I resently bought a Dimension 9150 and id like to format it and install Windows XP Pro that I bought before i got the computer. No drivers cds where included with the computer, will it still work without the drivers? That is are they included in windows? I see that there are also some Dell applikations preinstalled. I tried to look it up in the download center but there were no files to my service tag.
The computer was manufactured 22/8.
Thanks for any help.
Regards
Fredrik
Message Edited by Fredde1985 on 09-08-200609:14 AM
It can take 2 weeks for your service tag to appear online. Just use your model number to access info about your computer. Note that you will lose some of the preinstalled Dell programs when you reformat. If I were you, I'd contact Dell and get all the available program disks and your Windows XP cd, too, just in case things go wrong. I also would wait until I knew the computer did not need any support before changing the operating system. You should have a compelling reason to change to Pro. If you have Media Edition, it is really a vesion of Pro and can be tweaked to join a domain.
Before attempting the reinstallation, make sure that you go into Device Manager and figure out exactly which devices you have so that you can download the proper drivers for each of those devices. After reinstalling Windows, make sure that you install the chipset drivers first as they need to be present before you can install many of the other devices.
Ok. I got XP Home edition with the computer and I dont really know much about the difference to XP Pro. But I have it, so I thought it would be best to install it before I start to use the computer to much. It's kinda strange that a drivers cd doesnt come along. Last time I bought a Dell Computer there was a whole bunch of cds.
What do you mean by make sure it doesnt need support?
Is it possible to just install pro over the existing without loosing drivers and applications?
Dell has recently come up with something they call the "media reduction initiative" and no longer supplies the CDs unless specifically requested. On the online ordering system for most computer systems, they have an option to include the Windows Resinstallation CD and the Resource CD/Drivers & Utilities CD as a $10 option, but this is often overlooked, especially when most people just assume that the media comes with the computer. The regulars on these forums have voiced complaints for the last year or so over this policy, but it seems to fall on deaf ears at Dell. They will, however, supply the CDs if you use the chat feature or email or phone Dell Tech Support, and most people have reported success with getting the CDs if they are polite and explain why they need them (should be obvious if it ever become necessary to reinstall Windows).
I see. I also overlooked it, now I regret not reading more about it. I would have definatly added that to my order. Well I'm myself to blame.
I read somewhere that I could create that cd myself from a dell utility included with the computer, although I can't find it on mine. Otherwise that would be an excellent option against including media.
That's another thing that makes it confusing. For awhile, Dell shipped their computers with a utility that would create the Windows XP CD and their suppot site makes it sound like most computers shipped with that utility. Apparently the recent shipments don't, but they have never really stated what their policy is. Furthermore, if you purchase through different divisions (Home/Home Office, Small Business, Education, etc.) there are apparently different polices about whether or not the CDs are shipped or whether or not there is a recovery partition (not the same as a CD, as it does you no good if the hard drive crashes).
Yeah I guess doesnt got much to gain. Although pro just sounds more pro ;)
Still I went through the trouble of buying it so I still want to install it. :)
I have no idea what the cd or the utility costs Dell. But it seams to me like a good investment for their quality image and also less load on the support. I mean, if I come and take up the supports time it probobly costs more than if they just would have included a cd.
Mary G
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Posted September 8th, 2006 14:00