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Vostro 260, HDD failure, Windows 7
Hi Friends,
My seagate HD bit the bullet and I'm trying to get back up and running by installing a new HD, Windows then my software.
I found the tool that allows me to download an image, but it is assuming I have a working computer that I can launch the application with.
Is there anywhere I can download a copy of Windows that came preinstalled on my Vostro using another computer, cut it to CD and then reload my new HD from there?
Thank you.
Dell Doug
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October 14th, 2018 07:00
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.
Mary G
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October 14th, 2018 09:00
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
Dell Doug
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October 14th, 2018 11:00
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.
Dell Doug
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October 14th, 2018 12:00
Found it on the top of the computer on a sticker.
Dell Doug
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October 14th, 2018 13:00
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.
Tesla1856
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October 14th, 2018 14:00
Lets' try this:
1. What Dell model do you have?
2. What version of Windows is the CoA sticker for?
Dell Doug
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October 14th, 2018 15:00
1. Vostro 260
2. "Windows 7 Pro OA"
nyc10036
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October 14th, 2018 16:00
.
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. .
Dell Doug
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October 14th, 2018 17:00
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....
nyc10036
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October 14th, 2018 17:00
It would have been easy to make the backup DVD.
Dell Doug
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October 15th, 2018 06:00
Woulda, coulda, shoulda.
Hindsight does not help here.
nyc10036
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October 15th, 2018 08:00
.
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. .
Tesla1856
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October 15th, 2018 11:00
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:
Tesla1856
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October 15th, 2018 11:00
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).
Tesla1856
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October 15th, 2018 14:00
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