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    Refurb 14z w/ prior user name on

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by hunterbuyer, Aug 22, 2009.

  1. hunterbuyer

    hunterbuyer Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi Guys, this is in the nature of a consultation. I just got a refurb 14z which booted up into "resuming windows" and still has the prior user's name on it. It now also requires a password to get into system. I talked w/ Dell tech support and seem to have 3 options (1) they will send me a new hard drive for me to replace and then restart the system, (2) I can send the system back to them for them to do that or (3) I can return the system. I'm concerned about chewing up time in the 21 day window for returns and/or evaluation of system. Anyone had this happen to them or do you see any other options?
    TIA
     
    hunterbuyer, Aug 22, 2009
    #1
  2. j3n82

    j3n82 Notebook Geek

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    Do you have the installation CD/DVD? Why not just reinstall Windows?
     
    j3n82, Aug 22, 2009
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  3. hunterbuyer

    hunterbuyer Notebook Enthusiast

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    The system needs an external CD/DVD drive which hasn't yet been installed
     
    hunterbuyer, Aug 22, 2009
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  4. LexusForever

    LexusForever Notebook Evangelist

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    Well, you can reformat and re-install Windows (Vista or 7) from a USB flash drive, you don't necessarily need an optical drive. If you know how to do that, just wipe out everything and do a clean install of Windows 7, it's well worth it!
     
    LexusForever, Aug 22, 2009
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  5. hdplus

    hdplus Notebook Consultant

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    but shame on dell, how come they didnt restore that. are they selling refurb or are they stealing it from others and selling it. When it is factory refurb , they promise it will be as good as new.

    Anyways the USB flash idea is very good, look at this they have more details .. this is for win7 but can be used for vista too .. you might have to search to get more articles on vista .. http://www.electronicpulp.net/2009/01/14/how-to-install-windows-7-with-a-usb-flash-drive/
     
    hdplus, Aug 22, 2009
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  6. hunterbuyer

    hunterbuyer Notebook Enthusiast

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    Interesting idea. I've got Windows 7 on a DVD and was planning on moving from Vista to it after I was sure the laptop was a keeper. I would prefer to install Vista first, but am not sure how to copy the disk that came w/ the system to a flash drive
     
    hunterbuyer, Aug 22, 2009
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  7. karan1003

    karan1003 Notebook Evangelist

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    copy + paste
     
    karan1003, Aug 22, 2009
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  8. brookheather

    brookheather Newbie

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    brookheather, Aug 23, 2009
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