keyboard. Just
try a PS/2 keyboard and see what happens.

John
Fri Mar 28 15:26:32 PDT 2008


"laurie_g" <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:68F9EBD3-5B5F-44AA-A438-5B4D8243613D@microsoft.com...
>
> found a new slipstreaming site for Dells that Daave recommended... still
> working on gathering some of the files i need... keep fingers crossed!

I don't see how that's going to solve your issue. The setup CD you got from
Dell is fine. Are you sure it's not the keyboard? There are at least 3
replies (including mine) who think the culprit is your keyboard.

PD43
Fri Mar 28 15:29:38 PDT 2008

"John" <a> wrote:

>I don't see how that's going to solve your issue. The setup CD you got from
>Dell is fine. Are you sure it's not the keyboard? There are at least 3
>replies (including mine) who think the culprit is your keyboard.

They are ALL wrong

laurieg
Fri Mar 28 16:06:00 PDT 2008


YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FRICKEN KIDDING ME!!!

I changed my keyboard and voila!!
I have NEVER ever gone through this before. Most all of the machines i've
worked on have had wireless keyboards and i've never had a problem.

well you learn something every day!

Thanks Ken, YOU ROCK!



"Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:

> On Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:03:00 -0700, laurie_g
> <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > "Daave" wrote:
> >
> > > laurie_g wrote:
> > > > I have two dell GX280's and BOTH of them are giving me this message
> > > >
> > > > "setup cannot continue because the version of windows on your
> > > > computer is newer than the version on the cd"
> > > >
> > > > I have changed my boot order to start from CD. I am using the
> > > > restoration CDs
> > >
> > > <snip>
> > >
> > > We've established elsewhere in this thread that these are
> > > (re-)installation CDs, not recovery CDs (a different animal). :-)
> > >
> > > > that came with each pc, (I have even tried a stand alone cd),
> > >
> > > I'm not really sure what you mean by a "stand alone cd."
> >
> > Just a fresh copy of Windows XP purchased directly from Microsoft - it did
> > not come with any PC.
> >
> >
> >
> > >
> > > > however, once prompted to press any key to boot from CD,
> > > > Windows just starts up again.
> > >
> > > It sounds like you didn't press the key! Or perhaps there's something
> > > wrong with your keyboard.
> >
> > Nope, i PRESSED... nothing wrong with the keyboard. Remember it is happening
> > on 2 different PCs (albeit both of them are the same GX260 animal)
>
>
> A USB keyboard? Read here:
> http://www.techarp.com/showfreebog.aspx?lang=0&bogno=226
>
>
> --
> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
> Please Reply to the Newsgroup
>

PD43
Fri Mar 28 16:09:38 PDT 2008

laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FRICKEN KIDDING ME!!!
>
>I changed my keyboard and voila!!

OMYGAWD.

Richard
Fri Mar 28 16:29:08 PDT 2008

Bill in Co.
Not all Dell PCs came with a restore option through the second partition.
Many came with only diagnostics through the hidden partition.
Then you do have to use the Dell System Disk to imitate the restoration.

To Laurie: It the disk you are using an off pink in color. Then it is the correct disk.

"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:%23jYIoaRkIHA.5260@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> For the nth time, you don't normally need a CD to restore the Dell to the factory condition. When
> you boot up and press Ctrl-F11, it will execute that program. Just keep in mind if/when you do
> this, you'll lose everything added since that time, so it's pretty much a last resort.
>
> PD43 wrote:
>> laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>>
>>> HOW can I get these machines to boot from the CD in order to delete the
>>> partition and do a clean install??
>>
>> They are Dell restore CDs that will put the machine back into the same
>> condition that it was when it was first purchased.
>>
>> Why your machine won't boot to them is definitely strange.
>>
>> Check the Dell documentation so see how to use those CDs. Make sure
>> that they are pristinely clean.
>
>

PD43
Fri Mar 28 16:33:22 PDT 2008

"Richard in AZ" <me@mailinator.com> wrote:

>Bill in Co.
>Not all Dell PCs came with a restore option through the second partition.
>Many came with only diagnostics through the hidden partition.
>Then you do have to use the Dell System Disk to imitate the restoration.

LOL

Ken
Fri Mar 28 16:44:04 PDT 2008

On Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:06:00 -0700, laurie_g
<laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

> YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FRICKEN KIDDING ME!!!
>
> I changed my keyboard and voila!!
> I have NEVER ever gone through this before. Most all of the machines i've
> worked on have had wireless keyboards and i've never had a problem.
>
> well you learn something every day!
>
> Thanks Ken, YOU ROCK!


