I need some serious help on reinstalling Vista.

H

hackneyed

New Member
Well, I must say that I'm not very smart when it comes to PC's. I know a few things, like installing some parts into a computer but I really do not understand a lot of the technical things behind it all. (And a lot of the terminology...)

I have been upgrading a Dell Inspiron 530s. I got a new case/PSU, a and a new graphics card for it. The only things that are originally from the Dell PC is the RAM and hard drive. I recently bought a Core 2 Quad 8400 and is going to buy a Gigabyte GA-EP43-UD3L motherboard to go along with the new processor.

The problem is that it seems that I must reinstall Vista for the new motherboard or I'll run into some problems due to the drastic changes in my system. I'm not sure if I'll be able to use this Windows Vista Reinstallation CD that came with the Dell to reinstall windows though.

Will I even be able to use this reinstallation disk for my new motherboard or will I have to purchase that expensive retail copy from Microsoft? Or is there even a way I can avoid having to reinstall the whole OS for the new motherboard?

Please help me out... If it's not enough information I'll be glad to try and give more.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    Core 2 Duo 6320 @ 1.86GHz
    Motherboard
    Foxconn G33m02 (Dell)
    Memory
    2GB (1x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD 4830
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    PSU
    Antec Earthwatts 500w
    Case
    Antec Sonata III

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Aleinware Area-51
    CPU
    core 2 extreme x9000 2.8 Ghz
    Memory
    4 Gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    (2) Nvidia 8800m GTX in Sli
    Sound Card
    Onboard RealTek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    42" JVC LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080p 32 bit
    Hard Drives
    (2) seagate 7200rpm in RAID 0
    (1) maxtor external 1 terabyte firewire
    Case
    laptop
    Keyboard
    a really spiffy backlit one that i can change color ;>)
    Mouse
    logitech Anywhere Mouse and built-in touchpad
    Internet Speed
    Cable
The price of this seems to be worse... Nor do I think I understand it. But I guess the Dell reinstallation CD won't work then?
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    Core 2 Duo 6320 @ 1.86GHz
    Motherboard
    Foxconn G33m02 (Dell)
    Memory
    2GB (1x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD 4830
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    PSU
    Antec Earthwatts 500w
    Case
    Antec Sonata III
i cant say for sure, but i doubt the dell cd will work.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Aleinware Area-51
    CPU
    core 2 extreme x9000 2.8 Ghz
    Memory
    4 Gig
    Graphics Card(s)
    (2) Nvidia 8800m GTX in Sli
    Sound Card
    Onboard RealTek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    42" JVC LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080p 32 bit
    Hard Drives
    (2) seagate 7200rpm in RAID 0
    (1) maxtor external 1 terabyte firewire
    Case
    laptop
    Keyboard
    a really spiffy backlit one that i can change color ;>)
    Mouse
    logitech Anywhere Mouse and built-in touchpad
    Internet Speed
    Cable
I have a Dell computer myself, and I actually think that there is a good chance it WILL work.

Dell PC's usually come with a true Windows Installation disc (although that might have changed since I bought my Dell 2 years ago), so they should work on any PC. The Dell discs are not for restoring the system to the original factory state, they are for reinstalling Windows. I think I is VERY likely that it will work.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 640m Notebook MXCO61
    CPU
    Intel Core Duo T2080 @ 1.73GHz
    Memory
    Dell Memory 2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel 945GM Graphics Accelerator
    Sound Card
    Dell High Def. Sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 14.1" High Res. UltraSharp Notebook Display
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    One Hard Drive
    120GB
    Keyboard
    Dell Inspiron 640m Stock
    Mouse
    Logitech V4500 Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    54MB/s
I do hope you are right that it would work. On an interesting note, I bought this Dell about 2-3 years ago too...

(I also must disappear from the forums for the next few hours, but please feel free to add anymore helpful information, I need all I can get)
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    Core 2 Duo 6320 @ 1.86GHz
    Motherboard
    Foxconn G33m02 (Dell)
    Memory
    2GB (1x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD 4830
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    PSU
    Antec Earthwatts 500w
    Case
    Antec Sonata III
I definitely think it will work. Dell is different to other PC manufacturers in this way; instead of giving "restore" discs, Dell gives the real deal (the Windows install disc).

