How can I get Windows XP installation DVD?

Wow. Thanks a lot Alexandra_P!

I searched the Dell website for what seemed 45 minutes or so looking for something like this.

I filled out the form for the disks and it appeared to submit smoothly.

Wish I had seen the -F11 restore option before wiping out the hard drive with UBUNTU.

Thanks again!

If you're in the US (and I believe it works for Canada too), use the link below to request replacements; elsewhere you'll have to call Dell and request them:

Dell backup cds

Hey Dude!!

                    The form which you have filled won't get you XP CD. You may get a Resource CD though. You might have not received the CD's since couple of years back Dell had stopped sending CDs to all of his Customers as an initiative towards the Media Reduction program.

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/chat/hardware_chat?c=us&l=en&s=gen

Use this link to chat with Technical Chat, and keep your Service Tag handy. Ask for the XP CD, and Dell tech support will send CD for free at your current shipping address. I hope you have have brought your system before 04/28/2004 as they have got Life time support other than replacing parts. Feel free to ask anymore questions you have.

Sukhdeep.

Wow. Thanks a lot Alexandra_P! I searched the Dell website for what seemed 45 minutes or so looking for something like this. I filled out the form for the disks and it appeared to submit smoothly. Wish I had seen the -F11 restore option before wiping out the hard drive with UBUNTU. Thanks again!

Hello,

When you get your install DVD, you will need to copy the required install list that I will add below and follow it for a correct install.

Note: Some devices may not function properly if the drivers are installed out of order.

Install your version of Windows.

Install the following software and drivers in the order listed below.

***** 1.***** Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) - A vital utility that provides critical updates and patches for the operating system. If you are reinstalling the operating system or updating all the computer’s drivers, it is imperative that this software be installed first.
This is located under the System and Configuration Utilities Category on the Drivers and Downloads page. The DSS or NSS may not be required for some systems that shipped with Windows Vista installed. If your download page has a DSS or NSS file, "It is required".
2. Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers. This is located under the Chipset Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
3. Video Adapter - Enhances video performance. This is located under the Video Adapter Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
4. Network Interface Card (NIC) - Enhances the network controller for Internet or network access. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
5. Audio Adapter - Enables and enhances the audio controller. This is located under the Audio Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
6. Modem - Allows dialup capability. This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
7. Wireless Network Card - Enables and enhances the wireless network controller. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
8. Touchpad, Pointer, Trackstick, Mice, and Keyboards - Enhances the pointing device features. This is located under the Mouse & Keyboards Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
9. Other Devices
* Bluetooth Module
This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
* Dell Wireless Mobile Broadband Cards
This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
* PCMCIA/Smartcard controller
This is located under the Security Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

Dell drivers and downloads page http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/. Input your service tag number to get the required drivers for your system, 'as shipped'.

NOTE: If your system download page offers a DSS or NSS file in the 'System and Configuration Utilities' Category. And you have already tried to install some drivers, you will need to reboot in Safe Mode to install the DSS or NSS file, and the chipset. Then reboot the system and install the rest of the drivers in the correct order.

Hoi All, Im under the impression that if your system ships with XP, then you can only get XP, and not another operating system.

The Media Reduction was an attempt to save money by not included the Dell reinstallation media unless the customer specifically requested it, but instead including the reinstallation/recovery partition (Image Restore aka PC Restore).  While in theory it was a good idea (customers didn't need disks, they just press CTRL+F11 and they're done), in practice it ended up causing problems for our customers, and we still ended up sending out the reinstallation disks (hard drive failures, partition failures, etc).  We stopped the Media Reduction a few years ago (Sept '04, IIRC) although we kept the Image Restore option due to its usefulness and customers can request the system without the disks, though that option is mainly for businesses ordering lots of computers at once (you might be ordering 50 computers, but you only really need at most 5 or 10 sets of recovery disks since they are all the same).

The form which you have filled won't get you XP CD. You may get a Resource CD though. You might have not received the CD's since couple of years back Dell had stopped sending CDs to all of his Customers as an initiative towards the Media Reduction program.

That's the first I've heard of any "Media Reduction Program"? 

And to further question what you've said there, I know of forum members who've recently been sent replacement discs, after filling in that request form :emotion-55:

If they no longer sent out backup CD's/DVD's... especially if they stopped doing so a couple of years ago (as you're suggesting they did), I'm quite sure that 'request backup discs' page would've been taken down a long time ago too?

And if they'd stopped sending replacement discs, speaking to tech support rep' via the online chat system wouldn't help?

They've either stopped it, or they haven't?  I'm betting it's the latter :emotion-55:

Contact Dell chat support once. You will get the XP CD, the Drivers has to be downloaded from www.support.dell.com

I beleive you have installed Ubunto so Dell PC Restore will not work. It's not in the hidded partition anymore. I will give you the complete instructions to install the XP.

Sukhdeep

Larry:  I know this thread is not specifically about Desktop System Software (DSS), but I figured from your response you might be able to help me out.  I was communicating with Darrell (Thereal-dbk4297) last night about upgrading the HDD on my Dell 4550, and the sequence of re-loading software, etc.  He said I had to make sure I installed the DSS right after installing the OS software (XP) and before installing any other drivers, but I cannot find any DSS on the Dell Downloads page for my unit (P4, 2.53 GHz/533 fsb).  Any help on where I might find the appropriate DSS, or is it possible that my system does not require it?  (p.s. I'm contacting you right now 'cause I saw this thread, and I figured Darrell, being on the left coast, probably won't be up and running for a little while).

In any event, thanks for your help and Happy New Year.

pennstatejeff

Sorry, I'm not Larry or Thereal-dbk4297, but the answer to your question is that if your computer has DSS you will find it in System Utilities on the download page.  If it isn't there, your computer does not require it.

Jack has it correctly.  If your system has a Desktop System Software then it would be listed in the downloads section.  Checking the docs, I don't see it as being needed for the Dim4550 running XP.