Original Question: Windows Reinstallation Guide and Related Software Guides by natakuc4

Note: Please vote on the IdeaStorm Ideas listed below so Dell will follow my and others suggestions to improve their software services.

Windows XP, Vista, 7, (Upgrading to 8) Reinstallation Guide (Last Update: 02/02/2013)

• Adobe .pdf Link (SkyDrive)

• Adobe .pdf Link (WordPress)

• Word .docx Link (SkyDrive)

If .pdf internal hyperlinks don't work ensure you are opening the .pdf in Adobe Reader or PDF XChange Viewer or Foxit Reader opposed to within the web browser. If the SkyDrive link don't work use the WordPress link.

Windows Reinstallation Guide and Related Software Guide Contents:

1. A Clean Install of Windows.

Upgrading to Windows 8.

A Clean Install of Windows 7.

A Clean Install of Windows Vista.

A Clean Install of Windows XP.

A Clean Install of Windows XP from USB.

2. Microsoft Windows and Office Information and Downloads.

Requesting a Windows Reinstallation DVD.

Windows 8 Information and Offers.

Windows 7 Information and Downloads.

Microsoft Windows 7 Official .iso Download Links (Digital River).

Convert your Windows 7 Reinstallation DVD to a Bootable USB.

Windows Vista Information and Downloads.

Microsoft Windows Vista Official Setup Files Download Links (Digital River)

Convert your Windows Vista Reinstallation DVD to a Bootable USB.

Windows XP Information.

nLite: Update your Windows XP Reinstallation CD.

Microsoft Office and Microsoft Works.

Microsoft Office 2013 (Customer Preview)

Microsoft Office 2010.

Microsoft Office 2007.

Microsoft Works.

Microsoft Software [Other].

Microsoft Security Essentials.

Microsoft Windows Live.

Additional Recommended Software.

Security.

Productivity Software.

Remote Connection & Virtual Machines.

Utilities/Maintainance.

Music and Video.

3. Dell Downloads.

Registering with My Dell Downloads.

4. BIOS Screen Sketches.

Boot Sequence.

Disable Card Reader [Variant A].

Disable Card Reader [Variant B].

Disable Flash Cache Module.

Disable Secure Boot.

Disable Secure Boot and UEFI.

Disable USB 3.0 Functionality to Install Windows froma USB Flash Drive.

SATA Operation [Variant A].

SATA Operation [Variant B].

System information [Variant A].

System Information [Variant B].

5. Recommended Upgrades for Your Dell Before A Clean Installation.

6. Diagnosing Windows StartUp Problems.

Last Good Known Configuration [Windows Vista/Windows 7]

Startup Repair [Windows Vista/Windows 7]

Last Known Good Configuration [Windows XP]

Startup Repair [Windows XP]

Running Dell Diagnostics

Data Recovery of the Hard Drive Using Fedora

7. Diagnosing Internet Explorer Problems.

8. Dell Factory Settings – Windows Vista/Windows 7

Making a Recovery USB Stick with Dell DataSafe

Recovering from Your Internal Factory Partition

Recovering from your Recovery USB

Useful Videos

9. Unofficial Driver Sets for Selected Dell Systems.

Windows 8

Windows 7

Installing a Driver in Compatability Mode

Installing a Driver in the Device Manager in Windows Vista, 7 and 8

Uninstalling a Driver in the Device Manager in Windows Vista, 7 and 8

10. Repartitioning your Hard Drive once Windows is Installed with EaseUs partition Manager.

11. Checking your Original System Configuration.

12. Sofware Maintenance

CCleaner - Cleaner and Registry Cleaner

Defraggler - Defragging your hard Drive

Malwarebytes' AntiMaware - Scanning your Ssystem for Malware and Potentially Unwanted Programs

13. Hardware Maintenance

Cleaning out the Vents

Selecting a Laptop Cooling Pad

 

IdeaStorm Ideas:

Reinstallation Media

• Windows 8 OEM .iso Download Link

• Windows XP, Vista, 7 OEM .iso Download Link

• Request Reinstallation DVD form [Rest of the World]

Windows 7 Availability

• Sell systems with a Windows 8 Professional  license and Downgrade Rights to Windows 7 Professional Preinstalled with the ability to have both media

Supported Systems for Windows 8

• Increase Windows 8 BIOS Updates/Driver Availability on XPS/Alienware Systems

Windows 8 Start Menu

• Dell8 - Work Again with StarDock to Give Windows 8 a Proper Start Menu

Drivers and Downloads Improvements

• Driver ID Database for all Dell Drivers and Operating Systems

• Drivers and Downloads Page: Suggested Upgrades

• More of the "Dell FTP"/"Drivers and Downloads" and less of "My Dell Downloads"

• Digita Persona - Windows 8 Driver available from Drivers and Downloads

• Dell Touchpad Windows 8 Gesture Universal Driver

• Dell Wireless/Broadcom Universal Driver

• One Dell Quickset for All Dell Systems

System Configuration

• Less Cryptic Information under System Configuration

• Dell System Configuration Listing Not Helpful

Additional Dell Drivers and Software:

• Unofficial Driver Sets (Windows 7/Windows 8)

• Unofficial Driver Request/Help with Drivers and Downloads thread

• Dell Preinstalled Software Support for Windows 8

• Dell Webcam Doesn't Work after Upgrading to Windows 8

• Dell Wireless/Bluetooth Card Windows 8

• My Dell Downloads 

Windows 8 vs Windows 7?

Out of curiousity, if you have time can you fill in this poll:

• Windows 8 vs Windows 7

I am wondering whether users like the new user interface of Windows 8 or prefer that of Windows 7.

Requesting a Dell Windows Reinstallation DVD

To make Requesting a Reinstallation DVD easier and to get more information see and vote on:

• Requesting a Windows 8 Reinstallation DVD or Windows 7 Reinstallation DVD [Downgrade Rights] Poll

Note if you want Windows 7 on a new Dell machine, you must purchase it with Windows 8 Professional in order to have downgrade rights to Windows 7 Professional.

Windows 8 Product Activation

• Windows 8 No more OEM Keys that are the same for All Units. OEM Activation 3.0

 

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RockSt☆r-Rick K Wikies

Compatibility Mode

Networking, Internet and Wireless

Reading the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

Uninstall Dell Support Centre

Windows Updates Fail to Install

Bypassing the Dell Download Manager

SpeedStep Wikies

Beep Codes and PSA Diagnostic Chart

jimco Wikies

1. "No Audio" FAQ -- if you have no sound from both the speakers and the headphone jack.

2. Headphone Jack FAQ -- if you have sound through the headphone jack but not the speakers.

3. Audio Driver FAQ -- information about audio drivers.

4. Choppy/Skipping Audio Workarounds -- tips from owners on dealing with audio glitching.

5. Dell Diagnostic Audio Tests -- when you need to know if a problem is in the hardware or the software.

6. HDMI Audio FAQ -- when you want to send audio through an HDMI cable to a TV.

7. Input Monitoring FAQ -- when you want to hear whatever is plugged into the mic/line-in jack.

8. How to Insert a Screen Shot into a Post -- to include an image in your post.

9. Inspiron 700 & 710 Speaker Wires Can Break  -- causing loss of audio through speakers but headphones still work