Dell re-installation CD.

py2006

Hi folks,

I formatted my pc a year or so ago and I am about to do it again. However, on reading the re-installation guide in one of the stickys it says I must the product key for the CD.

Now, I don't remember having to enter a product key when I formatted and re-installed the last time. Is this the case with Dell's?

I dont believe I have a product key for it just the CD.

Thanks

aidan_walsh

OEM copies of Windows generally don't require CD keys. I know (business - home could be different) Dell cds don't.

newbie2

hey bro,
check to see if there is a sticker on the side of the dell machine itself...
this will have the cd key on it i think
rafter

Ste.phen

On recent machines, Dell reinstallation is done via the recovery partition and doesnt need a CD.
If you *do* have a CD, the product key is usually on a small sticker somewhere on the case of the computer

py2006

Woo, hoo! Yis are feckin geniuses!

py2006

newbie2 wrote:

hey bro,
check to see if there is a sticker on the side of the dell machine itself...
this will have the cd key on it i think
rafter

Using a diff box now but luckily still had old box!

py2006

Oooh, was just thinking! I use a cordless keyboard and mouse! If I format and try re-install windows it wont let me enter in product key and click on anything during installation as it wont recognise they keyboard and mouse!

8T8

It depends on the make & model of the wireless mouse/keyboard some like Microsoft's hardware can operate in this installation environment without the need for a driver to be installed.

Buzz_Irl

u can also download "jellybean" which finds the product key on ur machine !

JoeB-

I bought a Dell laptop there in July, 2005. No CD's came with it.... I was going mad and had to ring up and complain in order to get the software I'd paid for... if the hard drive had broken I would have been in big trouble... No printed user manual either... not much use when you have a problem.

Ruu_Old

I think with Dells right now (not sure when it was brought in), you can select either the Windows XP cd or the recovery disc when you are customizing your computer online.

Standard Toaster

You have to actually pay for the cd now?

Madness relying on a hidden partition to re-image machine imho.
An alternative should be supplied.

Ruu_Old

I just picked the cheapest of the Dell desktop range for example (3100c) and went into to Customize, its an extra €6.05 for the installation CD for XP Home. Perhaps it is different with the others I don't know.

aidan_walsh

Ruu wrote:

I just picked the cheapest of the Dell desktop range for example (3100c) and went into to Customize, its an extra €6.05 for the installation CD for XP Home. Perhaps it is different with the others I don't know.

I just check with one of their new Dual Core options and its about the same.

Also, bring back the simple HTML ordering page, ffs.

Standard Toaster

Back in the day Gateway did the whole hidden partition thing too but at least they supplied an OS cd too.

Friend of mine recently got a Dell 1300 laptop and it came with no cds.
What the hell can he boot off to test the machine in the event of failure?