Putting retail version on OEM computer

I did a clean install of W7 Ultimate on my dell computer. When I was deleting partitions I noticed a Dell OEM partition. It was very small so I didn't delete this.

My thought was, if I ever wanted to sell this computer I would need to put Vista back on the computer and was afraid that my OEM disk would not work because I had deleted the partition.

I want to be able to put any computer back to the same state when purchased in order to avoid locking my Retail Version to one computer.

Does this little OEM partition have any bearing on the ability to revert the computer back to the original state?

If so, those of you putting retail might want to keep that partion available.

Well, on my computer, there was a retail partition, but it had the option of converting all the files onto a disc, so I did that and deleted it.

If you have the OEM cds, then that partition isn't too important I believe.

Jacen said:

I did a clean install of W7 Ultimate on my dell computer. When I was deleting partitions I noticed a Dell OEM partition. It was very small so I didn't delete this.

My thought was, if I ever wanted to sell this computer I would need to put Vista back on the computer and was afraid that my OEM disk would not work because I had deleted the partition.

I want to be able to put any computer back to the same state when purchased in order to avoid locking my Retail Version to one computer.

Does this little OEM partition have any bearing on the ability to revert the computer back to the original state?

If so, those of you putting retail might want to keep that partion available.

Click to expand...

The recovery disks normally will replace the recovery partition during installation. So there is no reason not to delete the recovery paritions, although I would create the disks or have them mailed before doing so for the reasons you state.

I am curious why you put Win7 retail on an VIsta OEM computer considering that Vista license - good for the life of the motherboard - entitles you to the much cheaper Upgrade. The Retail version belongs to YOU and can be migrated to any other computer as long as it is only on one at a time. Since this is my first time buying upgrades (for price) I am waiting to see if the same is also true of them, since MS says they can be reinstalled.

Jacen said:

I did a clean install of W7 Ultimate on my dell computer. When I was deleting partitions I noticed a Dell OEM partition. It was very small so I didn't delete this.

My thought was, if I ever wanted to sell this computer I would need to put Vista back on the computer and was afraid that my OEM disk would not work because I had deleted the partition.

I want to be able to put any computer back to the same state when purchased in order to avoid locking my Retail Version to one computer.

Does this little OEM partition have any bearing on the ability to revert the computer back to the original state?

If so, those of you putting retail might want to keep that partion available.

Click to expand...

That small (25-50MB) Dell OEM hidden partition holds the Dell diagnostics software. You can boot the diagnostics through the boot menu (F12). The software runs various levels of hardware diagnostics on the computer. The computer can and will function normally without that partition in place. However, the Dell Factory Image Restore utility may not work without that partition (or a dummy first partition you could create later).

The Dell Factory Image Restore utility is engaged by tapping the F8 key at boot and when presented with "Repair my computer" it will lead to the Dell Factory Image Restore page. The restore utility formats the C:\OS partition and mounts the file D:\Dell\Image\Factory.wim which is an image of the system exactly as it shipped from the factory.

This process differs from many other brands which have you to burn a set of DVDs for system recovery.

If you delete the D:\RECOVERY partition, all of your automated recovery options are lost.

So, the answer to your question is twofold. Removing the Dell OEM partition will not prevent you from using the Vista installation disk that came with the computer and reinstalling Vista. The disk is pre-activated on Dell computers so there is no separate "activation" necessary. But, as I mentioned, removing the Dell OEM partition can impede using the automated Dell Factory Image Restore utility because it is the first partition on the disk and the applet PCRestore.exe looks to mount the image from the second partition (D:\RECOVERY) to the third partition (C:\OS).

Lastly, if you really wish to get the computer back exactly like it left the factory and have already deleted the D:\RECOVERY partition, you might be able to obtain the System Restoration DVDs for your service tag. These are not the same "Reinstallation" disks that Dell allows you to order from the Support website, nor are they the same as the ones that shipped with the computer. If you are interested in getting them, let me know. I have some resources for obtaining them (Dell will typically deny they exist....and they don't exist per se...they are burned-to-order for field service personnel based on your service tag).

What model Dell and is it still under warranty?

Let me know.
Tom

Jacen said:

I did a clean install of W7 Ultimate on my dell computer. When I was deleting partitions I noticed a Dell OEM partition. It was very small so I didn't delete this.

My thought was, if I ever wanted to sell this computer I would need to put Vista back on the computer and was afraid that my OEM disk would not work because I had deleted the partition.

I want to be able to put any computer back to the same state when purchased in order to avoid locking my Retail Version to one computer.

Does this little OEM partition have any bearing on the ability to revert the computer back to the original state?

If so, those of you putting retail might want to keep that partion available.

Click to expand...

Hi Jacen
As you have deleted the recovery partition,NO.

When you first got your Dell PC, did you make the recovery DVD's, from the Dell recovery program?

If yes you can recover from them.

