D9T - Hard Drives wipped clean??

I aquired a machine with the Hard Drives totally wipped clean.

What is the best way to get this machine backup and running?

I know this is loaded question but I need a place to start?

Thank you

 

Cant you just insert your windows disk and install it?

 

Hello and welcome to NBR.

First of all, what model are we dealing with?
If the hard drives were wiped you'll need to perform a clean install of your operating system.

 

1 question. Can a recovery disk be used for that?

 

I have no recover disk and no original operating system.

Nothing but a machine with blank empty hard drives.

 

But which laptop model do you have? We need to know in order to tell you which steps need to be taken.

 

I will post exact machine details in a few hours. When I have the machine in my hands.

Thanks, I really think I have found some people that help me get this thing working for my son. He bought this thing cheap with hopes that he could get it working.

 

You may end up having to buy a copy of windows. Or you can install a Frfee Linux OS.

 

Is buying the Ultimate version worth it?

 

for most users no. Get it if you need the additional features:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows7/products/compare

 

He might still have the COA sticker on the laptop so in this case no need

Sure, gather as much information as possible, a photo would be nice too, and we can go from there. Don't worry, you're in good hands here at NBR.

 

it is a model D9T

Pictures are coming

 

Hi, just a suggestion - download and burn a linux livecd.

Download | Ubuntu

Set your laptop to boot from the cd/dvd. This cd will boot you to a usable desktop, but will also give you an idea of the condition of the hardware. This way you can make sure the laptop is ok before spending cash on a windows license.

 

Nice , i used to own one of those M7700.

See if on the back of the laptop you have a sticker that says Windows XP with a serial number under it, don't post it here, if you have that serial number you don't need to buy a copy of windows.

Later EDIT: Here's a thread where you'll find the drivers for your system:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...32244-alienware-d9t-d9k-driver-downloads.html

 

It does have the original Windows sticker.

How do I start the process? I am assuming that I need to get all of the drivers loaded first?

I work on computers all day, however I just drive them I don't fix them.

Help - I follow directions fairly well

Thanks

 

Great, you know the basics already.
What XP version does the COA sticker says it has?

You'll need to install that version of Windows and drivers after.
You can start downloading them and put them somewhere safe, like a USB key.

 

Windows EX Home Edition

Raid has been disabled on this machine.

I had a friend try to get it running but to no avail

I have all of the drivers loaded to a USB now what?

no bootable partitions in table

what do I do to fix this?

 

I have the drivers that you have provided links to loaded to a usb drive.

I can not get them to load to the d91?

I need help

Thanks

 

Is windows installed on the laptop?
If so, which drivers won't install?

 

well since this gentleman didnt ever respond i am effectively going to be hijacking this thread since I am get one of these tomorrow and will need some general advice about the machine.. apparently the i am getting will need a new back light..
is there any tear down guides.. service manuals?

this is what im getting my son.. what do you think? havent seen it in persona and im trading a HDD for it. nothing big just and extra i have laying around.. plus he is 5 and he sees my m18x and wants one so he should be super stoked at getting an alienware.. lol

and it has a cooler lid on it than mine hahaha