1705 - OS CD Questions

Folks,

I just ordered by first laptop - a 1705 with XP Media Center Edition (MCE) 2005 as the OS.

When I ordered it, I did not have the option to get the MCE OS CD for $10. I was given the option instead to get the CD, but also the TV stuff for something like $100. Not needing or wanting the TV stuff, I just went for the basic OS.

My question is if the $10 MCE CD is just the OS, or does it come with all of the bloat ware stuff?

I am wondering if I should call in and go through the hassle of trying to get them to send me the OS CD.

If the OS CD comes with all of the bloat crap, then for me, there is really no difference between this and the image restore.

Thanks ...

 

The XP disc is a OEM disc, so it will contain no junkware and drivers. Please be sure to read the format sticky before formatting as it contains some important details.

 

Perfect ... many thanks ... wish me luck as I try to get Dell to send me the CD.

Thanks again ...

 

I recently ordered through the Dell EPP site which has no option for the disc. But, the non EPP Dell site states in small print on the OS option that the re-install disc is automatically included so I assumed that would go for EPP purchasers as well. Let us know what you found out.

 

I just got my e1505 today that I ordered through the EPP site. It didn't have a seperate option to order the backup discs but they were included in the box. Also, I opted for the free 3-5 day shipping and they sent it fedex overnight. I ordered it on 10/28 and received it today. That was a nice surprise!

 

Thanks Jetcity. I just checked my order detail page and it shows:

- Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, English without Media, for Inspiron

-Backup media for XP Media Center,Inspiron


So it looks like it does come included right now. Hope a trend Dell continues.

 

I don't think I was supposed to get the OS CD with my E1505, just a "restore" partition, but I got the XP MCE DVD with my laptop.

Good thing, the laptop needed formatting within 2 hours. Out of the box Dells run horribly with all the bloatware. Mine is running fantastic after a clean install.

My RAM usage alone dropped from 480MB to 240MB.

 

Wow - here's to hoping I get upgraded to overnight too!

Just to clarify however, when you say, backup discs, is that just an image of what is on the hardware (including all of the bloat) or is it a normal copy of MCE XP?

What I ended up doing was calling Dell. I notice now that my order details also show the above. So I therefore am hoping that it includes the MCE CDs as after I have played with the laptop for a week, I am sure I am going to want to put a clean install on it. The Dell folks stated that if I do not get the CDs that I can use the case number that I was given detailing that I wanted the CDs and that I could call back in at that time and they would be sent to me.

 

I'll bet you don't make it a week with the factory OS install.

My XP MCE DVD was Dell branded, but, was essentially full MCE with no bloatware.

Def read the format thread, a lot of good information in there. I had 4 partitions out of the box. Now I still have 4 partitions. 2 dedicated to Media Direct, 1 that is 145GB, and 1 that is kind stuck out there at 5GB - I named it "Exile." lol I could not easily combine the 145GB and the 5GB partitions.

 

It may take me a week to get it out of the hands of my wife however Wish me luck ...

 

red red wine... makes me feel fine...

 

Ok folks, I finally recieved my laptop! (My signature used to have "Soon to have")

I have recieved two CDs. One is labeled: Operating System. It is reddish orange in color. It also states that is is already installed and that it is the reinstallation DVD for XP media center. The other CD is labelled: Drivers and Utilities.

My question is for the first CD, the XP CD. Is this the full operating system, or is it an image of what is on my PC now? I was expecting the XP OS CD to look like a CD from Microsoft.

Please confirm.

Thanks ...

 

It is the full operating system.

It works just like the Windows XP cds did, you get the partition and format screen and all that. Be sure to note the 2 Media Direct partitions and don't kill them. That 4th partition is a restore partition you can kill that one since you have the DVD and will want to use it going forward, but it will basically leave a 4-5GB partition on the end of your drive. I wiped it and put a few games on it. It is official M$ software, it's just specific to Dell. I don't think you could install it on some desktop you have laying around the house for instance.

Just note, towards the end of the install it will go all weird, and start flashing a bright red screen and will warn you not to press any keys. I guess it's normal, it was installing some Media Center stuff. Lasted almost 15 minutes for me.

On the drivers, I skip that CD. It's nice to have, but I think it installs something like a package manager or something and I dunno, I just download the drivers I needed from Dell supprt website before I wipe the OS.

Nice laptop. To be honest. I'm not sure I shouldn't have gone with that configuration, but I like my E1505 so far.