If NO,call Dell they can sent a set to you, may be a fee.

theog said:

Jacen said:

I did a clean install of W7 Ultimate on my dell computer. When I was deleting partitions I noticed a Dell OEM partition. It was very small so I didn't delete this.

My thought was, if I ever wanted to sell this computer I would need to put Vista back on the computer and was afraid that my OEM disk would not work because I had deleted the partition.

I want to be able to put any computer back to the same state when purchased in order to avoid locking my Retail Version to one computer.

Does this little OEM partition have any bearing on the ability to revert the computer back to the original state?

If so, those of you putting retail might want to keep that partion available.

Click to expand...

Hi Jacen
As you have deleted the recovery partition,NO.

When you first got your Dell PC, did you make the recovery DVD's, from the Dell recovery program?

If yes you can recover from them.

If NO,call Dell they can sent a set to you, may be a fee.

Click to expand...

It wasn't a recovery partition. Dell always send recovery disks with their computer, at least for the 3 I have purchased through them. I have all the disks. I just thought it was there so when you insert the Dell OEM disk, the computer knew you could install the OS.

gregrocker said:

Jacen said:

I did a clean install of W7 Ultimate on my dell computer. When I was deleting partitions I noticed a Dell OEM partition. It was very small so I didn't delete this.

My thought was, if I ever wanted to sell this computer I would need to put Vista back on the computer and was afraid that my OEM disk would not work because I had deleted the partition.

I want to be able to put any computer back to the same state when purchased in order to avoid locking my Retail Version to one computer.

Does this little OEM partition have any bearing on the ability to revert the computer back to the original state?

If so, those of you putting retail might want to keep that partion available.

Click to expand...

The recovery disks normally will replace the recovery partition during installation. So there is no reason not to delete the recovery paritions, although I would create the disks or have them mailed before doing so for the reasons you state.

I am curious why you put Win7 retail on an VIsta OEM computer considering that Vista license - good for the life of the motherboard - entitles you to the much cheaper Upgrade. The Retail version belongs to YOU and can be migrated to any other computer as long as it is only on one at a time. Since this is my first time buying upgrades (for price) I am waiting to see if the same is also true of them, since MS says they can be reinstalled.

Click to expand...

I was one of those lucky people who won a free copy of Ultimate for hosting a Windows 7 Launch Party. I am also a college student which allows me to purchase the full retail version from the microsoft store for only 30 bucks. With the full retail version I do not have to have a prior Microsoft OS activated to install the new system. This comes in handy since I like to clean my computer about once a year.

zrtom,

Hi. I've read this post and would like to know if you still have the capability of getting thoe "System Restoration Discs" for the Dell systems.

I'd like to have a Restoration disc for my system.

Thanks, Tim

My guess is that you blew away the F12 loader option from your old hard drive when you installed your retail copy of Windows 7. So, I think hitting the F12 key and restoring back to the way it was is now out of the question. That's the way that it worked for me and my Dells.

I can't really understand your situation and I didn't read any other posts (my sincere apologies about that)

But on my laptop, I wiped my whole hard drive (along with the OEM partitions and all) and installed a retail version with the OEM key on the bottom of my laptop. It works.

Dell Restoring Your Computer´s Software to the Factory Settings

If you lose the ability to run Dell Factory Recovery due to clean reinstall but still have the partiiton, try this: Dell Recovery Partition - restoring F8 link

You can also mark Dell Recovery partition Active in Disk Mgmt, reboot and try the hotkey if it has one other than F8. Or it may just boot into Recovery once marked Active which is what the hotkey formerly did.

If you need to return the Active flag to SysReserved or Win7 partition, use this: Partition - Mark as Active (Method Two)

timp4411 said:

zrtom,

Hi. I've read this post and would like to know if you still have the capability of getting thoe "System Restoration Discs" for the Dell systems.

I'd like to have a Restoration disc for my system.

Thanks, Tim

Click to expand...

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?


How to use Dell Recovery Partition,make Recovery Disks & how to order Recovery Disks.
Dell - Support

timp4411 said:

zrtom,

Hi. I've read this post and would like to know if you still have the capability of getting thoe "System Restoration Discs" for the Dell systems.

I'd like to have a Restoration disc for my system.

Thanks, Tim

Click to expand...

I'm not sure whether Dell still makes the SRCD/SRDVD sets available. If you are under warranty, you can always call and try. This thread has some tips on how to ask for them.
How to: Re-image your Mini9 from Dells image for your system
Tom

timp4411 said:

zrtom,

Hi. I've read this post and would like to know if you still have the capability of getting thoe "System Restoration Discs" for the Dell systems.

I'd like to have a Restoration disc for my system.

Thanks, Tim

Click to expand...

You should, if you haven't already done so, be able to create a set of recovery discs for your Dell computer.

That said, if you contact Dell Support and tell them your recovery discs don't work, they'll likely as not send you a set free of charge if your computer is still under warranty.

