Clean install

I got my m14x today and decided to clean install Windows 7 because i didn't want Dell's apps, being careless as I am I forgot to backup the Alienware apps and what not. After the clean install I am having troubles with my internet connection it said it can't find the network adapter so I went to the Bigfoot network manager and it said Network device is disabled
anyone know how to enable it?
or
get the m14x back into factory state. (I tried to use the resource CD and at the point when it tells you to press 1 to reset and q to quit it won't let me do anything and have to reboot the hole system
I'm really not a tech savvy and I might of screwed my clean install of Windows 7 because I might of installed the OS into a different drive instead of replacing the one so when i go into windows boot manager it has 2 Windows 7 :C
This is all the info I can give atm.

 

what adaptor do you need the drivers for? ethernet or wifi?

 

Wifi for me but both would be great.
I am stupid I found the problem but another question how do i get rid of the other OS saved.

 

You can delete the partition it's on. If you just want to remove it from the boot menu then right-click on My Computer, then click the Advanced System Settings. Click the Advanced tab, and then Start-up and Recovery Settings. Select the OS installation you want it to boot and uncheck the Time to Display box.

There aren't any extraneous Dell apps to remove on the M14x. I think you kind of created a problem that didn't need to happen in the first place. Add/Remove Programs works just fine without needing to wipe the drive.

 

Have to agree on this one, the apps on the m14x are kept to a minimum. Even respawn............although when first starting off it pesters you to back up to dvd/usb. Once thats finished, it leaves you alone.

Not like the usual mcaffee / office trials of old. Actually might have shot yourself in the foot and created a lot of unnecessary work .

My original resource cd was rubbish, I had exactly the same issues when I used it to boot from for testing. No menu selections would work. Plus you are better off downloading all the latest drivers from the dell website rather than use the original drivers.

 

So with the 20gb default partition. Can we just delete it and have it show up as an extended drive to dump stuff in? If so how?

 

Anyone know is this is possible?

 

You can create new partitions using the MS Disk Management application or (for advanced users) using the Diskpart utility in an elevated Command Prompt.

I have my 320gb hdd set up with two partitions, C: (100gb) for OS, applications, and games. The remainder D: for data.

 

Thanks V_Chip!!!

 

No problem. Make sure you format the new partition via NTFS format.

Sometimes the unallocated space will refuse to create a new partition once you shrink your primary/boot partition.

I found using EASEUS partition master made everything "EASY".

In order for your changes/settings in EASEUS to be applied you must reboot.

Before doing anything in regards to partitions or HDD formatting make sure you have created a full backup and system image and repair disc. This way if anything goes awry you may return to your original configuration (pre-partitioning).

Best of luck.

 

I use GParted to partition my drives. It's an .iso you burn and then boot your system off of. The partitioning utility in Windows can be cumbersome and kinda of worthless. Make sure you defrag your drive first (unless it's an SSD) and MAKE A BACKUP. Backup your data and make a system image too. You can completely smash your data when you partition and change the size of volumes...especially with something like GParted.

Typically, those 20GB "Recovery" partitions you see are only there fresh from the factory. I redid one of my systems earlier today with a fresh hard drive and the manufacturer's recovery disks (same deal, the kind you make when you first get the laptop) and they won't make that partition. That partition basically holds the same info/image as what you're making when you make those Recovery Disks. The difference is that if your drive dies (or you wipe/partition the whole thing) and you didn't make those Recovery Disks, you're SOL!

Personally, I make two sets of Recovery Media from when the system is "virgin" along with a single system image after I get my PC's up and running with essential applications and utilities I need. I keep one set of disks in my computer bag for when I travel and the other set + system image locked in a safe. Redundancy solves so many problems!

 

I find it easier to manage partitions and formatting by using the Diskpart utility in the Command Prompt.

You'r not necessarily SOL. You can obtain a retail iso from the leaked digital river links for Vista and Windows 7, and XP is on MS.com. Then you use your OEM product key on the bottom of your laptop to activate your version of Windows.

I was able to do a clean install of Windows 7 on a new hdd when my OEM one was corrupted. I now have an image of my configuration (full OS and all) on two hdds in case one goes awry. That way it only takes a couple of mins. to swap hdds and boot up, then I don't have to worry about handling my issues on a borrowed computer.

BACKUP BACKUP BACKUP. Make sure you have images, copies, whatever. You can always start from scratch, but it's nice to have all your info at hand.