Got a Dell Studio, formatting questions

Wife and I picked up a Dell Studio 15 tonight, so we FINALLY have a laptop in the house. The catch is, it's in the box till the 24th. So, I've seen the sticker on the box that says there's a free evaluation copy of Norton something or other installed on there, and that's enough to make me want to format the thing as soon as it powers on for the first time..

My question is, whats on that restore disk? I think that was already answered here, that it's the same old crap that's already on the machine, but I'm wondering about the file structure. Is it Vista in one folder and all the crap in others, or is it just like an image so there's no way to install just Vista?

Second, I have Vista Business, so I could just use it, but the Studio comes with Home Premium. Assuming there's no 'just Vista Home' install option, is there at least a key in the box or somewhere in the registry of the laptop that I can use to install just Vista if I download it from the net somewhere?

Thanks!

 

Well as long as you have a key for Vista Business you should be fine. The restore disk should restore it to factory settings, including the software as if you were to boot it up the first time.

Most people just reformat their computers with the Dell OEM Operating Software Installation Disc, a seperate disc from the restore disc.

 

Should there be an OS only OEM disc in the box too? That would be great. Also, should all the drivers auto install or do you think Ill have to hunt down network, etc drivers after a fresh install? Thanks for the help, BTW!!

 

There should be an OS only disk in the box, allowing you to get a fresh start. Drivers are on what Dell calls a Resource CD-that should be there in the box as well.

Any added software (Antivirus, etc.) comes on separate discs also in the box. See what kind of Norton it is though, if it's 2009, I'd at least try it. They've pretty much started from scratch and people here have noted that it has much less impact on resources than before.

 

When I got my Dell new just about everyone was dong a fresh install the 1st day and were having all sorts of problems, mostly due to Media Direct 2. I just used add/remove to get rid of the junk. You could also use Decrapifier or better still, Revo uninsntaller.

Finally, after 2 years I re-installed XP and really didn't notice much of a difference. Previous to re-installing windows I moved all my data to D drive, downloaded the latest drivers from the Dell site, programs installers I used off the net.. Re-installed XP, extracted the drivers, added the programs etc.

Since that time, I've made a slipstream (SP3) DVD using nLite and the Dell re-install disk and have several back-ups of the OS C drive, fresh install, and after certain program installations

If you don't have all the CD's for what's on your laptop now, call Dell.

I also followed a guide on the Dell forum. You may want to check there for for Vista guide.

 

Dell is one of the only manufacturers that includes all that you need to install a fresh installation of Windows on your notebook. Use the restore DVD for Vista install and the resources CD for your drivers.

 

Got it, thanks guys. I'm used to building my own stuff, so that's my comfort zone. It's been so long since I've bought a pre-built computer I feel like I have to re learn everything again.


Thanks for the drivers answers too, I thought I read somewhere that a guy had an issue getting everything up and running, driver wise, after a fresh install, but it may have been an old post from before everything was included on a disc. That's pretty sweet that they include an OEM disc to work with.

I'm using a program from Acronis on my desktop machine, everything except games installed and saved on a DVD. It took format times from about a week (by the time I had everything reinstalled) to like 20 mins. It's a good practice, I'll be doing the same for the laptop for sure, especially since its hardware config should never change.

 

Hi
I have a Studio 15 and wasn't that impressed with it's performance out of the box.
I've since wiped it, done a fresh install of vista home premium 32, (1 partition only, no recovery or media direct), then followed the windows vista tweaks guide on here.
I have to say I've noticed a big difference in performance. I highly recommend doing it. I use my laptop for Java software development, and it is finally 'fit for purpose'. Its worth spending the time doing it.
I use paragon drive backup software with a portable USB drive. I have one 'fresh image' (os only) and one 'development image' (development apps and office + tweaks). As you say now in the event of crash or virus, a reinstall takes very little time at all.
Could be a nice project for the holidays!
KC

 

Well, I'm the total novice here. My wife bought a Dell Studio laptop and we are having a devil of a time just formatting disks.

What is the trick?

Is there one?

 

Hmm, are you trying to burn CD's/ DVD's with things like pictures, documents, music, etc.? Disc's for recovering your computer should have been in the box.