If I order a dell, i need to ask them for..

The xp recover cd..and anything else? I heard SG say that i needed some other cd for the dvd player or seomthing?

 

You can either burn them off or buy them when you get your machine. I think they are like $8.

 

I also know that i need to ask for one other cd...something regarding the dvd drive or seomthing...

 

You're only going to need these CD's if you plan on reformatting. CD's include...

OS CD (Windows)
Applications
Drivers & Utilities
Cyberlink PowerDVD

 

Thanks j4y_7. The cyberlink powerdvd was the thing i was looking for. You have answered my question. Thanks!

 

also, if you have XP home or pro, you need to request Dell Media Experience for your MediaDirect button to work properly in XP.

You'll also need Sonic Record if you want to use Sonic as your burning program. You should get a disc for any software that you paid for (including SoundBlaster audio software).

 

ahh thanks.

 

If you just contact them and tell them that you forgot to get the reinstall disks they'll overnight them to you for free.

 

Wait... I'm confused.

It's been a while (number of years) since i've ordered anything from Dell.

As I now understand, they no longer automatically ship things such as Resource CDs & Reference Guides unless requested to do so... but this is the case for Operating Systems & various third-party software (e.g. the stuff listed above in this topic)?

An inexperienced user may not know he or she will ever need these CDs, and won't think twice about not receiving them. If they call Dell tech support and are told to run through the process of reinstallation, isn't it going to be awkward for them to not have a CD?

Anyways, it's apparent that you can obtain them (by request), as several of you have stated.

But, if you order your system online, is there anyway to request the materials then? Or, do you call after you've ordered? Or, after you've received the system? Or if neither of those, do you have to make your entire order by phone & request them then?

Such materials, especially the OS would be an imperative for me to possess the materials required for reformatting & related installation tasks. Why don't they make it easier and just have selection options for the OS CD as they do for the Resource CD & Reference Guide?

I just would like to know for when it comes time for me to make my purchase.

 

Dell changed it about a 1 1/2 years ago. They stopped sending out any XP disc and only gave you the software discs that you paid for. At first, they included software to make your own disc. Now they've taken that out on most systems and just include the restore partition (which turns your laptop back to day 1 with all the junk).

This is all basically to save money. If you purchase an Inspiron online, you'll have the option to order the XP disc bundle. This will include the XP disc (OEM version), Driver's & downloads disc, and applications disc (junk software).

If you order latitude/percision/XPS (not sure about XPS), you'll automatically receive the XP disc and the others. You still need to request Cyberlink PowerDVD and Sonic Record because these are not included in the disc set.

It is kind of a mess, but Dell has been pretty understanding lately and not caused any problems with the discs.

 

Can I request the Cyberlink PowerDVD and Sonic Record after I order online but before shipping?

 

You should be able to. I don't see why you couldn't unless Dell is being picky and wants to verify that you have your system. The only thing that you need is your service tag, so that might stop you from requesting them until you get your laptop.

 

Ahh, thank you. I understand the cost cutting, but I still think that's a mess. It cuts costs, but also cuts down on sparetime, because somebody has to answer the phone, and process the order of the CyberLink PowerDVD, and it just seems like the benefit isn't worth the ordeal - but I guess with so many inexperienced or computer illiterate people out there it really works out in Dell's favor.

I'm speculating buying a Latitude so, it should arrive with the XP Disc and all I need to do is call (after I receive it I guess?) and give them my service tag and tell them I need the CyberLink PowerDVD disk & they will ship it right to me? That doesn't sound like too much trouble at all.

 

Right. The latitudes come with the retail disc of XP. You should get the drivers disc - which will probably be outdated, as well as the junkware disc. Any software that you actually paid for such as MS Office, etc - you should have a disc with a key for it.

I know you have to have your service tag in order to talk to Tech Support which is who you need to requests the discs from. Personally, I would just use their chat system since it seems to be easier. If they ask you why, all you need to tell them is that you want to reinstall it.