Since you bought your Dell 2-3 years ago, I highly recommend you to just use the Dell install discs. They are included for a reason!

If you have any personal questions, then just PM me. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 640m Notebook MXCO61
    CPU
    Intel Core Duo T2080 @ 1.73GHz
    Memory
    Dell Memory 2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel 945GM Graphics Accelerator
    Sound Card
    Dell High Def. Sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 14.1" High Res. UltraSharp Notebook Display
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    One Hard Drive
    120GB
    Keyboard
    Dell Inspiron 640m Stock
    Mouse
    Logitech V4500 Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    54MB/s
Ojaser6 said:
I definitely think it will work. Dell is different to other PC manufacturers in this way; instead of giving "restore" discs, Dell gives the real deal (the Windows install disc).

Since you bought your Dell 2-3 years ago, I highly recommend you to just use the Dell install discs. They are included for a reason!

If you have any personal questions, then just PM me. :)
Click to expand...



I just got a dell laptop and it dont have install disks anymore and last time I checked, dell has a file flashed in the bios that it looks for to know its a dell pc. And if dont see it, u will need a cd key for it! But it dont hurt at all to give it a try! Let us know if it works or not!
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    i7 920
    Motherboard
    Asus P6T
    Memory
    12 gigs corsair (TR3X6G1333C9 x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Dual 285 GTX's
    Sound Card
    Sennihesir 350 headset.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual 24" dell
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    WD VelociRaptor 300GB

    Seagate baracuda 7200.12 1TB
    PSU
    Thermaltake 1200W ToughPower
    Case
    Antec P193
    Cooling
    Air(ATM)
    Keyboard
    Orginal G15
    Mouse
    G9
    Internet Speed
    Cable
krazyl said:
Ojaser6 said:
I definitely think it will work. Dell is different to other PC manufacturers in this way; instead of giving "restore" discs, Dell gives the real deal (the Windows install disc).

Since you bought your Dell 2-3 years ago, I highly recommend you to just use the Dell install discs. They are included for a reason!

If you have any personal questions, then just PM me. :)
Click to expand...



I just got a dell laptop and it dont have install disks anymore and last time I checked, dell has a file flashed in the bios that it looks for to know its a dell pc. And if dont see it, u will need a cd key for it! But it dont hurt at all to give it a try! Let us know if it works or not!
Click to expand...

Ahem...

Of course, yes, it is quite possible that Dells do not include proper install discs anymore.

But, at the time that hackneyed bought his/her Dell, a proper installation disc was always provided.

But even if the Dell installation disc does ask you for a CD key during installation, the obvious solution would be to use the key on the genuine Windows validation sticker.

Anyway, I hope that hackneyed's installation disc works! :D
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 640m Notebook MXCO61
    CPU
    Intel Core Duo T2080 @ 1.73GHz
    Memory
    Dell Memory 2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel 945GM Graphics Accelerator
    Sound Card
    Dell High Def. Sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 14.1" High Res. UltraSharp Notebook Display
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    One Hard Drive
    120GB
    Keyboard
    Dell Inspiron 640m Stock
    Mouse
    Logitech V4500 Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    54MB/s
I'm back...

Ojaser6 said:
Ahem...

Of course, yes, it is quite possible that Dells do not include proper install discs anymore.

But, at the time that hackneyed bought his/her Dell, a proper installation disc was always provided.

But even if the Dell installation disc does ask you for a CD key during installation, the obvious solution would be to use the key on the genuine Windows validation sticker.

Anyway, I hope that hackneyed's installation disc works! :D
Click to expand...

Interesting, though I am a bit worried. I did look over that disc and it says on front "Only use this DVD to reinstall this operating system on a Dell PC".

I also don't think I'll be able to try this out for a little while now as I don't have the motherboard yet...
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    Core 2 Duo 6320 @ 1.86GHz
    Motherboard
    Foxconn G33m02 (Dell)
    Memory
    2GB (1x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD 4830
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    PSU
    Antec Earthwatts 500w
    Case
    Antec Sonata III
hackneyed said:
Will I even be able to use this reinstallation disk for my new motherboard or will I have to purchase that expensive retail copy from Microsoft? Or is there even a way I can avoid having to reinstall the whole OS for the new motherboard?