You're welcome. Glad to help.



> "Ken Blake, MVP" wrote:
>
> > On Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:03:00 -0700, laurie_g
> > <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > "Daave" wrote:
> > >
> > > > laurie_g wrote:
> > > > > I have two dell GX280's and BOTH of them are giving me this message
> > > > >
> > > > > "setup cannot continue because the version of windows on your
> > > > > computer is newer than the version on the cd"
> > > > >
> > > > > I have changed my boot order to start from CD. I am using the
> > > > > restoration CDs
> > > >
> > > > <snip>
> > > >
> > > > We've established elsewhere in this thread that these are
> > > > (re-)installation CDs, not recovery CDs (a different animal). :-)
> > > >
> > > > > that came with each pc, (I have even tried a stand alone cd),
> > > >
> > > > I'm not really sure what you mean by a "stand alone cd."
> > >
> > > Just a fresh copy of Windows XP purchased directly from Microsoft - it did
> > > not come with any PC.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > >
> > > > > however, once prompted to press any key to boot from CD,
> > > > > Windows just starts up again.
> > > >
> > > > It sounds like you didn't press the key! Or perhaps there's something
> > > > wrong with your keyboard.
> > >
> > > Nope, i PRESSED... nothing wrong with the keyboard. Remember it is happening
> > > on 2 different PCs (albeit both of them are the same GX260 animal)
> >
> >
> > A USB keyboard? Read here:
> > http://www.techarp.com/showfreebog.aspx?lang=0&bogno=226
> >
> >
> > --
> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup
> >

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

mae
Fri Mar 28 18:47:55 PDT 2008


"Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:%23jYIoaRkIHA.5260@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
| For the nth time, you don't normally need a CD to restore the Dell to the
| factory condition. When you boot up and press Ctrl-F11, it will execute
| that program. Just keep in mind if/when you do this, you'll lose
| everything added since that time, so it's pretty much a last resort.

Not for my old Dell.
I only have a burgundy reinstallation disk.

mae

| PD43 wrote:
| > laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

Bill
Fri Mar 28 19:40:43 PDT 2008

For the newer Dells, then.
And if you've made any changes in partitioning, you may have to run MBRFIX
to even get that to work, anymore (at bootup).

mae wrote:
> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:%23jYIoaRkIHA.5260@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> For the nth time, you don't normally need a CD to restore the Dell to the
>> factory condition. When you boot up and press Ctrl-F11, it will execute
>> that program. Just keep in mind if/when you do this, you'll lose
>> everything added since that time, so it's pretty much a last resort.
>
> Not for my old Dell.
> I only have a burgundy reinstallation disk.
>
> mae
>
>> PD43 wrote:
>>> laurie_g <laurieg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

Daave
Fri Mar 28 21:45:14 PDT 2008

Bill in Co. wrote:

> mae wrote:
>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>> news:%23jYIoaRkIHA.5260@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> For the nth time, you don't normally need a CD to restore the Dell
>>> to the factory condition. When you boot up and press Ctrl-F11, it
>>> will execute that program. Just keep in mind if/when you do
>>> this, you'll lose everything added since that time, so it's pretty
>>> much a last resort.
>>
>> Not for my old Dell.
>> I only have a burgundy reinstallation disk.

> For the newer Dells, then.

Not for the Dell Vostro my colleague purchased a few months ago. It came
with an XP Reinstallation CD.

Bill
Fri Mar 28 21:54:58 PDT 2008

Daave wrote:
> Bill in Co. wrote:
>
>> mae wrote:
>>> "Bill in Co." <not_really_here@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>>> news:%23jYIoaRkIHA.5260@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>> For the nth time, you don't normally need a CD to restore the Dell
>>>> to the factory condition. When you boot up and press Ctrl-F11, it
>>>> will execute that program. Just keep in mind if/when you do
>>>> this, you'll lose everything added since that time, so it's pretty
>>>> much a last resort.
>>>
>>> Not for my old Dell.
>>> I only have a burgundy reinstallation disk.
>
>> For the newer Dells, then.
>
> Not for the Dell Vostro my colleague purchased a few months ago. It came
> with an XP Reinstallation CD.

Very strange, since I got my Dell Inspiron in January. Are you positive
there isn't a Ctrl-F11 option at bootup?

N.B.: If you've done any repartitioning, or anything that changes the MBR,
that option will be gone (i.e:, those keystrokes will be ignored at
bootup) - un