RAMDISK drive for boot cycle as C:

Hi Suavecito29,

You need to start by installing the operating system. Please use the link below to the OS installation guide, which will help you set up Windows on your new drive.

I could not find the instructions to install the OS from the cd/dvd. The message on the screen reads:

Your CD/DVD drive during this boot cycle is f:

A RAMDISK drive is available for this boot cycle as C:

It contains several Hard Drive setup tools. Please use these tools only under the direction of Dell Support Staff.

F:\>

What do I do next?

You said you have a Dell drivers disc. You cannot use this to install Windows.

Do you have a Windows disc to install from? If not, you'll need to prepare either a Windows setup disc or bootable USB flash drive from a downloaded ISO containing the install files. Instructions are provided in my link to either.

I do have a windows disk but I though I must install the Dell drivers before I install windows. After I installed the brand new HD I ran all diagnostics and every thing checked out ok but then I get the RAMDISK message I mentioned before an I can't get passed that. What am I missing here?

Hi Suavecito29,

Perhaps this is the first time you've installed a new hard and been faced with reinstalling Windows. It's really not that difficult. I recommend you click the link I've provided below for a very nice tutorial on how to install Windows.

Good luck!