Reformatting a Dell laptop?

[DyslexicHobo]

I believe I remember someone saying that I can't use a regular Windows XP CD to reformat certain Dells... Is this true? My friend wants me to reformat his Dell Inspiron 1150, and he has a copy of WinXP Pro he can use. Before I go and delete the partition with Windows on it now I want to make sure that the new installation of Windows will work.

 

[alteredNate]

Dunno about the 1150, but I've formatted my 8200 at least 10 times and put both 2000, XP, XP SP1, and XP SP2 without a single hiccup.

Good luck.

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Anyone know?

And thanks for the info Nate

 

[noh0pe]

I can't confirm anything because I've never reformatted that model Dell. I have reformatted multiple other Dell laptop's however and never run into a problem.

Also if you can get as far as deleting the Window's partition, I'm 95% sure you won't have any problems reformatting and reinstalling Windows.

 

[yezhou]

Not sure...but if Dell has any "proprietary" or special laptop features (ie. for Sony its the JogDial), then you'll need to manually install the drivers if you decide to install a stand-alone version of Windows.

 

[Erasmus-X]

I reformatted my mom's Inspiron 5150 (which actually uses the same motherboard as the 1150) to install XP Professional. Not a single problem aside from having to grab all the drivers (and these are actually supplied on a separate CD that came with the laptop, if I remember correctly).

 

[jjsbasmt]

I've a 14 month old 5100, and had no problems reformatting and using WinXP Pro CD.
The info that "yezhou" and "Erasmus-X" mentioned about device drivers, however applied to me also.

 

[timswim78]

go to dell.com and download all of the drivers. if you have the drivers and the XP CD, I don't see why you would have any problems.

 

[Vegito]

its the other way around.. dell xp cd can not install on a regular PC

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Ohh alright, thanks a ton for the help guys. It's formatting now, and I'm going to go grab those drivers ASAP. 🙂