Need to reinstall Windows...

[alig7]

My dell laptop is having problems functioning, and I was told that windows is corrupt. My laptop won't let me access almost anything, and I need to uninstall and reinstall windows. I do have the product key underneath my laptop, but I'm not sure how to do any of this. Any advice?

 

[alig7]

I really need help with this... I need my laptop for exams, which start tomorrow. Please, any advice would be great!

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello alig7, welcome to Seven Forums!



Here are the instructions to recover the PC to factory conditions, be advised that this will over-write all the data on the PC and it will not be recoverable if this process is successful; be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

   Information

Here are the recovery instructions from Dell.

1. Reboot, and press Ctrl + F11 at the Dell logo.
2. The Dell™ PC Restore by Symantec screen will come up.
3. Select "Restore" or use the Tab key to highlight it and press Enter.
4. if you wish to continue, click "Confirm", or use the Tab key to highlight it and press Enter.
5. When the utility is finished, click "Finish", or use the Tab key to highlight it and press Enter.

​

 

[gregrocker]

If you don't have Dell Recovery Disks or your Dell Factory Recovery won't run booting with Cntrl + F11, you can clean reinstall without the factory bloatware following these suggested steps: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/125874-re-install-windows-7-a.html#post1086729

 

[alig7]

I tried to F11, but it continued to load in the same way.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

I tried to F11, but it continued to load in the same way.

Are you holding the Control key at the same time, try it several times.

 

[alig7]

Yes, it doesn't have any effect. I am sorry if I'm slow at this, this is my first computer. I tried to follow the tutorials, but I don't have disc, and I wasn't sure how to follow the instructions without it.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Do you know anyone that has a Windows 7 installation disk you could borrow to do the installation with?

 

[alig7]

Possibly. We have used to have a copy but it may have been thrown out.

 

[alig7]

We don't have one on hand; Is there another way to reinstall windows without it?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Do you know anywhere you could download one from; forum rules here at Seven Forums preclude the posting of such links so we are not able help you with this.

 

[sagatr]

If you have genuine licence key sticker on your computer, then you can borrow a windows cd from a friend or family. The CD should accept your licence key. The other option is to google it.

If you do not have the licence key then dont bother as you will have to activate your installation.

If you need help on how to do fresh install then follow this guide : http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[simmo]

We don't have one on hand; Is there another way to reinstall windows without it?

No there isn't..you need the install disc..so first lesson is you never throw out the disc with your OS on it because you may need to do a reinstall for a number of reasons.

Seems to me you have 2 options..one is to go buy an OEM edition (cheapest option) and install windows..
or get in contact with dell and see if they will send you a copy of the recovery/repair disc which btw you should also never throw out.
or possibly a 3rd which may be to get a friend to download the disc from dell and burn it to a CD/DVD whichever is necessary...that is if it's something you can download from Dell's support.

 

[gregrocker]

You do not have to buy a new Win7 license to reinstall the OS you already own for the life of your Dell. Just order Recovery Disks from Dell.

I would find a Dell OEM for your version or any Win7 retail installer, unlock all versions if necessary to clean reinstall without the Dell factory bloatware, using the Product Key on the COA sticker. Here is how: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/125874-re-install-windows-7-a.html#post1086729

If you need to download the Dell OEM or Win7 retail installer for your version, be sure to choose one with good comments, no crack or pre-activation, then rightclick scan the ISO with your AV, and check the HASH to make sure nothing has been added or removed: Windows 7 RTM SHA-1 hash / checksums