OS recovery concern

Hello all,

My Dell has a hard drive problem and I will need to replace it soon (system is still working at the moment). I have backed up all my data, but the question I have is regarding the Windows 7 operating system.

I have read the sticky about Dell system recovery (link below), but wanted to check that my method of system recovery will be ok.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell/453164-dell-system-recovery-guide.html

Dell will not send me out recovery CD's as I am no longer under warranty and will charge me for this. I mentioned that I have created a "Restore your system back to factory state" onto a DVD (2 discs) using the pre-installed "Dell DataSafe local Backup software" (Basic Edition). The person at Dell I spoke to reassured me that this would be sufficient to get my OS up and running when I replace my hard drive. I had two questions:

1) Has anyone restored a system from an existing or blank HD using the method.
2) Would it be more reliable to use DVD's or USB media for this, as I have the option for both? Or does it not matter?
2) Once I install my new HD, how will I use these "Dell DataSafe local Backup software" DVD's to install the win 7 OS?

Thanks, your input is much appreciated.

 

You can use vanilla Windows 7 install media and activate it using the CoA key on the bottom of your laptop. Just make sure you use the proper flavor of Windows (Pro, Home Premium, etc).

The restore disks should work fine (I'm pretty sure they're exactly the same as whatever is on your recovery partition), but if your new HDD is bigger than your old HDD, I don't know if those disks are smart enough to resize the saved partitions to match the size of your new HDD.

 

Where can I find "vanilla Windows 7 install media" I can not seem to find it?

Is it recommended to replace it with the same hardrive model? or does it not really matter? Thanks.

 

It should be a standard 2.5" drive, though it depends on your Dell model. If it's not a slim notebook, should be a 2.5".