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Need to Format Dell, do not have Dell OS disk
Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 7:24 pm
by Sovereign
So, *ahem,* what options do I have for doing so? The COA sticker on the bottom of the laptop is intact and readable. Would an "OEM" Windows XP disk do it?
Re: Need to Format Dell, do not have Dell OS disk
Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 8:14 pm
by InspectahACE
it don't see why not. I used an OEM version on my mother's old Compaq. But then again, you never know with Dell
Re: Need to Format Dell, do not have Dell OS disk
Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 8:30 pm
by hercules71185
no just do yourself a HUGE FAVOR.
Download the drivers for Ethernet and wireless however you connect to the internet. I know dell's website is a little messed up, but you can get the drivers from them still. as long you have that you can download the rest of the drivers when you put your computer back into windows. If you forget that driver it becomes a pain in the backside.
Re: Need to Format Dell, do not have Dell OS disk
Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2009 10:58 pm
by Sovereign
hercules71185 wrote:no just do yourself a HUGE FAVOR.
Download the drivers for Ethernet and wireless however you connect to the internet. I know dell's website is a little messed up, but you can get the drivers from them still. as long you have that you can download the rest of the drivers when you put your computer back into windows. If you forget that driver it becomes a pain in the backside.
Thanks for the advice, but I'm wondering, basically, what kinds of disks I would need to *obtain* to ensure that the legitimate product key on the bottom of this Dell will take on the disk I'm using. I already know to have drivers or another computer w/USB drive ready.
Re: Need to Format Dell, do not have Dell OS disk
Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 7:32 am
by Sporg
I would think that you could use any enterprise load disc and then just change the product key post installation. I've done that on quite a few systems that I've fixed for folks.
Re: Need to Format Dell, do not have Dell OS disk
Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 7:46 am
by bubba
PM me you snail mail addy. I have a stack of Dell OEM XPSP3 disks at work. I mail you one.
Re: Need to Format Dell, do not have Dell OS disk
Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 11:29 am
by hercules71185
Just make sure you aquire the proper Windows.
For example, if you have Windows Home, or Windows Media Center you have to use the exact type of Windows you have in order for the key to work.
Re: Need to Format Dell, do not have Dell OS disk
Posted: Sat Sep 12, 2009 3:41 pm
by Sporg
hercules71185 wrote:Just make sure you aquire the proper Windows.
For example, if you have Windows Home, or Windows Media Center you have to use the exact type of Windows you have in order for the key to work.
Ooops, yeah. I left out that bit of important info.

Re: Need to Format Dell, do not have Dell OS disk
Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:59 am
by Sovereign
The person ended up going for Windows 7...
Makes my support easier. Getting rid of XP, one computer at a time!
Re: Need to Format Dell, do not have Dell OS disk
Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 11:05 am
by hercules71185
Sovereign wrote:The person ended up going for Windows 7...
Makes my support easier. Getting rid of XP, one computer at a time!
haha only if they just made Windows 7 64 bit ONLY it would speed the evolution of that.
Re: Need to Format Dell, do not have Dell OS disk
Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:09 pm
by Sovereign
hercules71185 wrote:haha only if they just made Windows 7 64 bit ONLY it would speed the evolution of that.
Windows Server 2008 R2 is finally following through on the threat--it's x64 only.