I am replacing the hard drive DUE to continued problems, blue screens etc keep coming back after resetting to factory settings. I have slaved all important data off the old hard drive onto another pc.

Now I have no idea how to reinstall Windows XP, I have the original Dell disks - does anyone have a link on the procedure to follow?

OR

Is there a way I can simply copy Windows off the old disk onto the new one?

many thanks Why would you replace the hard drive? Just do a format and reinstall on the current drive.Drivers & Downloads for Inspiron 6000
It depends on the disks that Dell provided. Why don't you list them here.I was going to replace the HD because I just thought they had a 'life', and that was why I keep getting problems.

The disks I can find say on them 'contents':
- For reinstalling Dell Inspiron System Software-Device drivers/Diagnostics and Utilities
- Dell wireless Client drivers/User guide
- Dell LCD monitor - HTML User documentation/Drivers (INF,ICM, and CAT files)
- For reinstalling Cyberlink Power dvd software
- For reinstalling Sonic RecordNow software

So I've got 5 cds (none mention Windows XP )1) I don't think there is anything wrong with your hard drive. Blue screen errors are not caused by bad hd's.
2) You need to purchase a Windows CD.OK - I am going to try to repair it (one of the errors that keeps coming up is missing 'HAL.dll file'...

I am in the Recovery Console

a) I have typed 'bootcfg /rebuild
get message ''Error failed to successfully scan disks for Windows installations....use chkdsk to detect any disk errors
then I
b) type 'chkdsk'
get message 'The volume appears to be in good condition and was not checked. Use /p if you want to check the volume anyway

I dont know how to use '/p' or 'space/p' neither work and I get message 'This command is not recognised...'
The dos screen shows 'C:\>'run chkdsk /r from the recovery console.Many thanks, I did that and got message

'the volume appears to contain one or more unrecoverable problems'

What should I do next? Well, it does indeed seem to be a bad hd. My apology for suggesting otherwise. Go ahead and replace it.This forum is the the best! Thanks for your help.

Question - is there a way I can copy Windows XP from the old drive onto the new drive?

I dont suppose it will be that simple somehow?

Thanks once again, its MIDNIGHT in the uk now, I am off to bed as I want to be up early to see Europe win the Ryder Cup tomorrow
You can try running the manufacturer's diagnostic tool for the hard drive. If you're lucky, it will relocate the damaged sectors. http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287The easiest way is with disc imaging software (Acronis True Image or a free alternative such as Macrium Reflect).I will try to use that software.

I am going to buy a new Western Digital hardrive (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/131287).

Is there a link/tutorial to show what to do as I have absolutely no idea! (I can slot it in the laptop, but thats it)

many thanks Imaging might not work if the old drive is damaged, because the image will be corrupted. Be prepared to start from scratch. Hope your Dell has a Restore Partition: http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/index.htm
If it does, it's the only thing the image needs to be successful.
If you can put the old laptop drive into a desktop, it would MAKE it easier.

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