reformatting a Dell Xps with Vista

VelcroBP · 10-22-2008, 09:55 AM

I have a Dell XPS 410. I have never reformatted an OEM-type machine like a Dell before. how does the "restore" partition on the hard drive factor in? Would I be best served to simply wipe the whole drive and go from CD? OR does Dell typically limit one's abilities in this regard? I'm not sure what all was actually included on the disc, and I don't want to have to end up buying a full retail version of Vista if I mess it up somehow.

ps, I have an external hard drive on which I have downloaded the latest Video drivers and such, if this will help me at all....

tracy morris · 10-22-2008, 10:15 AM

no this is a new dell laptop and came with windows vista.

**Snoopdogie187** · 10-22-2008, 10:19 AM

Hi, since it is dell, I'm not sure what the cds would have, some compaines like to just put everything on the hard drive (like the HP desktop I had)and some like the toshiba laptop I have now gives you everything on the cds. Typically if you have the cds, I would use them, and they should have the full OS on them, if you are afraid you can either try the cds and read everything as you go through or you can just do it from the hard drive, and that way you know you won't get rid of the OS.

I do personally preffer the CDs since they are an outside source that can't get infected by a virus, really won't get corrupted without physical damage, etc.

The external hard drive would be helpful after you do the fresh install of the OS so you can quickly update everything, but if its a dell and you are using the OS dell provided, they will give you everything you need unless you happened to have added something to it.

And really the worst you can do with the cds is easy your data but not get rid of the OS. But just read everythin as you go along

**simpswr** · 10-22-2008, 10:35 AM

The Restoration feature returns the pc to the state it was shipped . . bloof guts and feathers . . The Dell Reinstallation disc ( for Vista it's a DVD ) will just install Vista . . no drivers, applications or crapware.

You can find drivers for your pc on the Dell Support site. If you are going the reinstallation route, download them in advance and save to something external.

If you do go the reinstallation route, you will wipe out the restoration feature and not be able to usi it in the future.

VelcroBP · 10-22-2008, 11:59 AM

What would be the potential disadvantages or benefits of leaving the resoration partition intact and going that route vs. just using the discs? I never use any of the Dell features and would prefer to have as clean of an install as possible this time around.

**simpswr** · 10-22-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

The Restoration feature returns the pc to the state it was shipped . . blood, guts and feathers

Everything that was on it when you got it

Quote:

The Dell Reinstallation disc ( for Vista it's a DVD ) will just install Vista . . no drivers, applications or crapware.

You have nothing but the operating system . . no applicatons, no anti-virus and only the drivers that are included with Vista

VelcroBP · 10-22-2008, 12:52 PM

Thanks for the clarification. I will probably go with the CD install then.
Thanks for all the prompt replies!

**simpswr** · 10-22-2008, 01:49 PM

You are welcome . . let us know how it goes.

Remember to get your drivers before you reinstall

VelcroBP · 10-22-2008, 03:12 PM

Ok, got my drivers backed up and I found the OS disc that came with my pc. Do I just boot to the disk and go from there, or is there a better recommended way to go (Fdisck or something)?

**simpswr** · 10-22-2008, 04:16 PM

Just boot from the Vista CD . . You can get a reinstallation guide specific to your Dell here
http://support.dell.com/support/topi...n&s=dhs&~ck=mn

10-22-2008, 09:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
VelcroBP Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 55 OS: Vista Home Premium My System	reformatting a Dell Xps with Vista I have a Dell XPS 410. I have never reformatted an OEM-type machine like a Dell before. how does the "restore" partition on the hard drive factor in? Would I be best served to simply wipe the whole drive and go from CD? OR does Dell typically limit one's abilities in this regard? I'm not sure what all was actually included on the disc, and I don't want to have to end up buying a full retail version of Vista if I mess it up somehow. ps, I have an external hard drive on which I have downloaded the latest Video drivers and such, if this will help me at all....

10-22-2008, 10:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
tracy morris Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2 OS: VISTA	Re: reformatting a Dell Xps with Vista no this is a new dell laptop and came with windows vista.

10-22-2008, 10:19 AM	#3 (permalink)
Snoopdogie187 Oh! What shall I be? Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 2,540 OS: Vista Home Premium SP1, mom: XP Pro SP2 My System	Re: reformatting a Dell Xps with Vista Hi, since it is dell, I'm not sure what the cds would have, some compaines like to just put everything on the hard drive (like the HP desktop I had)and some like the toshiba laptop I have now gives you everything on the cds. Typically if you have the cds, I would use them, and they should have the full OS on them, if you are afraid you can either try the cds and read everything as you go through or you can just do it from the hard drive, and that way you know you won't get rid of the OS. I do personally preffer the CDs since they are an outside source that can't get infected by a virus, really won't get corrupted without physical damage, etc. The external hard drive would be helpful after you do the fresh install of the OS so you can quickly update everything, but if its a dell and you are using the OS dell provided, they will give you everything you need unless you happened to have added something to it. And really the worst you can do with the cds is easy your data but not get rid of the OS. But just read everythin as you go along __________________ Infected computer? click here Has TSF Helped You? Posting System Specifications Please Donate to TSF

10-22-2008, 10:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
simpswr Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: May 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 12,265 OS: XP, Vista, Win 7	Re: reformatting a Dell Xps with Vista The Restoration feature returns the pc to the state it was shipped . . bloof guts and feathers . . The Dell Reinstallation disc ( for Vista it's a DVD ) will just install Vista . . no drivers, applications or crapware. You can find drivers for your pc on the Dell Support site. If you are going the reinstallation route, download them in advance and save to something external. If you do go the reinstallation route, you will wipe out the restoration feature and not be able to usi it in the future. __________________ Rich MemTest86 \| BenchTest \| Virus/Trojan/Spyware Help How to post a Screen Shot \| PC running slow?

10-22-2008, 11:59 AM	#5 (permalink)
VelcroBP Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 55 OS: Vista Home Premium My System	Re: reformatting a Dell Xps with Vista What would be the potential disadvantages or benefits of leaving the resoration partition intact and going that route vs. just using the discs? I never use any of the Dell features and would prefer to have as clean of an install as possible this time around.

10-22-2008, 12:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
VelcroBP Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 55 OS: Vista Home Premium My System	Re: reformatting a Dell Xps with Vista Thanks for the clarification. I will probably go with the CD install then. Thanks for all the prompt replies!

10-22-2008, 01:49 PM	#8 (permalink)
simpswr Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: May 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 12,265 OS: XP, Vista, Win 7	Re: reformatting a Dell Xps with Vista You are welcome . . let us know how it goes. Remember to get your drivers before you reinstall __________________ Rich MemTest86 \| BenchTest \| Virus/Trojan/Spyware Help How to post a Screen Shot \| PC running slow?

10-22-2008, 03:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
VelcroBP Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 55 OS: Vista Home Premium My System	Re: reformatting a Dell Xps with Vista Ok, got my drivers backed up and I found the OS disc that came with my pc. Do I just boot to the disk and go from there, or is there a better recommended way to go (Fdisck or something)?

10-22-2008, 04:16 PM	#10 (permalink)
simpswr Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: May 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 12,265 OS: XP, Vista, Win 7	Re: reformatting a Dell Xps with Vista Just boot from the Vista CD . . You can get a reinstallation guide specific to your Dell here http://support.dell.com/support/topi...n&s=dhs&~ck=mn __________________ Rich MemTest86 \| BenchTest \| Virus/Trojan/Spyware Help How to post a Screen Shot \| PC running slow?