Please help me out... If it's not enough information I'll be glad to try and give more.
Click to expand...

in the event (worst case scenario) that you cannot use the disc that was provided with your pc from dell, and you do have to purchase windows, do not purchase a retail copy, rather purchase the oem version and save some money. you'll have to download any additional dell specific drivers from dell's website to gain all of your functionality.

vista home premium 64 bit (32 bit is same price) Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - Operating Systems
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Garage PC
    CPU
    Intel Pentium E3300 @ 2.5GHz
    Motherboard
    BioStar G41-M7
    Memory
    A-Data PC2-6400 (2 X 2GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Diamond Radeon HD 4650
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP Mx705 (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    1152x864
    Hard Drives
    320 GB Hitachi - System Drive /
    100 GB Maxtor - Diagnostic Application /
    PSU
    LOGISYS PS480E12 480W
    Case
    Generic Barebones Case
    Cooling
    Stock Intel HSF
    Keyboard
    Generic PS/2
    Mouse
    Logitech
    Internet Speed
    10 d / 1 u
I will be recieving my motherboard soon, I will see if I can try this tomorrow. I kinda doubt it now because I'm starting to hear about how dell makes it so the disk checks if the computer setup is dell. But I guess i'll just get the OEM version if it fails.
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    Core 2 Duo 6320 @ 1.86GHz
    Motherboard
    Foxconn G33m02 (Dell)
    Memory
    2GB (1x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD 4830
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    PSU
    Antec Earthwatts 500w
    Case
    Antec Sonata III
Once again, I believe the only reason it says "Only use this disc to reinstall the operating system on a Dell PC" is because there is a danger of activation failure if you don't. But what I mean by that is if you use that disc on a Dell, then you will not need to activate. But if you don't, then you will need to activate it.

I assume that your computer is still a Dell, hackneyed! :p

The reason I know this is because I have done an experiment on it. I have 2 Dell PCs, one is a desktop and one is a laptop. I used the Dell CD from the desktop to install Windows on the laptop, and it worked without a flaw. But I'm sure the same thing wouldn't have happened if I bought an HP laptop...

EDIT: mpcrsc562 is right. In the worst case scenario (although I highly doubt it will happen), you should buy an OEM disc. They cost a lot less.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 640m Notebook MXCO61
    CPU
    Intel Core Duo T2080 @ 1.73GHz
    Memory
    Dell Memory 2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel 945GM Graphics Accelerator
    Sound Card
    Dell High Def. Sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 14.1" High Res. UltraSharp Notebook Display
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    One Hard Drive
    120GB
    Keyboard
    Dell Inspiron 640m Stock
    Mouse
    Logitech V4500 Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    54MB/s
Oh, no... I said I was getting a new motherboard. It's not a dell motherboard, that's the thing.

I guess I'll have to purchase the OEM disc...
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    Core 2 Duo 6320 @ 1.86GHz
    Motherboard
    Foxconn G33m02 (Dell)
    Memory
    2GB (1x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD 4830
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    PSU
    Antec Earthwatts 500w
    Case
    Antec Sonata III
hackneyed said:
Oh, no... I said I was getting a new motherboard. It's not a dell motherboard, that's the thing.

I guess I'll have to purchase the OEM disc...
Click to expand...

Ohhhh... Right... Sorry... :o

But you should still try the Dell disc first. I assume that you still have the Serial Key sticker on your PC, right? Then you can use that key while activation Windows. Other than that, I am sure you will have no problems.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 640m Notebook MXCO61
    CPU
    Intel Core Duo T2080 @ 1.73GHz
    Memory
    Dell Memory 2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel 945GM Graphics Accelerator
    Sound Card
    Dell High Def. Sound
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 14.1" High Res. UltraSharp Notebook Display
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    One Hard Drive
    120GB
    Keyboard
    Dell Inspiron 640m Stock
    Mouse
    Logitech V4500 Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    54MB/s
I don't believe that will work. Dell doctor the install dvd's they supply to only function on Dell machines. You will get a HAL error.

I suggest downloading the free Windows 7100 rc and free product key from here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/download.aspx

Install that instaed - it is good till march next year. By that time , you may decide to get Windows 7 OEM ( system builder license), or the price of Vista may have dropped.

I recommend everyone download it - even if they are going to continue to use Vista.

