Reformating a Dell PC

[Kelemvor]

My wife has a Dell PC and I have no idea where the original Restore CD type things might be. But it needs to be reloaded because it's gotten rediculously slow.

It came preloaded with Windows XP Home Edition.

If I just use my Home CD or Home OEM CD and insdtall that on there and then use the code from the sticker on the side of the PC, shoudl that work? I'm not sure if Dell uses the code on the PC in the OS or how they do that. I can use a Key Finder program to get what the current code is I guess but I'm not sure the best way to proceed with this reload.

Thanks.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
My wife has a Dell PC and I have no idea where the original Restore CD type things might be. But it needs to be reloaded because it's gotten rediculously slow.

It came preloaded with Windows XP Home Edition.

If I just use my Home CD or Home OEM CD and insdtall that on there and then use the code from the sticker on the side of the PC, shoudl that work? I'm not sure if Dell uses the code on the PC in the OS or how they do that. I can use a Key Finder program to get what the current code is I guess but I'm not sure the best way to proceed with this reload.

Thanks.

Does the system have the recovery partition?

 

[Shawn]

It probably came with a restore partition instead of a cd. You can do a clean format and use the oem key, but you have to install an oem version of xp home. Also be prepared to call M$ because the dell OEM keys usually don't activate. However, if you call them and explain that you are doing a clean install of the OS that came with the computer they will give you the code to activate.

 

[homercles337]

Boot from the CD and reformat and install. Im not sure about where the code for windows is for dell, but in my experience its on the disc case not the PC case. Better dig that up before you reformat.

 

[Kelemvor]

It has the recovery partitions but I don't think those are useful if I don't have the recovery CD. That's why I'm wondering about using a normal XP Home OEM or regular CD and using the code off the PC manually.

THe label on the sticker doesn't say XP OEM, it jsut says XP Home Edition so I'm not 100% which CD to install from. I guess I'l just chance it and see what happens.

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
It has the recovery partitions but I don't think those are useful if I don't have the recovery CD. That's why I'm wondering about using a normal XP Home OEM or regular CD and using the code off the PC manually.

THe label on the sticker doesn't say XP OEM, it jsut says XP Home Edition so I'm not 100% which CD to install from. I guess I'l just chance it and see what happens.

You don't need a cd to use the recovery partition. That's why it's there. Also if it came from dell it's OEM.

 

[Kelemvor]

Originally posted by: Shawn

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
It has the recovery partitions but I don't think those are useful if I don't have the recovery CD. That's why I'm wondering about using a normal XP Home OEM or regular CD and using the code off the PC manually.

THe label on the sticker doesn't say XP OEM, it jsut says XP Home Edition so I'm not 100% which CD to install from. I guess I'l just chance it and see what happens.

You don't need a cd to use the recovery partition. That's why it's there. Also if it came from dell it's OEM.

But those partitions are hidden. I thought you had to boot from the CD and it'd access those partitions and reinstall everthing. WHat do I need to do to acces what's on those partitions and reinstall everything?

 

[MrPickins]

You should be able to use a key combination at boot, something like ctrl + f11. Check the dell support site, you shouldn't need a recovery cd to get into the hidden partition, that defeats the whole purpose of phasing out install cd's by Dell.

 

[BoomerD]

My Sony laptop has the recovery partition, and all it takes is a couple of keystrokes to activate it for full recovery. I did this when I bought it from Office Depot. (display model), and only took a few minutes. No disks required.

 

[Viper GTS]

Don't use the recovery partition (if it even has one).

All you need is an XP Home OEM CD, it doesn't matter who the manufacturer was. Someone here can probably provide you with an ISO if you don't have one, or you can probably call Dell & order one for <$20 (it's $10 to add the media kit when you place the order).

It's FAR better to do a clean install. Just throw the NIC drivers on a CD so that you can download the rest of the stuff you need once you're up and running.

Viper GTS

 

[Kelemvor]

Originally posted by: MrPickins
You should be able to use a key combination at boot, something like ctrl + f11. Check the dell support site, you shouldn't need a recovery cd to get into the hidden partition, that defeats the whole purpose of phasing out install cd's by Dell.

Ahhh.

I think I found something online about pressing Ctrl+F11.

We'll see what happens. GOtta go clone the drive to a backup drive first.

 

[Kelemvor]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Don't use the recovery partition (if it even has one).

All you need is an XP Home OEM CD, it doesn't matter who the manufacturer was. Someone here can probably provide you with an ISO if you don't have one, or you can probably call Dell & order one for <$20 (it's $10 to add the media kit when you place the order).

It's FAR better to do a clean install. Just throw the NIC drivers on a CD so that you can download the rest of the stuff you need once you're up and running.

Viper GTS

I've had trouble before using an OEM CD and OEM Key and having it reject the key after I get all the way through with everything. But I guess I could try that first since then it won't have all the Extra Dell crap on there. heh.

I do have an OEM CD. Are the keys ties to the type of install you do e.g. OEM XP, OEM XP SP1, OEM XP SP2, etc? I don't know why it just doesn't work sometimes...

And I guess if I try it and just have it install on the old partition and leave the utility partition there, if it doesn't work I can always just go back and do it the Dell way isntead...

 

[Kelemvor]

Well, I used the Magic JellyBean Keyfinder and the key it found on my system doesn't match the one on the sticker (not that I'm surprised) but which would would I use when I reinstall?

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Well, I used the Magic JellyBean Keyfinder and the key it found on my system doesn't match the one on the sticker (not that I'm surprised) but which would would I use when I reinstall?

Whatever one works?

