I've installed my OS twice, deleted the wrong one, and low on space!

[Bare Foot Kid]

If you know how to download and burn an ISO file to a DVD you could use this method to get a Windows 7 installer that matches the Windows 7 version your PC shipped with, using the method out-lined in this tutorial.

Clean Install : Factory COA Activation Key


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You can get the ISO from here, just get the exact version i.e. Pro / Ultimate the PC shipped with, the bit-rate doesn't matter as long as the version is correct.

Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River


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Then use ImgBurn at no greater than x4 speed with a verify to burn the ISO to a DVD for install.

ImgBurn Free ISO Burning Software
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[gregrocker]

You have Dell Reinstallation DVD which is the same as a Win7 installation DVD except with the Dell branding and activation baked in.

Boot the DVD as you're doing, but after choosing Custom Install, select Drive Options (Advanced) to delete all partitions, then just click Next and the installer will create your install partition and begin install.



But first read over this tutorial to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. Pay special attention to how drivers are handled in Win7 as it is different than before.

After all Updates are done, if any drivers are missing find them on the Dell Support Downloads webpage for your exact model, not the drivers CD.

You may need to put the wireless or ethernet driver on a stick or CD to get online to do these updates if Win7 doesn't start up detecting your network in the bottom-right System tray.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello mate, I hope Greg and I didn't scare you off with information overload, if you need help sorting something out be sure to post back here, we almost had you sorted.