How to do a Fresh Install

Hey Guys -

I am about to re install a fresh version of windows vista with the software called eraser.

I am not sure what I actually have to do after I clean off my hard drive though. Do I pop in the alien respawn cd, or the vista cd? Or can I just use the hidden partition alienware usually saves on the hard drive by pressing F8?

And do I need to download all of the drivers from Dell again or are they instantly installed or does the alien respawn cd do this?

EDIT: or do I use the M17x resource cd?

Thanks Guys

 

Why use that eraser program?
If you have your reinstall media, just pop that in your dvd drive, reboot, hit F12, select boot from cd, then install from there.
Once vista is installed, download the latest drivers and install them.
Alienware suggests this order
http://4help.alienware.com/cgi-bin/alienware.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=6066

If you don't have your re-install media then you can do a respawn which will put you back at the factory shipped state.

D.

 

First off, you need to get windows 7. I don't care how.

With a windows 7 disc, put it in your computer. reboot. press F12 when you see a dell/alienware logo. boot from cd/dvd. press any key to boot from the dvd.

follow the installation wizard and choose custom (advanced). delete all partitions and then create a new one. then format it.

(obviously make sure you've backed up all your data to an external drive, usb key, or dvd).

then, windows will install and that's it.