15 R4, 2018, How to format

Can do the reset in windows back to how you bought it, or download the OS ISO and install from there. Answer would be yes. You would have everything as if you just bought the laptop.

Keep in mind you can go to Dell Support, and enter the code for the machine, and get all the "Latest" drivers for your exact laptop, after you reinstall Windows.  It is a really nifty feature of Dell support.   

You can also download the latest version of Windows from the M$ site, or on the same page, it has button to detect and download/install all the Windows updates.  This is a fresh copy of the OS, not just a copy of what you might have. 

Before you start with the update, I strongly suggest that you create more than one "back up" of what you have.  I also suggest you do not use the Dell Tool for that, as it has features that can lead to failure just when you need it.    In my case the Dell Tool for backups, it created a back up with a lot of folders, and not the stuff in them.  It was an option I should have known to use, but was not clear when I started.  Interval backups, if you are already using that, can find unique and creative ways to fail.   Just my experience.  Use a Drive Clone tools, there are several free ones, and if one of the drives is a Seagate drive, you can use the free Seagate tool for cloning.   Actually that one is actually under the hood, "Acronis," which has a pay for version.  

Very carefully, look for all the Registration and Passwords you have and create a copy.  There is a free software called Belarc.  Belarc, when run while your older version of the OS is still running.    Although you might look closely at the M$ Office Activation, which might be different than the M$ Office Registration.   When I last bought "M$ Office,  Home and Student" version, I bought it directly from M$, as then I have the info, and M$ has a group which can remote my Alienware, and install it.   A bit late now.  But if you are buying a new computer, consider the advantages of buying Office directly from M$.  

On my Alienware, Windows Ten activation code is in the BIOS/EFI firmware, and I do not need to enter it.   A local computer store says as of now, they will only work on a computer if it comes with a DVD install of Windows that the user wants on the computer, and the '"Activation Code".

I am pretty sure that Belarc does not give the code to activate Windows ten, just a serial number.  Then you are not likely to need it.

Format is actually on the Windows install disc- or USB.   You must delete the previous format on the drive, to get it to reinstall again.   I had problems with the version of the Windows 10 USB that I created with the Media tool provided by M$. 

 You might need to set, in the BIOS/EFI to drives in your computer to AHCI, instead of the other.  

Usually, as I guess you know, one installs the OS to the SSD.  

The other poster is good.  Just I did not want to go through doing all the M$ updates, so I got the latest copy from M$ Windows Ten, (download in the search.)  And then get the latest Dell Drivers from the Dell site, it is automatic, and free. 

Let us hear your advice of your suggestions.

@purple397 

Yes but they are just for the drives, what about software, and it being the same Windows 10 (like home, professional etc...) that came with this laptop?

Can you link me to where I do this on the MS website?

I made a backup of the few personal files I have on this laptop already, I do not need drive cloning tools.

I have a CD and licence key for Office separate in a box.

@HellsDisciples 

If I download the ISO from Microsoft I doubt it will have all of the Alienware control centre stuff, and I am not going through the whole Dell website trying to individually find programs to then install a wrong version, forget one, or miss one I did not know I needed. Unless Dell provide one where I input my version number and it gives me everything included on the ISO, or something similar?

Then I need to make sure I can find the licence key before I format.

@U2CAMEB4ME 

I have already made a backup of my files and wrote down a list of software names with their serial keys.

What I am asking for is simple: I want to completely wipe everything and then reinstall Windows exactly the same way it was when I bought this Alienware from Dell.

I disagree with using that software, not just because people have had bad experiences with it but surely there will be reminiscent items left behind that will be backed up, meaning it will not be a clean reinstall?

Excuse my tone above :p.

@loisma 

You can download all the different apps but for me I like keeping things to a minimum. "Just whats needed"

You can make a W10 USB flash drive installer with the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.

Use a blank 8GB or 16GB flash drive. 

If your Laptop/Desktop is not working then use another Windows Laptop/Desktop

https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10

Here are the steps to create the W10 USB flash drive installer:

Plug in the blank USB flash drive:

CAUTION: Any content on the flash drive will be deleted.

Select Download tool now, and select Run.

If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.

On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next.

Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows 10.

Select which media you want to use:

USB flash drive.

After creating the USB plug it into the Laptop/Desktop that you want to install it on.

Boot from the USB and follow the directions/instructions.

If asked to enter a product key during the installation process, select "I don't have a product key" option.

After W10 installs, you can install the drivers and available software from your Laptop/Desktop support page.

If W10 was already installed then the COA is digitly signed and as soon as you go on-line it will automatically activate.

How to Install Dell Drivers in the Correct Order:

https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln148687/how-to-install-dell-drivers-in-the-correct-order?lang=en

Regards,

U2

@U2CAMEB4ME 

Thank you that was very helpful as it contains all software and drivers. Do I install everything shown?

P.S Where should I download the ISO from do you have a link? What about the Microsoft licence key?

@loisma 

See what you think of this.

Product support for Alienware 15 R4:

http://downloads.dell.com/published/pages/alienware-15-r4.html

Regards,

U2

@U2CAMEB4ME 

Could I use this recommended by Dell-Cares, I think it automatically detects missing drivers and installs them all in the correct order? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2EUR3VzZBI&linkId=76645808

@loisma 

"Auto Detect" Is good but has been known to have problems.

"Service Tag" If you are the original owner then you would know of any upgraded hardware.

Meaning if you upgraded the WiFi card, HDD/SSD or installed a WWAN those drivers may not be listed.

"Browse for a Product" You will get the full driver list!!!

Everything that was sold/tested on that model will be listed!!!

I think using the "Service Tag" and the "Order" to install drivers list is the best for most.

Best regards,

U2

U2 obviously knows a good bit about what he is talking about.  Just I had problems with the Microsoft media tool that I downloaded from the M$ site.  Might be something I did in choosing which drive to install too.   I have an M2 and a spinning drive.  

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

All it saves one is doing all the M$ downloads.  I think.  I don't think that the Windows Recovery partition comes with all that.  

I know from experience, that sometimes installing M$ Office can be difficult.  Don't feel shy about getting online to the M$ Office support folks.  Prove the Office you have is yours, and they will remote your computer, and get it working quite quickly. 

I do not recall all of this thread.  Usually there is a place in the BIOS/EFI in the MOBO where one can choose, (if the laptop has two drives) whether to use AHCI or RAID.   I have chosen AHCI.

Welcome to the Dell Community @purple397 

Do you have anything of importance on the HDD???

Can it be formatted and then disconnected???

Try to disconnect the HDD.

Then install W10 to the M.2 SSD. "AHCI set in the BIOS"

After the install and updates are complete connect the HDD.

Boot to Windows and set the HDD as "Default" storage.

Best regards,

U2