about to buy a new inspiron, quick question

hi all. I'm about to purchase a new laptop before vista comes out, and I was planning on reformatting it to get rid of all the unnecessary stuff they put on. however when I build up my computer on their site, I can't tell if it comes with the xp reinstall disc. do they automatically include it when you buy the computer, or do I have to pay extra to get it? thanks!

 

The OS Reinstallation DVD comes with the system.

 

Oh thats good to hear, my friend had to pay for his (Windows XP CD) a few months ago from Dell when he ordered his E1505.

 

yeah, why is that? I've now heard both stories...

 

I just received my 640m/e1405 on Tuesday and it was included. Does it depend on the country then? Or perhaps the friend wanted an original Windows branded CD? Because what you get with Dell is a Dell branded, red re-installation disk, not an original XP installation one.

 

Hi, I just got my Australian Inspiron 9400 and it came with a (DELL) reintall DVD for win xp media centre(center) lol
I bought this dell from someone off ebay(Au), it was unopened
on the recepit it lists all my hardware that was chosen, on that list is also
TF465 Genuine Windows(R) XP Media Center Edition 2005 (English) Media
That may be refering to my reinstall dvd for MCE so if it is, then it's a purchased option I think.
Hope that helps

 

They used to charge $10 for them... I imagine they're giving them away and trying to get rid of their stocks for the upcoming vista launch.

 

I wouldn't really call it a purchased option, as you can't really opt out of it when putting your order together (online at least). As far as Dell is concerned, you're getting the Windows OS, no ifs or buts. Either way, the OS CD should be included, as you essentially paid for it, willingly or not.

 

Not true... Dell DID charge for it. If you didn't pay the $10 for the cd, you would need to create your own with the burner.

 

How can I call it a charge if there is no such charge listed anywhere on my order, not online, not on paper?

 

Yea, exactly what happened to my friends a few months ago. It was like $10 for the Windows XP CD.

 

They are free now... present tense

They used to charge... past tense

 

Well, I am in Canada and ordered my 6400 in December. There was no option to select just the OS reinstall disk or any system software. The system came with the driver disk and the Dell system restore disk. When I reformatted, I used the XP disk I had bought for my now retired desktop (which only had SP1 so a lot of downloading).

Long early morning rambling story short, I didn't have the option to get one...so it may be a region specific thing, or an inventory thing...

 

In the usa, all you have to do is call dell, say you want to reformat and you didnt get the os or any other software discs,and they will rush them out to you free of charge, you should have them in 2 or 3 days, I'm not sure if this works in canada or not