 

[BriGy86]

call dell to get another copy of disks, or try using the code on the back, might need a certain disk though, like home w/ SP2 or with out

*EDIT* as for the recovery partition you'll have to hit F10 or F11 or maybe some other button on bootup

(for example) most HP towers use F10, and make sure to do a destructive restore if it asks

 

[Kelemvor]

I tried useing an OEM XP Home CD I had but when it got to the part where it prompts me for the code it wouldn't take any of them. So I said scer wit and put Pro on with one of my extra Pro codes

 

[Slowlearner]

It would help if we knew what model Dell this is. If you do not have a recovery cd, at the boot option typically F12 takes to you to the hidden partition.

Every Dell pc has an official Msft sticker on the side usually just above removable side door, that gives you the official key, the key reported by Magical Jelly Bean finder is the key used to clone the hd, and is not acceptable for activation. I am not clear what you mean by - So I said scer wit and put - there was really no need to install XP pro.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Well, I used the Magic JellyBean Keyfinder and the key it found on my system doesn't match the one on the sticker (not that I'm surprised) but which would would I use when I reinstall?

Use any OEM XP Home cd and the product key on your case. The key that Jellybean is showing you is a VLK. FWIW not all Dell's have recovery partitions.

 

[im2good4u]

to access the image restore option just press ctrl+f11 at dell logo on boot up.

 

[Kelemvor]

Originally posted by: John

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Well, I used the Magic JellyBean Keyfinder and the key it found on my system doesn't match the one on the sticker (not that I'm surprised) but which would would I use when I reinstall?

Use any OEM XP Home cd and the product key on your case. The key that Jellybean is showing you is a VLK. FWIW not all Dell's have recovery partitions.

Tried that. Didn't work. See above post.

 

[Slikkster]

Just use the Recovery Partition. What's the big deal? I just did this on a Dell laptop. Worked fine.

What I WOULD do first, however, is use a program like SIW (free System Information for Windows) or Belarc Advisor (also free) to gather your software keys that are installed, particularly if they came with the pc.

I don't understand people trying to get you to use OEM discs, etc. The recovery partition is there to put a pristine clean install WITH all the Dell drivers, etc., for your system, not to mention the extra software that came with the pc. You will want to use SIW or Belarc to get the software keys for things like Microsoft Office, which, even if pre-installed by Dell, don't necessarily have keys embedded in the XP install process. So, that's why SIW and/or Belarc come in handy. You don't need the XP key for a Recovery Partition install!

Belarc here: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

SIW here: http://www.gtopala.com/ (keys are in the "Private" section of the report)

Any problems using the recovery partition to restore, post back and I can help.

There's absolutely NO good reason why you shouldn't use the recovery partition to restore this pc, assuming you've backed up your documents, pictures, etc., to another hard disc or cd.

You won't have to enter an XP key or activate it after the restore via recovery partition.

 

[Kelemvor]

Originally posted by: Slikkster
I don't understand people trying to get you to use OEM discs, etc. The recovery partition is there to put a pristine clean install WITH all the Dell drivers, etc., for your system, not to mention the extra software that came with the pc. You will want to use SIW or Belarc to get the software keys for things like Microsoft Office, which, even if pre-installed by Dell, don't necessarily have keys embedded in the XP install process. So, that's why SIW and/or Belarc come in handy. You don't need the XP key for a Recovery Partition install!

That's exactly why.

But everything is fine now so I'm good to go. Only driver I had to get manually was the network card driver. Everything else came down with Windows Update.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
Tried that. Didn't work. See above post.

Sorry about skipping your post. I've serviced hundreds of Dell and other OEM pc's and none of them ever had a problem when I used a true OEM copy of the cd that was the same version as the product key affixed to the case. It sounds like you either have a non-oem cd or non-oem key. Maybe it's a "tech upgrade" version of XP Home.

Originally posted by: Slikkster
I don't understand people trying to get you to use OEM discs, etc. The recovery partition is there to put a pristine clean install WITH all the Dell drivers, etc., for your system, not to mention the extra software that came with the pc. You will want to use SIW or Belarc to get the software keys for things like Microsoft Office, which, even if pre-installed by Dell, don't necessarily have keys embedded in the XP install process. So, that's why SIW and/or Belarc come in handy. You don't need the XP key for a Recovery Partition install!

There's absolutely NO good reason why you shouldn't use the recovery partition to restore this pc, assuming you've backed up your documents, pictures, etc., to another hard disc or cd.

I don't understand why you don't understand. Not everyone likes the additional OEM bloated software installs or old drivers. For the non-savvy user or enthusiast a factory restore partition/cd is fine. However a better solution is to spend $30 on Acronis and keep an updated image.

 

[Slikkster]

Originally posted by: John

I don't understand why you don't understand. Not everyone likes the additional OEM bloated software installs or old drivers. For the non-savvy user or enthusiast a factory restore partition/cd is fine. However a better solution is to spend $30 on Acronis and keep an updated image.

Did you read his original post? How would an "updated image" of a slow and bloated pc help him? He wants to get back to fresh condition. In addition, if he doesn't have discs that might have been paid for with the original install (like MS Office), an OEM install of XP in a freshly-formatted partition isn't going to do much good. That software will be lost, unless you can convince Dell to send you replacements.

I read his original post to say that he wanted to go back to a fresh install, as in factory fresh. Maybe I'm mistaken, but that's how it sounded to me.

Re: so-called Dell bloatware? Add/Remove.

Re: the gratuitous comment about "non-savvy"... I think anyone who went back and explored my posts in the tech support arena wouldn't come to that conclusion. Could be wrong.

 

[pkypkypky]

Sell it in on ebay to take advantage of their good resale value. and build ur own rig.

Seriously...do it.