It is worth the large download as the system recovery options on the 7 dvd are excellent at repairing Vista - better than the Vista's own recovery options.

To use the system recovery options , get the same bit version as you already have installed.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Vista
    CPU
    Intel E8400
    Motherboard
    ASRock1333-GLAN R2.0
    Memory
    4gb DDR2 800
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia 9500GT 1gb
  • Operating System
    win7/vista
    CPU
    intel i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    ballistix 2x8gb 3200
Hi, again...

SIW2 said:
I don't believe that will work. Dell doctor the install dvd's they supply to only function on Dell machines. You will get a HAL error.

I suggest downloading the free Windows 7100 rc and free product key from here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/download.aspx

Install that instaed - it is good till march next year. By that time , you may decide to get Windows 7 OEM ( system builder license), or the price of Vista may have dropped.

I recommend everyone download it - even if they are going to continue to use Vista.

It is worth the large download as the system recovery options on the 7 dvd are excellent at repairing Vista - better than the Vista's own recovery options.

To use the system recovery options , get the same bit version as you already have installed.
Click to expand...


This is actually kinda perfect. I would love to try this, but the problem is that the blank discs I have only carry about 700mb :(
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    Core 2 Duo 6320 @ 1.86GHz
    Motherboard
    Foxconn G33m02 (Dell)
    Memory
    2GB (1x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD 4830
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    PSU
    Antec Earthwatts 500w
    Case
    Antec Sonata III
Dell CDs are designed to work with Dell computers only, it will be looking for DMI codes to identify that the system is indeed a Dell unit.
Once the system board is replaced, you would have to buy a new OS. Although you can still download a release candidate of Windows 7 at Windows 7 Release Candidate until August 20 2009. This version will work on your computer until June 2010. By then you probably have decided which way to go in connection with your upgraded PC
 

My Computer

System One

I should download it pretty quickly:

Downloads will be available until August 20, 2009. After that, you can still install the RC and you can get a product key if you need one.
Click to expand...
You can always burn it to dvd later.

Or use a usb key drive http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html



Dell CDs are designed to work with Dell computers only, it will be looking for DMI codes to identify that the system is indeed a Dell unit.
Once the system board is replaced, you would have to buy a new OS. Although you can still download a release candidate of Windows 7 at Windows 7 Release Candidate until August 20 2009. This version will work on your computer until June 2010. By then you probably have decided which way to go in connection with your upgraded PC
Click to expand...
?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Vista
    CPU
    Intel E8400
    Motherboard
    ASRock1333-GLAN R2.0
    Memory
    4gb DDR2 800
    Graphics Card(s)
    nvidia 9500GT 1gb
  • Operating System
    win7/vista
    CPU
    intel i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    ballistix 2x8gb 3200
Hi, sorry for disappearing for like two days, but I was rather busy.

I just installed my motherboard and CPU today. The Vista installation disk from Dell seemed to have worked fine, shockingly enough. (I tried a repair install) Everything appears to be stable, I still have all my data, and even some of my games work fine.

However, I do have two problems. I notice that when I go under my control panel > system and mainteance > system, on the bottom I see "3 Day(s) until automatic activation. Activate Windows now". Clicking on it doesn't help, it just says "The Windows Vista Home Preminum product key you typed in is invalid for activation". That strikes me as odd since I haven't typed anything in though.

It does say I can activate it using a product key, but I...guess I've lost it. Apparently, I can get the key off my computer case, but I don't have that anymore (I'm a bloody moron). I've even checked on the packaging hodling the installation disk, I see a long string of numbers underneath a barcode, but that can't be it, I tried that out of desperation anyawy, but I get an "unacceptable character" message when I try to type it in. I guess I may really have to buy a new installation disk :(

On another note, I opened up the task manager and noticed under performance, it only shows two of the four cores I have on my CPU (Intel Q8400). However, under the device manager, I do see 4 cores listed. I'm a bit confused here, and I'm not even sure if my computer is using all 4 cores...
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    Core 2 Duo 6320 @ 1.86GHz
    Motherboard
    Foxconn G33m02 (Dell)
    Memory
    2GB (1x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon HD 4830
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 900
    PSU
    Antec Earthwatts 500w
    Case
    Antec Sonata III
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