I need to reinstall W7 x64 from Dell factory disc on a deleted OS

Wow, cool! Man what a help that was, thanks! I have to wait until Monday to give it a go, and I will report back with any questions or to put a bow on this thread....Hopefully the later! Thanks again!

Follow these steps to get a Perfect Reinstall using the Dell Reinstallation DVD.

As this is a Win7 installer it is mostly driver-complete with newer drivers quickly updated via optional Windows Updates. If wireless driver isn' t loaded, browse from Device Manager to the driver CD so you can get online quickly to update.

Then any drivers missing in Device Manager should be imported from the Support Downloads webpage for your Dell tab number, not the CD.

I would not reimport any of the Dell software that you don't need since Win7 has better versions built in.

I recently reinstalled Windows 7 on a friend's Dell computer with the Dell-supplied Windows DVD and the only driver installed according to Device Manager was for his Ralink wireless adapter.

When I checked for drivers on the Dell (UK) support page, all of them were identical with what was on the Drivers & Applications DVD down to the version and the date.

I can only assume that the Dell OEM Windows installer is configured differently to a retail version of Windows.

Hi everyone! The W7 OS install was a breeze. I deleted the other partitions, then reformatted, and installed W7 x64. The W7 disc actually installed my wireless adapter, so that made everything else much easier. There were 87 windows only and also the "icons and drivers" updates, including SP1, so you can imagine how long that took. Microsoft downloaded and installed the current video and ethernet drivers from windows update.

Once the OS was up to date, I downloaded avast!, then went to Dell to get my audio and DVD/CD firmware drivers. I chose not to install the Cyberlink DVD or Roxio software as I don't need it. Same with the RealTech smart card stuff on Dell's site.

After everything was installed to my liking (MBAM, avast!, CCleaner, Chrome ect...) I cleaned out all the temp files and what not, then defragged and then made a system image.

I want to thank all of you again, and I have rep'd you all.......Heck, I'm going to start a mobile OS install service!

Thanks, flash is installed, but I go javaless................One quick question though. I was never asked for a product key or license to "activate" Windows 7. Do I need to do that, or since it was a Dell disk, is it already done? How and where would I check on my machine if my Windows 7 is "legit"?



EDIT: Never mind, I found it...........I'm legit

No, I use the on-board W7 tool.

DBone, thanks for posting back as it's so gratifying to know when our advice helps someone.

Pleased to hear that things have gone well for you.