I wanted a re-install disk

Krazichic · 06 Aug 2021

I have no clue what my code is or where to find it, I wanted a re-install disk but Dell wanted too much and I couldn't afford it, are they really that hard to get hold of?

Somebody said to get it from eBay, but I didn't know if it was worth picking one up from there as there were lots, If I got windows 8.1 on a flash drive what would happen?

A mate did say take it to a repair shop but I could get charged £8 or £80 I wouldn't know what is fair to pay to re-install windows can anybody give me a hint at the price range for clean windows install on a dell Inspiron 32bit?

Thank You can inbox me if anybody replies cheers Stay Safe All

SIW2 · 06 Aug 2021

@Krazichic

What model is it ? "Inspiron" is not enough, the model number is needed.

Megahertz07 · 06 Aug 2021

Did you ever reinstall Win 7 on the computer?

If you didn't, you probably have on your drive a Factory Recover partition. You can launch the Factory Recover from BIOS and it will reinstall the Original Win 7 that came with the computer. As it will format the C: partition YOU MUST BACKUP your data first.

Factory Reset or Reinstall Windows 7 on your Dell Computer

torchwood · 06 Aug 2021

your backup product key is likely in the battery compartment

flavallee · 06 Aug 2021

What is the exact 7-character "service tag" number on that Dell Inspiron laptop?

What is the exact Windows version on its Certificate-Of-Authenticity sticker?

Bree · 06 Aug 2021

Many Dell reset disk ISOs can be downloaded free from Dell's servers by using the Heidoc Windows and Office download tool. You must use the one that is specifically for your exact model, most (but not all) models have an ISO available.

Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool

SIW2 · 06 Aug 2021

Must you ?

Snick · 06 Aug 2021

Krazichic
Why do you want to do a clean install?
Depending on your reason, you may consider a repair install. Re installs Windows OS and preserves your info.
Snick

Bree · 09 Aug 2021

SIW2 said:

Must you ?

Well, you could try a Dell reset ISO intended for another machine, but as the ISO for each model contains machine-specific drivers and OEM software, using one intended for another machine could have unpredictable results.

What is certain is that self-activation from the W7 SLP table embedded in the bios will only work for an ISO for the same edition as originally supplied with the PC (Home Premium, Pro, etc.)

SIW2 · 09 Aug 2021

You are mistaken on both counts. There is only a minor issue if you are using a very recentb machine which need specific irst drivers. It doesnt matter if the most recent media is used on an older machines, it will work fine. And if you are using older media on very recent dell they can be loaded at f6.

The dell slp activation will work for all dell machines that have a slic table.

The isos for the somewhat recent machines wont cause any harm if installed on older equipment. It seems dell only only officially supply the media for a limited time - seems to be 5yrs.