If it is out of warranty they'll sell you a set at a reasonable cost.

theog said:

timp4411 said:

zrtom,

Hi. I've read this post and would like to know if you still have the capability of getting thoe "System Restoration Discs" for the Dell systems.

I'd like to have a Restoration disc for my system.

Thanks, Tim

Click to expand...

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.​

& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create ​

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?


How to use Dell Recovery Partition,make Recovery Disks & how to order Recovery Disks.
Dell - Support

Click to expand...

I have a brand new Studio XPS 9100 which I just took otu of the box and set up. The system was a mess frorm the moment I booted it with all sorts of video error related to the drivers. It kept cycling and then freezing. After many HOURS of work, I was able to do a work around and got it stablized and running.

When I ordered the system, I had the option to also order restoration/backup discs fro $15 extra, which I did. I always like to have original backups, more for the programs pre-installed than the OS. I had "assumed" all Dell systems shipped with a Factory revert reinslatt image on the drive. But I was wrong.... the only image in the OEM partition is apparently diagnostics and boot info which will at least allow me to boot the system... after that I am on my own. Yes... I DO have OS reinstall discs form Win7 Home premium, but the first thing I did was an "Anytime Upgrade" in place to Windows 7 Ultimate. So the OS disc is of little use to me. The discs Dell shipped with the system do NOT have ALL the preinstalled programs on them and they are NOT showing up on my Dell System support page available for download.

That is why I would rather have those, hard to get, System Restoration, discs that Tom mentioned instead of the regular restore discs. I was hoping that they would have the TOTAL system info as loaded from the factory. I thought that maybe the system got corrupted somehow when originally loaded and I could try to reload everything as from the factory.

I have not made any system restore discs yet as I only got the system up and running and wanted to wait until I had the OS I was going to use beforfe I made restore discs. No send restoring the system to Home Premium when I was going to have to upgrade immeditaly to Ultimate.

One program that got trashed with the video problem was Dell "basic Stage". And I cannot find a D/L llink anywhere for it. That is one of the programs NOT on my backup discs from the factory.

How many Disks did Dell send?

theog said:

How many Disks did Dell send?

Click to expand...

I'm at work right now and system is at home. But I "think" it was 4-5 discs.

The Win7 Home Premium
Drivers & Utlities/Diagnostics
SoundBlaster Card Disc

And I'm not sure exactly what the others were.

When I get hoem this evening I'll check and post exactly what they are.

Thanks !

The Windows 7 Home Premium
Drivers & Utlities/Diagnostics
SoundBlaster Card Disc

Click to expand...

Disk 1) Windows 7 install DVD.
Disk 2) Hardware drivers Disk
Disk 3) Hardware Diagnostics testing Disk
Disk 4) SoundBlaster drivers Disk.
Disk 5) App & Programs Disk.

theog said:

The Windows 7 Home Premium
Drivers & Utlities/Diagnostics
SoundBlaster Card Disc

Click to expand...

Disk 1) Windows 7 install DVD.
Disk 2) Hardware drivers Disk
Disk 3) Hardware Diagnostics testing Disk
Disk 4) SoundBlaster drivers Disk.
Disk 5) App & Programs Disk.

Click to expand...

Could be.... I'll confirm and post back later today/afternoon/early evening.

THANKS !

Here is what shipped with the system since I orderd backup discs when I placed the order:

1.) Reinstallation Disc for Win 7 Home Premium
2.) Drivers 7 Utilities Already installed on your computer (Contents: Device Drivers, Diagnostics & Utilities)
3.) Divers 7 Documentation (Contents: Device Drivers, Setup Guide, Users Guide)
4.) Creative SoundBlaster Disc
5.) Adobe Premier Elements 8 ( Pack of 2 Discs )
6.) Adobe Photoshop Elements.

That's all with the system.

Now... I used the On-Line disc backup order form and orderd a set. According to the web site with the order form, I am allowed to receive "ONE" backup set.

Plus... I sent an email to support and said I needed a backup disc to reinstall "basic Stage" software that "used to be" o my system.

Today, when I arrived home, there were two packages from Dell.

One contained only "one" disc which had "Drivers & Utilities Alreday installed on your System" and so it sems to be a duplicate of what I already have.

The other package contained 4 Discs:

1.) Application - Already installed on your computer (For reinstalling Dell Stage Application)
2.) Application - Already Installed on your computer (for Reinstalling CyberLink Power DVD & Remote Media)
3.) Reinstallation DVD for Win 7 Home Premium ( another duplicate of what I have already)
4.) EASY CD & DVD ( Roxio program(s) )

I suspect these two packages were what was sent by Cust Cupport and I will still receive a different shipment of discs based on the backupo disc form I filled out.

So.... perhaps the disc with "Stage" software on it will have what I need. I do hope it's not the programs specifically for the Dell "Touch" systems. I have a Dell 2711 monitor and no touch monitors.

I'll have to take a look and see exactly what is on the Disc and I will report back.

Thanks for the help everyone.