📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses difficulties in reinstalling Windows XP on a Dell Optiplex 740, with the original poster unable to boot from the installation CD and experiencing a black screen. Neemobeer suggests checking the BIOS settings to ensure the hard drive is in IDE mode rather than ACHI, as XP lacks native SATA support. BIGBEARJEDI adds that pressing a key during the "Boot from CD" screen may be necessary to initiate booting from the CD drive. Overall, participants offer troubleshooting tips to resolve boot issues during Windows XP reinstallation.
purveyorsltd

purveyorsltd

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Hi, I am attempting to reinstall windows xp home on my mom’s Dell 740 optiplex computer with the Dell reinstallation CD that came when unit was purchased. All her files were copied to a flash drive & no need to recover data. Have done this in past without any problems but this time I can’t seem to get beyond the boot menu. When I boot from CD/DVD/CD-RW Drive the screen goes dark and must restart and then access the boot menu with F12 or F2 for the setup menu. Have some screen shots attached if any help.
An image from 'windows xp reinstall'. Screens showing boot device menu, CD boot prompt, and BIOS system info on a Dell OptiPlex.
An image from 'windows xp reinstall'. Screens showing boot device menu, CD boot prompt, and BIOS system info on a Dell OptiPlex.
An image from 'windows xp reinstall'. Screens showing boot device menu, CD boot prompt, and BIOS system info on a Dell OptiPlex.


Thanks, Ken
 

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Solution
Neemobeer
If you see a blue screen flicker before the reboot you will want to go into BIOS and make sure the hard drive mode is in IDE or legacy mode and not ACHI. Windows XP does not natively support SATA drives and this is a common issue for Windows XP
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Neemobeer

Neemobeer

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#2
If you see a blue screen flicker before the reboot you will want to go into BIOS and make sure the hard drive mode is in IDE or legacy mode and not ACHI. Windows XP does not natively support SATA drives and this is a common issue for Windows XP
 

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BIGBEARJEDI

BIGBEARJEDI

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#3
When on the Boot from CD black & white screen, did you remember to tap the keyboard before the 3 dots disappear? If not, the BIOS will skip booting from the DVD/CD drive and hit the hard drive boot routine.

<<<BIGBEARJEDI>>>
 

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