Best way to go about reformatting my M11x r2

Hey so my computer has been getting progressively more sluggish over the past 6 months so iv decided to try reformat it while im on holidays. I've actually never reformatted a laptop before so am wondering how i should go about it. a few questions i have:

1. I have these alienrespawn recovery CDs it made me create when i got it. Should i use these and how do they work?

2. I have a copy of win7 but would i be better to install the OEM copy that came with the m11x? How do i make sure the OEM copy of win7 that came with it is installed?

3. i konw some laptops use a partition of the hard drive so that it can be reformatted. does the m11x?

4. Most importantly - How should i go about this? How do i get started


Extra info: i have a external HD to backup and an external USB CD drive

If there are any other tips or things i should be wary of let me know. Sorry if this is a noob question but id rather do this being informed than through trial and error

thanks!

 

Hey man, good to see another M11xer from the GC! I'll try to help you out.

1. Sorry, I haven't had any experience with the Alienrespawn recovery CD. Can't help here.

2. It doesn't really matter too much. As long as you have your Win7 product key, you'll be able to activate any copy of Windows 7 that matches your key type.
I downloaded an image of Windows 7 with SP1 to save downloading all the old updates once I had installed it. If you want to try that, have a look at this thread:

Legal Download from DigitalRiver: Windows 7 SP1, 13 languages

3. I think it does but don't quote me on it. I got a new SSD when I installed Windows so there was no recovery partition on that.

4. You can use your external CD drive to install the OEM copy from your disc and it should be as simple as pressing F12 at startup to boot from USB. This however, didn't work for me. So that's why I ended up downloading the Windows 7 ISO and created a bootable USB to install it from. Here is a pretty neat little program you can use to create a bootable USB:

Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool

Also, I suggest following these guides once it is all installed to make sure that you install your drivers in the correct order and get your Alienware back to looking like an Alienware!

HOW TO: Clean Windows 7 Install (Driver Install Order) Guide for Alienware Systems

HOW TO: Restore the Alienware 'Look and Feel' after a clean install of Windows 7

Good luck man and just ask if you have any more questions.

 

haha what are the chances! GC ftw

Thanks heeps that clears it up a fair bit. i think ill just use my own copy of win7 home premium with SP1 and just enter the product key on the bottom of my m11x. Those links are awesome too - was quite concerned about getting that alienware look and feel back so will make sure i follow them after i get it up and running

thanks again +1 rep

 

Cool, I'm glad it helped! Let us know how it goes.

 

Just create alienrespawn USB recovery drive, boot it and follow the instructions.
Within 45 mins, voila! Everything is in factory state

 

Only just got around to doing this. Just used my recovery CDs i made with alien respawn on them to save me the time of reinstalling all the alienware stuff. Works great!

 

I used the Alienspawn to create a image on a USB Flash Drive. Takes a bit over 9gb of space, and it states do not use the drive for anything else once you set it up. I've yet to try to boot from it, sure hope it works when I need it.

Darin