RE-BOOT SOFTWARE

Question

Hi all,

My problem is a deceased hard drive. The laptop crashed and after diagnostics result it stated hard drive fault. I've lost everything which is bad enough but it's not straight forward to return to running state. I'm not a fan of making my own back up discs, there's nothing like an original which I think Dell should provide. I'm out of warranty and know I need to pay for a new hard drive but it kind of rubs salt into the wound if Dell want payment for something you've technically already paid for - reboot software. I thought I'd reluctantly made my own back up discs but they must be invisible as nowhere to be found, I've probably not made any due to above comment about originals. Anyway I could source a much cheaper hard drive going elsewhere than Dell but surely if I do buy from Dell at least they could pre-load the software that I've already paid for with original purchase. C'mon Dell, do the right thing. Thanks. JH.

Philip_Yip · Answer

Model of Dell and version of Windows? Are you within the warranty period?

JEZ-H · Answer

Hi, Dell Inspiron 3520 Windows 8.1 Not in warranty. Basic knowledge so using anything other than boot discs etc would have me hair pulling. Thanks. JH.

Philip_Yip · Answer

See here: http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-8-1-retail-and-oem-iso/#EditionNotesNoBoot What sticker do you have affixed to your system? (a) (b)  (c)

JEZ-H · Answer

Hi, I have the sticker next to the letter (a). Thanks. JH.

Philip_Yip · Answer

Good that means you likely have Windows 8.1. Follow the instructions here to download Windows 8.1 and make a bootable USB (using another PC with Windows 7 or later):

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-8-1-retail-and-oem-iso/#Downloading

Use that USB to reinstall Windows 8.1.

Note if you get asked for a product key then quit the setup and Download Windows 8.1 Single Language instead.

JEZ-H · Answer

Hi,

That worked well, thanks.

USB loaded with Windows 8.1

Would the Dell drivers download in the same way and could I put them on the same USB.

Once the above is complete is it as simple as buying and fitting the new hard drive then load data from USB?

Thank you.

JH

Philip_Yip · Answer

To replace the hard drive see the Owner's Manual which gives instructions:

ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_inspiron_laptop/inspiron-15-3520_service%20manual_en-us.pdf

I recommend a Crucial SSD such as a 250 GB MX200 for optimal results:

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Dell/inspiron-3520

The drivers are available here (you need the WB64a ones):

http://downloads.dell.com/published/pages/inspiron-15-3520.html

For best results install the drivers in order:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/driver-installation/

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RE-BOOT SOFTWARE

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