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    Setting up a new machine

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by frenzymw1, Oct 4, 2004.

  1. frenzymw1

    frenzymw1 Newbie

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    I am waiting for my new Inspiron 8600 to come in the mail. When it comes, what should I do to configure it optimally? I know that some people reformat to remove some of the preloaded software, and I have no qualms about doing that, but I don't know much about file systems and partitioning the hard drive, etc. Additionally, I would like to know how to check for dead pixels.

    Can anyone give me a rundown of everything I should do to get my machine in tip top shape when it comes?

    Thanks.
     
    frenzymw1, Oct 4, 2004
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  2. mathlete2001

    mathlete2001 Notebook Deity

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    Do not be paranoid at dead pixels, don't even look for them. If you hunt and find one, it will bother you tremendously, however minor it really is. Don't worry unless it just glares at you. To reformat the hard drive:
    1. Boot from windows XP CD
    2. Choose not to repair, agree to terms, etc.
    3. Delete the old partition
    4. Make a new one
    5. Format with NTFS
    6. Install

    Make sure to re-install the dell chipset drivers first thing, they are very important. Also install the Dell notebook system software which controls the fans.

    * Inspiron 8600c * 1.8ghz Pentium M * 128 MB Radeon 9600 Pro Turbo * 2x512 MB DDR2700 SDRAM * 60GB 7200RPM HDD *
     
    mathlete2001, Oct 5, 2004
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  3. frenzymw1

    frenzymw1 Newbie

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    How do I make a new partition?
     
    frenzymw1, Oct 5, 2004
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  4. mathlete2001

    mathlete2001 Notebook Deity

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    Hit c on the old one, it's easy to figure out once you are on the installation screen.

    * Inspiron 8600c * 1.8ghz Pentium M * 128 MB Radeon 9600 Pro Turbo * 2x512 MB DDR2700 SDRAM * 60GB 7200RPM HDD *
     
    mathlete2001, Oct 5, 2004
    #4