Formatting Windows 7 Questions

greg. I did the repair disc already that took 5 minute. When i am trying to do the backcup complete computer- create an image backup, it ask for me to put a cd bigger than 1gb. I don't have one. My cd is 700mb max. Can i put in my 4gb usb drive? And can you tell me how long this process takes about? It says to not eject the cd when the process is going on. Though the cd i put in messed up because it says its too small.

So i have to do this process and the system image recovery and thats it right? Can you tell me how long this process takes about?

And after i do these 2 last processes, i then just keep these things handy and then just do the 10 steps barefoot kid posted?

Thanks:)

You really need an external HD or another HD to store an image of that size upon.

You might have to settle for backing up your data to DVD, then making the Recovery DVD's as your OS backup: http://support.dell.com/support/topi...&isLegacy=true

Then run Factory Recovery partition following these steps: Restoring Your Computer´s Software to the Factory Settings | Dell

This will reinstall all of the factory preinstalled bloatware and useless utilities that have better versions built into Win7. If you have access to a Win7 Installation DVD, we can help you get a cleaner install using the Product Key on COA sticker on machine. re-install windows 7

Now that you have all of the options laid out, ask any questions you have.

okay greg. since i dont have the external drives, would it just be fine to just do the 10 steps that the other guy posted? This is a lot of stuff to do and i'm not a computer person.

I also don't have any dvd discs. Only cd discs at the moment so i can't burn them using the dell backup.

DVD's are 3 for $2 good quality on the wall rack at Walgreens.

We don't encourage shortcuts or skipping steps on complex operations because of laziness or impatience.

These operations can be unforgiving. You might want to take it to a shop.

If you're eager to learn, then this is where to come.

greg, i think im just going to do those 10 steps posted. I'm going to take that risk. But if everything goes well, i can then burn it later on correct?

Have you backed up your data?

You mean my documents and those important personal files right? I'm not a computer person so just want to make sure that is what you mean by data...

hey greg, i just spoke to dell support and they said they will ship me the recovery cd and i will receive it from 3-5 days.

So its best to just wait then right?


And i just want to know one last thing that i'm still confused. If i reformat my computer using those 10 steps without the cd, that means it would go back to how i first got it WITH THE BLOATWARE... but if i reformat it WITH THE WINDOWS 7 CD... then it would go back to how it was when i first got it WITHOUT THE BLOATWARE?

Yes, running Recovery will return the computer to exactly the condition when it left the factory. All of the bloatware and factory utilities will be reinstalled.

Reinstalling with the Win7 DVD doesn't include anything except the OS, and is a much cleaner and more lightweight install.

What I would do is factory restore and see how you like it first. You can even try cleaning up the bloatware and factory utilities using these tips I wrote up: HP laptop has used up all four primary partitions

If you are not fully happy with performance after working with it for awhile, then find a Win7 Installation DVD to try a clean reinstall using these tips to get a purrfect install: re-install windows 7

Since you have the Recovery disks coming, you can go ahead and run factory recovery when ready. Let us know if we can help further.