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    Couple of questions...

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by TheGriffin, Aug 8, 2006.

  1. TheGriffin

    TheGriffin Notebook Consultant

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    So, as I stated in another thread, I already ordered my Dell 6400/E1505.

    But...as I wait for my little toy to arrive, I keep thinking of how I am going to first play around with it.

    I ordered the Windows XP Home Edition re-install CD for future use but I want to know, does it include all the garbage that Dell installs with their brand new systems? I just want a plain XP installation without ANYTHING from Dell.

    Also, I heard people still get a Norton Ghost image on their HD even if they order the OS CD, so is it safe to completely remove the Ghost partition?

    :eek:
     
    TheGriffin, Aug 8, 2006
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  2. incandenza

    incandenza Notebook Enthusiast

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    The XP install CD, although Dell-branded, is just an XP install CD. It won't install anything other than XP.

    It's safe to remove all of the partitions except the (small, ~50 meg) Diagnostics partition (assuming you care about being able to run the diagnostics and Media Direct).
     
    incandenza, Aug 8, 2006
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  3. TheGriffin

    TheGriffin Notebook Consultant

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    I heard MediaDirect is sort of hidden? So I guess I won't be doing anything wrong to it if I removed the "D:" partition and re-installed Windows?
     
    TheGriffin, Aug 8, 2006
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  4. incandenza

    incandenza Notebook Enthusiast

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    Right. It's not normally possible to remove the MediaDirect partition because it's in a hidden part of the drive called the HPA (Host Protected Area). You won't even be able to see it unless you use special tools.

    Just don't remove the Diagnostics partition, because it relies on that also as part of the boot process.
     
    incandenza, Aug 8, 2006
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