Does Dell provide all of the custom and third party software on a SXPS for a clean install?

I get a free copy of Windows 7 Enterprise from my school. My question is, if I order a SXPS with Win 7 Home Premium, reformat the hard drive, do a clean install of Win 7 Enterprise, can I reinstally of the the Dell and third party software that came with the system, such as the Blu-Ray software player? Is there any disdavatage to doing a clean install?

 

As long as you've got the installation media for Roxio, PowerDVD, and whatever else Dell gives you, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to install it on 7. Some stuff like QuickSet might be a it flaky in 7, but besides any lingering compatibility problems, I don't think there is any real disadvantage to doing a clean install here.

 

What about things like Office ... are those install CDs included too?

 

If you ordered Office with your Dell, you should get installation media for Office as well.

 

That's sort of the question - do you get the install discs and will they install on a non-Dell installed Windows 7 OS?

 

As long as you don't say that you don't want 'em, they'll give 'em to you. I've never gotten a new Dell machine without this stuff. On the other hand, if you ordered from the Outlet, you most likely won't get 'em.

 

Ok thanks for the input.

 

There's nothing magical about the Dell-installed OS versus a retail version. The only difference has to do with activation and some branding here and there with Dell's name. All software installed on the OEM can be reinstalled on a retail installation.

 

I did a clean install on mine out of the box. The only CD's dell sent me were the OS, driver CD, and a mcafee CD. I didn't get any of the other factory installed software. I actually went to the my dell downloads to see if the other software was there but it too was missing some software. Eventually, I managed to get everything but the roxio back but it is no biggie 'cause based on another users recommendation, I tried out another software.

 

Which software are you using? Do you like it better than Roxio? Thanks.

 

Just ask Dell until they give you the software dvd's. I had to ask for the roxio, creative x-fi mb software. I got both dvd's with no issues. Besides those 2 items, you should have fast access, powerdvd, dell video chat in yoru online locker.

The only thing you will have to ask for aside from the dvd's mentioned above is a download link to Webcam Central if it's somthing you want.

Dell has pushed out the drivers now for Win 7, they finally updated and even added the stuff for Bluetooth. QuickSet runs flawless with Win 7 as does the laptop and all it's software. The only issue I have is with X-Fi MB and Win 7, but said f it and am going with out it. I actually noticed the sound quality improved without the x-fi mb lol.

 

One of the great things about Windows 7 is that on the 4 machines I've installed it on, the thing boots up with network connections active. No need to hunt around for network drivers for either very old or very new network adaptors. One of the things that works right on 1st boot is the internet. From there it makes it much easier to grab your other odd drivers that may not be there or the most current.

 

I tried out Nero thanks to a recommendation by oxybate. I like it better than roxio. It has everything that is useful without a lot of unnecessary fluff.

 

While we're throwing out burning suites, I'm a huge fan of StarBurn (free version). Burns everything I throw at it and works for Blu-ray/HD-DVD, too.

I will probably uninstall Roxio when I get it or migrate it to a different system (if that's legal?).

~Ibrahim~

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Go here, and register your system using IE (if using IE 8, click on compatibility mode at the end of the address bar):

https://smartsource.dell.com/web/Welcome.aspx

However, if it's still missing some software (like it did for me, I didn't get my webcam software there) then ask Dell and they'll send you the disc with it.

 

yea, same problem, they only gave me the McAfee trial CD. Online, I had 4 items, incl. a webcam video but NOT Webcam Central software. I might just end up requesting the original discs from them later; after all, I paid for them =/ lol...