Problem loading XP on Inspiron7000

[ZowieHowie]

My friend wants to upgrade from 98 to XP on his Inspiron7000 (366 mhz). It seems to load fine for like 20 minutes, and then the screen goes blank. The computer does not physically "turn off" since I see the power button is still green, and every so often, the HDD activity light shows activity. I then tried to load 98 on it again, and it loaded without a hitch. I tried to load XP on another Inspiron7000, and it encountered the same problem. Was wondering if there is possibly a utility needed to load XP on this machine or what. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[MrChad]

Have you tried updating the BIOS?

 

[ZowieHowie]

No, I have not. Could that be the problem? I've never updated a BIOS before.

 

[MrChad]

Link

Download the file and follow the instructions. It should create a bootable floppy. Boot with the floppy and the BIOS will update automatically. Some older PCs needed a BIOS update to install Windows 2000, so the Inspiron 7000 may need something similar.