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Little Mom

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23 years ago

LM

Little Mom

10 Posts

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4229

March 9th, 2004 07:00

Need HELP on USED Dell Computer PLZZZ...

HI there everyone,

I bought a Used "Dell Inspiron 7500 Computer" which the original software installed was windows "98." The pervious owner Upgraded it to ----- XP Pro...
I didn't get any of the original software CD's that normally come with a computer when you purchase them NEW and don't really have the money to buy Dells original software.

I do own these versions of software: Windows 98 full Edition, Windows 2000 full version and XP PRO,

However, I want to perform a Format to CLEAN HARD DRIVE of pervious owners personal files, added junk, possible lost system files who knows!

Can anyone please give me the steps to take to WIPE HARD DRIVE CLEAN and NOT LOSE the DELLS ORIGINAL CONFIGURATION, DRIVERS, UTILITIES? I need to start with CLEAN slate...


P.S. Please read this carefully and keep in mind that I don't have the ORIGINAL DELL SOFTWARE that is installed on computers when you BUY THEM NEW!


Thanks for reading my information!
  • fireberd

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    Posted March 9th, 2004 09:00

    The drivers are usually available for download, on the Downloads section.  Have you checked there to see if what you need is available on the Downloads?  If it is, just download them and burn a CD, then you will have what you need for when you reformat the hard drive and do a clean install.

    One thing to keep in mind, you will need the drivers for the OS you will be installing.

    Inspiron 16 5630 Laptop and WD22TB4 Docking Station
    Self-built desktop for recording studio application
  • GreyMack

    2 Intern

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    Posted March 9th, 2004 09:00

    As fireberd said, you can get the drivers and utilities for XP on the 7500 on this site, in the Downloads section (see tab at top of page). You can input your Service Tag number or Model number, select XP and get the list. You can update the BIOS if necessary. XP has some drivers, so you might not need those listed unless you have those particular devices. The site will even scan your 7500 to identify the components and devices installed if you want.

    You can also get some info (User Manual, Specs) about the 7500 in the Reference section. I don't see an installation guide for XP on the 7500, but that's another question anyway.

    GM

  • Denny Denham

    2 Intern

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    18798 Posts

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    Posted March 9th, 2004 20:00

    Little Mom,

    Your best bet with that system is to install Windows 98 since you have a copy of that operating system. See my comments in this post.

    Boot with a Windows 98 boot floppy. If you did not make one when you had a Windows 98 system you can download one from here. At the command prompt enter format c: /s and press . After the C:\ partition is formatted (which will remove the previous owner's information) you can install Win98 followed by your drivers, then any applications you wish to use. The method of installing Windows 98 depends on whether you are using a retail version of the OS or a Dell Recovery CD for Windows 98.