dell 700m format question

[unarmdragon]

i have a couple question about formatting and reinstalling windows for my 700m. before i always use killdisk to format my computer, but since this is a laptop, how should i go about formatting? this 700m didn't come with any windows cd, but i did follow dell directions to make a backup windows. after i finish formatting and install windows, will everything be the same as when i first got the laptop? or will it just be windows only with none of the extra stuff? if so, what kind of drivers do i have to look for before i format it. i don't know much about this stuff. like do i have to install back the drivers to use wifi, sounds, etc, or it should automatically work?
sorry for the questions.
thanks in advance.

edit: and i have a 3 year complete care warranty. when i go to add/remove programs, it says consumer complete care services agreement. if i format the computer will it void the warranty? i'm scared to do anything because there's a lot of programs installed and i don't know if those are important or not. there's a lot of drivers and software. and i don't have another computer to use if something goes wrong.

 

[fbrdphreak]

um, if you followed Dell's instructions you probably have a restore disc. Which should restore windows, drivers, and apps. But not being a 700M owner, I can't be 100% sure. I'm sure another 700M owner will chime in.

 

[yezhou]

I have an i9300, but I believe most of Dell's laptops are configured the same regarding OS and partition space, etc. Anyway, if you go to Start>Programs you should see something called "Dell Accessories" or "Dell Restore" or something to that degree, and you'll find the tool to burn your own OS CD. With this OS CD, you can reformat, and it'll install the OS + drivers, and no bloatware programs that Dell installs. If you choose (and I recommend), you can also get rid of the other 2 partitions that Dell puts on there. One is the "Restore Partition", in which you can restore the system to "factory condition", which is what you have right now (OS + Dell bloatware programs, etc.). The other partition is a hidden "diagnostic tools" partition. IMO, there's really no need for these 2 partitions, as they just waste space.

Don't worry about the "3 year complete care warranty" agreement thing, Dell will have all your warranty information anyways. But you can always print out the agreement if you want.

Also, call up Dell and demand a real copy of Windows + Drivers/Programs CD. They'll give it to you for free, and don't take no for an anwer if they refuse (rarely).

 

[unarmdragon]

i remember seeing dell restore, but for some reason i can't seem to find it anymore. i see dell accessories, dell, dell support, but none of those have dell restore.

as for the other 2 partition, how do i get rid of that. is there an option to delete that when i begin formatting?

the windows + drivers/programs from dell has all the bloated programs and stuff correct? also when i call dell, do i just tell them that i need a copy of the real windows +drivers/programs and do i need to give them my service code and stuff like that?

thanks

Originally posted by: yezhou
I have an i9300, but I believe most of Dell's laptops are configured the same regarding OS and partition space, etc. Anyway, if you go to Start>Programs you should see something called "Dell Accessories" or "Dell Restore" or something to that degree, and you'll find the tool to burn your own OS CD. With this OS CD, you can reformat, and it'll install the OS + drivers, and no bloatware programs that Dell installs. If you choose (and I recommend), you can also get rid of the other 2 partitions that Dell puts on there. One is the "Restore Partition", in which you can restore the system to "factory condition", which is what you have right now (OS + Dell bloatware programs, etc.). The other partition is a hidden "diagnostic tools" partition. IMO, there's really no need for these 2 partitions, as they just waste space.

Don't worry about the "3 year complete care warranty" agreement thing, Dell will have all your warranty information anyways. But you can always print out the agreement if you want.

Also, call up Dell and demand a real copy of Windows + Drivers/Programs CD. They'll give it to you for free, and don't take no for an anwer if they refuse (rarely).

 

[bacillus]

How to Use the Dell? PC Restore by Symantec Utility

 

[yezhou]

unarmdragon, I already burned my copy of the OS CD (it dissappears after you burn it) so I can't go check where it is exactly, but if you goto the link bacillus gave I'm sure it'll have all the steps written out.

You can delete all the partitions when you do a fresh install w/ the CD you burn. And yes, the "Restore Partition" basically has your system "as shipped", that means Windows + Drivers + Bloatware Programs. It takes up a lot of space, I think over 3 gigs?

And when you contact Dell, you'll have to give them some kind of information, I think order #, etc., and probably the Service Code too, just for proof that you actually own the system heheh. Actually you can Email them also (what I did), as its smoother and no wasteful waiting time on the phone.