I'm looking to re-format and re-install the OS

Hello. Two years ago, I purchased a Dell Inspiron 1545 with Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit included. I'm looking to re-format and re-install the OS (for the sake of a fresh start).

I'm actually using Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit already. I also have an OEM OS restore disc for the Dell Inspiron 1545 (what I'm typing on), but I want a real clean install (I don't have a retail version of Windows, so I will obviously need to buy one first), can I still qualify for a clean install just for the sake of a re-fresh? By the way, I also have an OEM drivers DVD. What about that?

TrueNavigator01 said:

I'm actually using Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit already. I also have an OEM OS restore disc for the Dell Inspiron 1545 (what I'm typing on), but I want a real clean install (I don't have a retail version of Windows, so I will obviously need to buy one first), can I still qualify for a clean install just for the sake of a re-fresh? By the way, I also have an OEM drivers DVD. What about that?

If you carry out a clean install of your system, any Dell drivers you need will be on the Dell OEM drivers DVD.

Not sure if you're aware, OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and the main thing to remember is that OEM drivers may be configured differently or have less functionality than the hardware manufacturer's drivers.

Brink, I'm just going to put the link at the back of my head for the moment.

Thank you.

But, also, a bit more background. I have done this before simply by using the factory restore disc. I'd also like to maybe even use partitions for different types of files for efficiency.

The installer is nearly driver-complete, with newer arriving quickly via optional Windows Updates. So put your LAN driver on a stick or CD so you can get online to update. After several rounds of updates, any drivers still missing in Device Manager should be found on the Dell Support Downloads webpage for your tag number.

Everything you need including the latest installer ISO to burn to DVD or write to stick is in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

You already have many suggestions and here is one more which might be useful.

Unlike XP, there are site from where you can download an official ISO image of your edition of Window 7, which you can then burn on a DVD. One of the sites is Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life.

You should also be having your original Product Key (different from and not Product ID) with you. You can easily install your version of Windows 7 with the ISO produced DVD and use your original Product Key to activate it. This way you shall have an install without bloatware like from a retail version.

As for Dell Drivers, Dell used to to give a drivers' CD/DVD in the past. If however they had discontinued this practice when you purchased your machine then you should at least download the Ethernet, Graphics (Video) and Audio Drivers from the Net before embarking on this project. The rest of the drivers if any, you can even download after clean installing Windows 7.

I may have already voided my warrenty (my own stupidity, I know ) by doing dumb things to my notebook in the past, I also already downloaded the WinXP HPx64 ISO and renamed it shorter than the given name to simplify. May I note sometimes I like it when somebody can 'coach' me and break down the specific steps of a tutorial when needed. Ah, bliss.

If you're worried about voiding your warranty by clean reisntalling, it can keep Tech Support from helping you IF you tell them, so I wouldn't even if you need their inferior help on something.

It shouldn't void the hardware warranty, although one reason I'd make Recovery Disks is to run them if possible before sending it back if necessary under hardware warranty. Often times you can also persuade them to RMA the OEM replacement part to install yourself under their phone supervision. You may need to ask for a supervisor and ask very nicely.