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    Computer noob needing a little guidance.

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Coltonhursey, Sep 14, 2011.

  1. Coltonhursey

    Coltonhursey Newbie

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    So, I need some guidance.
    Have never went this far with a computer.
    Computer is a Dell inspiron 1440 with windows 7 premium.
    It shut off one day, then would not boot up, would get to the windows logo, and blue screen. No problem, I run the system diagnostics, and get error codes that all point to a faulty hard drive.
    So, I have a brand new hdd. Laptop recognizes it, and tells me specs of it.
    My question, do I have to buy a new windows 7?
    I am electrically inclined, I can trouble shoot, and learn quickly, just haven't ever messed with computers much, so I'm pretty clueless.
     
    Coltonhursey, Sep 14, 2011
    #1
  2. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    You do not have to buy a new copy of Windows 7. If your Dell did not come with the re-install media, you can use anybody's 7 HP disk and activate it using the key on your CoA.
     
    Commander Wolf, Sep 14, 2011
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  3. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    Ya as Commander_Wolf stated, you can use a vanilla Windows 7 disc and activate the COA on the bottom of the machine (or under the battery). You can legitimately download the .iso files from Microsoft and mount them onto a DVD.

    Worst case, you can also order the discs from Dell and the driver software.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Sep 14, 2011
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  4. Coltonhursey

    Coltonhursey Newbie

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    Okay, that sounds simple enough.
    I have access to another computer and blank DVDs.
    But one more thing, I have never installed an OS before. Do I just pop the disk in and change the DVD drive to the first on the boot menu?
     
    Coltonhursey, Sep 15, 2011
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  5. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    Yes, it should format the drive to NTFS and it will continue with the installation.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Sep 15, 2011
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  6. howrey

    howrey Newbie

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    u just need another copy of winodows 7 on a dvd....and install it by popping in the dvd and restarting the laptop....do a express/typical install and register your copy with your key.
     
    howrey, Sep 17, 2011
    #6