Need to Format Dell, do not have Dell OS disk

Sovereign · Post by **Sovereign** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 7:24 pm

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?

InspectahACE · Post by **InspectahACE** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 8:14 pm

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

hercules71185 · Post by **hercules71185** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 8:30 pm

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.

Sovereign · Post by **Sovereign** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 10:58 pm

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.

Sporg · Post by **Sporg** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 7:32 am

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.

bubba · Post by **bubba** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 7:46 am

PM me you snail mail addy. I have a stack of Dell OEM XPSP3 disks at work. I mail you one.

hercules71185 · Post by **hercules71185** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 11:29 am

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.

Sporg · Post by **Sporg** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 3:41 pm

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.

Sovereign · Post by **Sovereign** » Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:59 am

The person ended up going for Windows 7...

Makes my support easier. Getting rid of XP, one computer at a time!

hercules71185 · Post by **hercules71185** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 11:05 am

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.

Sovereign · Post by **Sovereign** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:09 pm

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.

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