Oops I deleted all the Partitions - Media Direct Help

Hi all,

I have been reading all the posts about how to get back my media direct function but can't seem to do it right. This post was informative ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=1339564&postcount=263)

Here is my story, please chime in if you can help.

I have an Inspiron E1505. I used the windows XP cd to delete all 3 partitions (OOPS) . I made one NTFS partition using all the available space, formatted (low level, not quick) and then re-installed windows and all the drivers.

I know that i need to make a non active partition.

How do I do that?
How big must it be?
What files system does it have to be? FAT32, NTFS??
Did I remove Media Direct from the HD or is it on a HPA someone safe?
Do I need a re-install CD or just the Repair CD?

Thanks in advance. The DELL people are idiots, the one guy did not even know what Media Direct was.

Oh yeah, for some reason in DOS, my F7 key does not work. I was trying to use a partition tool which I need to use an option under F7. Every other F key does. Have not tried it in Windows and wonder if it is broken.

 

UPDATE:

I did what Rob said here and everything is working fine.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=1298414&postcount=234

In step 9, I DID NOT have to put in the Dell Media Direct RE-INSTALL CD.
I also DID NOT have to do step 10 or 11.

 

Yes.... the Reinstallation CD is NOT the solution in this case. It's function is to add MediaDirect functionality when/if you replace your computer's hard drive.

I'm trying to work out another 'solution' that would save folks from reinstalling Windows, but more on that later...

Mark

 

My MediaDirect Button works perfectly when the system is not booted just like it suppose to.

My question is, what is it suppose to do when I am already booted into Windows XP Pro. It says "Unable to lauch Dell Media Experience. Please install this software and try again"

Is that normal because I don't have Windows XP Media Edition? I did download the DME 2.0 iso. Wonder is I should run that or will it brake the MBR and ruin the windows partition.

 

Yes.. that is normal. If you did have the MCE installed, depressing the MediaDirect button would launch Microsoft MediaCenter.

wrt Dell Media Experience... dunno from any personal experience. I'd suspect it would not mess with the MBR. AFAIK it's just a straight-forward Windows application. It may/may not work from the MediaDirect button. I know others have talked about doing this, but I've never seen any 'results'

vr

Mark

 

After to speaking to a competent tech a Dell , Dell Media Experience is on the Apps/Tools CD which I don't have and is on it's way.

FYI for others,

Dell Media Experience (AKA DMX) & Dell MediaDirect (AKA MD or MD 2.0) are totally different.

DMX is a stand alone for people that DO NOT have Windows XP Media Center Edition and launches ONLY when the MediaDirect button is pushed when ALREADY booted up in Windows XP Home or Pro.

MD for XP Pro or Home users, is a stand alone app that launches when the MediaDirect button is pushed when the system is NOT booted already. It gives you fast and easy access to look at your pics & videos on your HD and you can also play CD's & DVD's all without booting up Windows XP Pro or Home.

What I said above is based on my Inspiron E1505 w/ Windows XP Pro that has a MediaDirect Button.

I just want to stress that if you still have your factory HD and need to get MD working again because you deleted partitions/re-partioned/formatted and or re-installed windows, you do not need the MediaDirect Installation CD/ISO but only the MediaDirect Repair Utility.

Hope I can help someone.

Much credit to these member's posts as they helped me a great deal.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=1339564&postcount=263
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=1298414&postcount=234
My Info
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=1347726&postcount=2

Thanks!

 

I,m getting my new inspiron 9400 next week

I want to install my own windows xp with two partitions one for the system and one for the data

what partitions should I keep and will the dell media direct still work after creating the two partions

or is it better to keep all the partitions and delete none of the partions but just format the windows xp partition and instal on that partition right away

Thanks

 

You should be able to do what you're looking to accomplish.

When installing XP, leave the Dell Utility partition alone; It is the smallest one around 40MB

Delete the Dell Restore partition which is about 4.5GB or so

Resize your system partition as desired and be sure to account for future 'growth' and leave enough unpartitioned/unallocated space for your data partition.

Once you XP up and running, you can use Disk Manager from Windows to create your data partition.

And finally, you'll need to run the MediaDirect Repair utility.

hth

Mark