Can I clean install Windows 7 from the re-installation DVD?

I'm not pleased with some of the bloatware the laptop shipped with, so I just wanted to make sure that I can clean install from the "Reinstallation DVD" my computer came with. The product key isn't on the disc but it does seem to be on a sticker on the bottom of the notebook. Am I safe in doing this? I've already backed up all my files...

 

Yes you can. If you're using the Dell Windows 7 DVD it won't even need a product key, and most of the drivers are available from support.dell.com.

 

Thanks for the response. Is there an any advantage to doing a clean install over simply just removing the bloatware from the Add/remove programs? In other words, since the computer shipped with Windows 7 (not an upgrade) should I just delete the unnecessary programs and skip reinstalling?

 

In my own experience, it doesn't matter how much stuff you remove, there will still be remnants of what was there, and some programs might actually stick around because they are installed as a service or a process that cannot be terminate by an uninstaller (rare but it happens).


It's just a lot easy and better knowing that the ONLY things on your computer is what you put on there, and not having to deal with what to remove or not to remove.

 

Well said. Final question: I really enjoy the "cool factor" of the FA Facial Recognition. However, I'm not finding it on dell's web site and don't have a disc to reinstall it. How would I go about getting it back on?

Thanks again for all the help everyone!

 

Here you go: I did it for Win 7/64 bit

Edit..that link I provided won't give you the correct & full features (so I removed it and added the below)...

This is what you need to do to get the Full Download & any other complete downloads you may need..

Go Here: My Dell Downloads

Register you Lappy there (part of Dell)..(it only work's via using IE)..sorry..but I think to get the complete Downloads, it may be worth it.

It will "scan" your system for the Service Tag, and give you all the DL's availi for you!



Cin...

 

Any one care to give a step by step on how to do a clean install of Windows 7 for those who may not know??

 

booboo12 Made a really nice guide you can check here:
(it's also "stickied" on the main Dell forum)

Dell System Recovery Guide

There is another thread..I'm looking for here in the XPS forum... I just did one several weeks ago.

Here is the other thread:
Clean Windows 7 Install on XPS16?

This post:


Cin...

 

Thanks Cin'! It's people like you that make this forum such a helpful destination.

 

Dear folks,

I formatted my Dell XPS 1645 laptop completely and tried to install Win 7 Prof 64 bit OS from the given original DVD, But I got error code 0x80070017 which means could not copy required files from the DVD disc.

When I create ISO image to ensure the condition of the disc it is created completely.

If I install 32 bit version of Win 7, the setup is completing successfully but I could not find drivers for all hardwares like Bluetooth and WiFi.

I consulted with Dell technicians, they said 64 bit must be installed from the original disc properly. Definitely installation will complete. Whatever they said was only in words, practically not possible. I dont have option without sending my laptop to Dell company. They simply write OS image from their server to our harddisk and cheat us.

What is this problem? Please someone guide me folks.

 

IF your disc from Dell is damaged or corrupt then call Dell and request a new copy as your original is not working.

I cant tell if you are using the Dell provided backup disc or a disc you made personally. If you are using a Disc you made personally then the copy is corrupt and you need to use the original disc that came with your laptop.

They are not "cheating" you in any way with the OS image they give you, you get an OEM version of the OS which is what they supply and have always supplied. If you want a "Full" version you have to buy one separately.

 

Thanks for your quote Enthu,

I bought Windows 7 Professional 64 bit with my laptop.

I'm sure that I have tried both discs, the original disc given by Dell and personally I made one.

Same error I'm facing when I install 64 bit OS, Conversly, there was no error while intalling 32 bit OS with the disc I prepared.

Dell doesnt provide 32 bit version OS, so I couldn't try.

Is it problem with laptop or ?

 

I was fighting with that error for so long. My suggestion is just to cancel the error message and don't reboot your computer. Thereafter, just reinstall like you did at first and it should work the second time around. It's a well known quirk about the windows 7 install. Hope it works out for you.

 

I requested a new disc from Dell, just waiting for it. And Koberulz, let me check your instruction dude.

Thanks.