I should add, I did try the "Dell OS Recovery Tool" using another computer, but it does not recognize my service tag #.  I tried using another service tag for another Dell computer I have and it worked fine.  I'm imaging if I try and install the OS for another computer on my system that has crashed I will run into problems.  : S

Any advice is appreciated.

Edit your post to remove the tag. That is not allowed on this user to user forum.

To reinstall windows download the Create Media tool to make a boot disk to reinstall windows. 

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

Hi -

Thank you, were will I find the product key?.

This was too easy when windows came on a CD/DVD in the past.

Tag removed.

Best.

Found it on the top of the computer on a sticker.

Not there yet.  Any ideas on the following?

Thought I had Windows 8 on the system, but as it turns out it was Windows 7.

I tried downloading the Windows 7 image from here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

but get the following error message when I attempt to verify the product key.

Error

The product key you entered appears to be for software pre-installed by the device manufacturer. Please contact the device manufacturer for software recovery options.

Lets' try this:

1. What Dell model do you have?

2. What version of Windows is the CoA sticker for?

1. Vostro 260

2. "Windows 7 Pro OA"

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@Dell Doug wrote:

1. Vostro 260

2. "Windows 7 Pro OA"

---

.

You can see if there is a downloadable ISO for you at https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln299044/how-to-download-and-use-the-dell-os-recovery-image-in-microsoft-windows?lang=en

If there isn't, your only other option is to purchase a Dell Windows 7 DVD on eBay.

Good luck. .

Tried that already.

Error:

"No OS images defined for the product."

This is so stupid.  It shouldn't be this hard to simply reinstall an O/S.  Used to do this in no time with a Windows XP cd.  Sigh....

It would have been easy to make the backup DVD.

Woulda, coulda, shoulda.

Hindsight does not help here.

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@Dell Doug wrote:

Woulda, coulda, shoulda.

Hindsight does not help here.

---

.

With my two Optiplexes, Dell practically begged me to create the backup DVD and backup USB when I turned the PCs on for the very first time and thereafter.

Your only option is to buy a Windows 10 license or find Windows 7 on eBay. .

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@Dell Doug wrote:

Woulda, coulda, shoulda.

Hindsight does not help here.

---

Agreed.

But poor-planning, inadequate preparation for disasters, and generally treating valuable accessories (like Windows DVDs) as meaningless junk ... can often leave you in a hole that is difficult and/or expensive to dig your way out of. :Smile:

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@nyc10036 wrote:

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With my two Optiplexes, Dell practically begged me to create the backup DVD and backup USB when I turned the PCs on for the very first time and thereafter.

 

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Same here.

Going a bit further back ... they also used to send the OS DVDs:
- By default
- If you checked-marked the option-box while ordering
- If you called and asked nicely (usually for free)

I know I have all mine and then some. But that was a different time (before widely deployed broadband, s-t-r-e-a-m-ing, rampant hacks and bootlegging, and the demise of optical media). 

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@Dell Doug wrote:

1. Vostro 260

2. "Windows 7 Pro OA"

---

Since Vostro-260 is Intel-i3-based, not too old, and came with Windows-7 ...

I suggest you just install Windows-10 64bit. The installer is here. Use your old Windows-7 key.

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

more detailed

https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware-Desktops/M-2-NVMe-bootable-options/td-p/6073037