Reformatting e1505

If I reformat my new Dell e1505 Inspiron, is there anything I should be sure and save before I format it all?

 

Aside from any files you created on there, or music, pictures and stuff you dont want to lose, you can kill it all, just make sure you have CDs and stuff to reinstall all your programs. Dont worry about the drivers, you can reinstall them from dell's website, however make sure you BURN the network drivers to a CD, or else you wont be able to get back onto the internet with your laptop!

 

Thanks redfox. Where do I find said irreplaceable network drivers?

 

you can burn a copy the drivers folder on your harddrive. It should be under the C: Drive, there is a folder called either drivers or C:\Dell\Drivers. This will give you a copy of all the drivers on your system. Then when you are done formatting, all you have to do is copy the folder back to the C: Drive. Most of the drivers will self detect and install, but you'll need to check the device manager to make sure everything is okay.

The other option is to download the drivers from support.dell.com . This will give you the most current and updated drivers. You can find the network drivers there. Save them and burn them to a disc or save them on a jumpdrive.

Some users make a current drivers disc before they reformat by downloading and saving all of the required drivers from Dell's website. Then you can burn the .exe files to a disc or save to a jumpdrive. Once you format, you can run the files from the disc/jump drive, and the drivers will install.

Personally, I recommend going with the 3rd method. This way you get the current drivers and you don't have to wait and download everything after you format.

If you haven't already, you might want to read the Reformatting and Reinstalling sticky for dell laptops. The E1505 has Media Direct, which will be screwed up if you delete all of the partitions. It requires to have a smaller partition. We have several threads about this issue if you need more information.

SG

 

question,
if you have gotten the driver cds from dell
is their anything that you will still need to save before reformating
or is everything you need already on the driver cds
thanks

 

everything that you need is on the discs. The only thing that will not be on the discs is Cyberlink PowerDVD and Sonic MyRecord, but you can call Dell and request those separately.

Also if you SB Audigy (integrated version) you'll need to call dell and requst that also. Everything else is located on those discs.

 

okey so if i have the driver cds from dell i dont need to make another cd for the network drivers right

 

That's correct. If you have the Drivers Disc from dell you are set to go. You might want to verify that it is the correct disc for your system. There have been some complaints about dell sending a driver's disc for a different laptop.

 

If you do plan to reinstall, you might want to check your driver disk first. Maybe I am just a fool, but when I put my CD in the model choices were mostly models I didn't recgonize and the only one I did was for an Inspiron 710. I have an e1705. It also seemed that none of the drivers I tried to install were either not installing or not having any effect. It also dosen't even list the nVidia GeForce 7900 which was the only nVidia option avialable when I purchased. They did actualy send me the audigy SB driver disk though. I did manage to get by (jump drives are my new best friend).

 

If it's a brand new machine you don't have to save anything

 

Once you have reinstalled your system and are satisfied with that, do a HD backup with Acronis TrueImage or Norton Ghost...

You won't regret
edabe.

 

what number do i need to call or chat with to get the
cyberling power dvd
sonic record now cd

 

1-800-624-9897 or you can chat with their tech support on the web.

We also have a general question thread for all reformat questions, so please post any questions here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=58614

Closing thread.
SG