Can't Install W2K or XP on Dell Laptop

[j4ck]

I just reformatted an old Dell Inspiron 7000 laptop with a 10 gig HD and Pentium II 366 MHz processor in order to upgrade from Win 98 to W2k (and to clean all the trash off of the HD). However, I have run into some major problems while trying to install W2k.

I boot up with the W2K disk and the installation proceeds through the "DOS stage" without a hitch, then the computer reboots and further installation proceeds in the "windows" type environment (where you have to click "Next" and so forth). However, during this stage (the "Windows stage") of the installation, the laptop crashes to black screen and, basically, stops responding.

I have tried to install W2k several times, then gave up on it and tried to install XP...but the exact same thing happened: "DOS stage" proceeds normally, "Windows stage" crashes to black screen.

I have entered BIOS and set all power saving features as "Disabled" thinking that maybe the problem was caused by the computer trying to go into hibernation or something...but that didn't fix the problem.

I am pretty lost on this one, so any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

[glc]

First thing to do is get the latest bios update from Dell. If that doesn't fix it, time to start looking at possible bad ram. 2k and XP are a lot fussier about ram than 98. You also might want to zero fill the hard drive before trying again - determine the hard drive brand and download the utilities from the manufacturer. If the drive is made by a manufacturer that doesn't offer the utility, the QDI LF.EXE will work on any drive but it's not as intuitive. I've installed Win2K on older Dell laptops than that one, so it's not an inherent problem.

I remember installing W2k a while back on what I believe was a 7000, I remember having to upgrade the bios, I do not remember having any problems after that. But I would check out the HD.

[j4ck]

Thank you both for your help.
I was able to track down the correct BIOS version for my Inspiron 7000 and my installation is proceeding normally. (In fact, since I was already in the process of attempting to install XP, *it* will be the new OS for my laptop)

Thanks again