reformatting a 6000

i'm considering reformatting my 6000 to clean things up and i have a few questions
1) i'm pretty sure its not the case but would i have the same media direct problems?
2)what do i need to reformat (do you just call dell to get the install disc and driver disc?)
3)can someone just direct me to a 6000 reformatting thread that already exists?
thanks

 

1. No problems at all regarding media direct on inspiron 6000, since pressing the play front panel buttons will still boot on XP not launch the standalone media direct app. The media direct problem is commonly encountered on E1505, 1705 machines with the Media Direct button + media direct 2.0.

2. You need all the install disks, drivers, + OEM xp disk.

3. There is this sticky thread about reformatting guide on DELL machines by Southern Girl.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=42340

Be sure to read the guide and I'm pretty sure you won't get lost. Goodluck!

 

Like boom said, you really won't have any problems with Media Direct, so you can delete all of the partitions and you'll be fine. Media Direct on most of the older systems requires XP to be booted, so when you push the play button, you boot into XP.

After you reformat, you will have to reinstall Dell Media Direct, Quickset and Media Experience (if you are running XP Pro/Home), but these are normal install files. You won't have to save them to a disc or anything like that. You just run the .exe file, and it will install the software on your HDD.

In addition to the discs that Boom listed, you have to specifically request Cyberlink PowerDVD (dvd player + decoder) and Sonic RecordNow (burning software). You don't have to use these, so you can install your own decoder and burning software if you like.

 

Be sure to install the drivers in the correct order or BAD things can happen... (why must I learn the hard way?)

 

thanks for the help, do you just call dell and ask for the discs? any cost?

 

just call/email/chat. no charge.

 

You will need the Windows XP installation disk and your drivers CD. Back up EVERYTHING before you try this.

 

ordered the windows and drivers disc today so now all i need to do is backup my documents. what should i do about the restore partition?

 

chuf it. you paid for the HD space.

 

so i just found out my friend has pro for his 9300. what difference will it make? can i even install it? will there be problems with it other than legality?

 

No problems at all installing a retail Windows XP pro on a DELL machine.

 

its not retail, he bought his dell with pro. are there any serial number problems i'll have/?

 

There really isn't any difference between XP Pro and Home outside of networking capabilities which most home users do not need. If you install XP Pro on your laptop using his disc, you'll have to use his key. Of course that is illegal.

If i were you, i would just stick with the XP disc that you are getting from Dell. This way if you have any problems in the future with XP, you can use your own disc to do repairs.

 

so if i set up a partition for like 30gigs i could keep my important stuff safe in case i want to reformat again right? Also, can you install programs on a partition like that so that i don't have to reinstall if i reformat?

 

Yes, you can create a spare partition. As for the programs on the spare partition, it is best to put them on the same partition as XP. Usually spare partitions are good for music/docs/movies, etc - things that don't require XP to run properly.

If i download drivers and software, I always save the .exe/zip/rar files on my spare partition, then run it from there, but I make sure that it creates the source folder and everything else on the XP partition.

 

well my concern is Call of duty which took 10 tries to install the first time i tried (not looking forward to a repeat) and adobe creative suite 2 which i got through a prof of mine who has a distribution license... if i werwe to reformat i either can't or dont wan't the hassel of a reinstall

 

You'll still have to install your applications again. Without current registry settings, Windows won't know if you have applications on another partition. I agree with SouthernGirl, install your applications using default install locations (ie: Program Files).

To prevent loss of programs and/or license keys, set your computer up exactly like you want it, and then create an image of your C: drive. If you need to reformat at a later date, you just restore your image instead of reformatting and reinstalling applications.

 

thanks, im currently looking at making an external hd so i'll most likely do that

 

I see. I have read an article about MCE and XP Pro. They are almost the same but MCE tends to be more focused on Recording TV programs, Support Media Entertainment at your home.

I tried to use an XP Pro Disk (OEM borrowed from a friend) in reinstalling my I6000 and used my MCE Product Key found at the buttom of the laptop.

What happened was in the middle of the installation, it detected that I have a MediaCenterEdition Product key so it prompt to insert a Disk 2 where the Media Center Edition Files are located. I ignored, because the XP pro which I have borrowed is only 1Disk.

Then after the installation finishes, My Windows is working, but is not complete. I do not have the Firewall options on the Networking connections, it says it is corrupt. My system properties does not display the Processor information etc etc.

So I mean to say, like the others say, it is advisable to use your own XP reinstallation Disk bundled with your notebook to avoid problems and issues.

 

yeah... maybe i'm just going to stick to my mce disc when it gets here