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help installing Windows on a Dell

M

mobiblu

Senior member
This is the reason why I hate factory build desktop. So, here is my story. I'm trying to restall original Windows on a Dell Demension 4700. Any one know how to do this? I seach Dell's support page and couldn't find anything.
 
The same way you would on a non-factory-built-desktop. Why is it any different, and why does this make you hate them?

Pop the cd in, boot off it (might need to enable it in the bios, just like any standard motherboard) and install Windows.
 
Do you have the install CD?

If so, an easy way is to go into the BIOS and disable the hard drives as a boot option. That will force a boot off the Windows install CD. Once windows has completed install, you can go back into the BIOS and re-enable the hard drive as a boot option.
 
Dell doesn't have restore CD. They put it in a different partiton, (D in this case). I just don't know how to boot to this partiton?
 
Originally posted by: mobiblu
Dell doesn't have restore CD. They put it in a different partiton, (D in this case). I just don't know how to boot to this partiton?
Click to expand...

Ah, actually, sometimes they do come with the re-install CD. In fact, almost all refurb's do.

This work...?

1. Shut down and restart the computer.

2. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

If you wait too long and the Microsoft® Windows® logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer through the Start menu and try again.

3. When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.

4. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
 
Originally posted by: bamacre
Originally posted by: mobiblu
Dell doesn't have restore CD. They put it in a different partiton, (D in this case). I just don't know how to boot to this partiton?
Click to expand...

Ah, actually, sometimes they do come with the re-install CD. In fact, almost all refurb's do.

This work...?

1. Shut down and restart the computer.

2. When the DELL logo appears, press <F12> immediately.

If you wait too long and the Microsoft® Windows® logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Windows desktop. Then shut down your computer through the Start menu and try again.

3. When the boot device list appears, highlight Boot to Utility Partition and press <Enter>.

4. When the Dell Diagnostics Main Menu appears, select the test you want to run.
Click to expand...


I went through this step before. But why do I want to run test. All I want to do is reinstall a fresh windows.
 
Since I dont' want the junk dell has on its windows cd, I use whatever other windows cd . As long as its the same type, I dont' think you can use home edition when your computer came with pro or media edition. Just put in the cd and use the cd code on side of case to install. Works like a charm

dont forget to get drivers from dell website like mobo drivers, network
and delete the stupid dell partition ( I do anyway)
 
You could contact Dell and if you're nice, you might be able to get a Restore CD with Windows XP Home or XP Pro for free.
Ask them for the Driver Restore disk for all installed hardware, or you can download drivers from Dell. Its takes a little longer but if you have them, no problem.

Outside of your case will be the CD key for O/S.
 
Originally posted by: smaky
Since I dont' want the junk dell has on its windows cd, I use what ever other windows cd . As long as its the same type, I dont' think you can use home edition when your computer came with pro or media edition. Just put in the cd and use the cd code on side of case to install. Works like a charm
Click to expand...


This is not my computer so I rather use a legal version of windows.
 
Your key is on a sticker on the tower.. if its not there.. than theres something wrong.. it tells u what type of os the pc is purchase with.. its a coa sticker
 
There is nothing ilegal as long as your cd code comes from the dell case.

Ilegal would be to use a cd key that doesn't belong to you. What cd you use is totaly up to you.

If you can't find that sticker you are out of luck. If its still there Dell will provide cds for a fee.
 
Since I dont' want the junk dell has on its windows cd, I use whatever other windows cd
Click to expand...

Uhg. Dell Windows CD's are the same as any other Windows CD. There is no 'junk' on them.

This is why when you order your PC, you make sure 'Include Windows CD' is checked.
 
You haven't read my reply above.
Next, unless you have a Dell tag with CD key for whatever (normally it's for Windows XP Home), you will have to install a new XP with unregistered key or new license.

If you need the key, get Belarc Advisor from Download.com

http://www.download.com/Belarc-Advisor/3000-2094_4-10574794.html?tag=lst-0-1

Its a free utility and it will give all the serial numbers on your Dell, including your Windows XP CD Key, which you will need.

Then get a Dell CD to do the install, which is legal and the smart thing to do.
 
Dell offers XP Install CDs for their PCs. These are bare XP, WITHOUT any added junk. If you didn't get one with the PC, I recommend ordering one from Dell. It's worth avoiding the aggravation, even if you have to pay $10 or $30 for the CD. If you order the CD in your original order, it's usually $10 extra. Many posters have gotten Dell to send the CD for free.

If you get an original Dell XP Install CD, you won't even have to type in a key code nor Activate XP.

If you don't have the original Driver CD for the 4700, you'll find that you can get all the drivers from Dell's Support site.
 
pkme2 -

wouldnt the key that the finder finds wont match the key on the COA due to dELL (AND OTHER oem'S) using the preinstallation method and a non activating key ?
 
Belarc will certainly exhibit the CD key when it finishes scanner the Dell computer or any other brand.
With that key, you can install any Dell supplied O/S CD.

If the O/S is not original OEM, Belarc will still display the CD key on that system and you can use the appropriate Win disk and do a repair install. I've done it many times w/o any problems on Dells that I've worked on.

Try installing Belarc Advisor on your rig.
Not only will it give your your CD key.
It will give you all the CD keys and serial# of the software installed on your computer
 
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