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    OS reinstall using non-Dell disc?

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by LumpyJohn, Jun 24, 2010.

  1. LumpyJohn

    LumpyJohn Notebook Enthusiast

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    It's likely I'll be purchasing a refurbished SXPS16 in the near future. To keep costs down I plan on ordering one with Windows 7 Home preinstalled. When I get the system I plan on wiping it and installing a (legit) copy of Windows 7 Ultimate.

    Am I going to run into any problems using a non-Dell 'issued' OS on the Dell machine?

    TIA
    -John
     
  2. Evaders99

    Evaders99 Notebook Consultant

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    No, a retail copy of Win 7 Ultimate should work find (if you have a retail key). The OEM key obviously will not activate it.

    I'd expect Win 7 will already have drivers built in, but you may want to check Dell's site for drivers to save to a flash drive first.
     
  3. jason1214

    jason1214 Notebook Evangelist

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    It will activate properly with Microsoft OEM media. No problem there.

    The Dell site might only going to have Win7 64 bit drivers as that was the only version of Win7 that was offered on a couple of the models.

    Case in point, a SXPS 1645: Drivers & Downloads