New Dell Laptop with No XP CD included

bedrock1001

I recently bought a brand new inspirion off dell with Windows XP sp2.

To my amazement when I opened the packaging there was no XP CD included.

Apparently Dell now have this new restore utility that runs from the BIOS. A copy of the software resides somewhere in a hidden part of the Hard Drive!

Well I got in touch with Tech Support and they said that they would send out a CD with no extra charge. I asked him why did I not receive a CD and he stated that Dell now have a reduced Media Policy.

Anywho just wanted to warn anyone who wants to buy a new Dell to make sure they specify the CD before they buy.

fletch

I think you are given the option to purchase them when you are configuring your laptop....costs about €5 I think

Ruu_Old

I think I just got a 2 restore CDs with mine, applications and OS.

bedrock1001

From what I remember there was no option to get the XP CD when buying. Could be wrong though

There was an option for the Dell Driver CD for an extra €6

Karoma

Is there an option to burn your own set of disks (from the recovery partition)?
I've looked on Dell's webshite/forums but can't seem to get a straight answer. Other manufacturers provide an option to burn a few DVDs or CDs.

Failing that, can the OP purchase disks now?

Thanks.

seamus

There's usually an option when buying the machine, to buy the media with it. It's not selected by default, and may not be present for XP Home or cheaper machines.

What you can do is download the Video, LAN/Wireless, modem and audio drivers from the Dell website, find a mate who has a copy of the OEM version of the XP CD, then download nlite and create your own XP CD for your machine.

bedrock1001

I rang tech support and said i received no disc

They said they would sent one straight away with no extra charge

ill let you know if i get them

bedrock1001

Karoma wrote:

Is there an option to burn your own set of disks (from the recovery partition)?
I've looked on Dell's webshite/forums but can't seem to get a straight answer. Other manufacturers provide an option to burn a few DVDs or CDs.

Failing that, can the OP purchase disks now?

Thanks.

No option from what i can tell to burn a cd

Soundman

bedrock1001 wrote:

No option from what i can tell to burn a cd

There is actually the option to burn the OS CD on new Dell computers that don't come with a CD. It is under Programs in your Start Menu. Look for Dell Accessories and it is in that menu along with a Driver Reset Tool.

irlrobins

1) Even the cheapest Dell Desktop has the option to buy the XP install CD. It's the second option after the processor choices and is quite visible. So people who don't see it or don't bother choosing it have only themselves to blame. (see attached pic).

2) It's possible to make a Windows XP CD from the files on your machine in a lot of cases. Read this

3) Some Dell systems (shipped between April 2005 and Feb 2006) allow you create a Windows XP CD. Read this

wingnut

Dell have been doing this for a while. I still can't understand why you have to pay for the CDs when you are ording a system when you can ring up and get them free afterwards!