thanks for the quick reply. i checked ebay - they sell Dell Repair/Recovery disks for 7.99.

Is that the same as an install disc?

If you have the Windows 7 install disc,

www.dell.com/.../how-to-use-a-restore-point--factory-reset--or-manually-install-windows-7-on-your-dell-computer

If you do not have a Windows 7 install disc, you can often find Dell recovery media for sale on EBay, etc.  Dell no longer supplies discs for Windows 7 systems.

If your PC is fairly new, you may be able to get Windows for free by using your Service Tag number.

It should be on the PC itself. And it will be in the BIOS.

http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln299044/how-to-create-and-use-the-dell-windows-recovery-image?lang=en

When I did it, I was able to download Windows 7 Pro SP1 64-bit for my E6230.

I have an Inspiron N5010 which i was planning to donate. For security reasons,  I used a software called DBAN to completely wipe the hard drive before donating. Now there is no operating  system. Of course now my wife says she can use it as a secondary pc at work. How do i reinstall windows 7. I understand it has to be the pre-installed version that came with Dell.

The Inspiron N5010 should have a Windows 7 COA hidden under the systems battery compartment. The product key should work with Windows 10...

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/windows-oem-faqs-and-downloads/#CleanInstall15063 

If you want to clean install Windows 7 instead you need to use OEM SLP which is applied automatically with Dell Windows 7 Reinstallation Media or can be manually applied with Microsoft Windows 7 Installation Media. More details here:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/windows-oem-faqs-and-downloads/#7601