Clean Install Using Dell Upgrade DVD?

Question

This has probably been discussed, but all I could find were topics about using a MS Vista Upgrade DVD - I'm talking about the one you get from Dell when you did the Express Upgrade.

I originally upgraded my Latitude D820 from WinXP Pro to Vista Business using the Windows Vista "Upgrade Assistant DVD" provided by Dell for redeeming my Vista Express Upgrade. The system has always run poorly, though similar systems that later came pre-installed with Vista run much better

I'd like to perform a "clean" install of Vista on the notebook, without installing XP first. Dell Gold Support is not what it once was and took 30 minutes to tell me I had to install XP first then upgrade. I know this is the "Dell recommended" method but I'm looking for some out of the box thinking.

I found the following article online regarding a clean install workaround for Upgrade Vista software:

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5932

This of course does not work with the DVD provided by Dell because that DVD isn't bootable. Has anyone found a way around this? I really don't think re-installing and upgrading XP is going to provide much of a performance gain. Thanks, SC

Message Edited by sc456a on 10-28-2007 08:42 AM

mombodog · Answer

Check your PM, gold envelope at the top of the forum.

kcinphive · Answer

I used the Dell DVD that came with my system to do a clean install.  The only problem I had with the Dell disk is that the University that I went to has a license agreement with MS and they give you a free product key for Ultimate (but they don't give you a disk) and the dell DVD does not allow you to input a product key, even though all the versions of Vista are on the DVD.

snowshine · Answer

Hi sc456a, I am sure mombodog would have answerd your question.   However I have had similar situation. I've done Dell's Vista upgrade dvd to do a clean installation. Remember to put in your product key on the drivers & download, choose vista 32 and copy the required drivers for your system and then you are redy to go.   You need to follow the order after the vista os is installed for other drivers ISMS,chipset,video,network,audio,set point,then your others as required.   You should only able to retain the VISTA you are licenced for after the clean installation in my case vista home premium. There is no stopping of you installing the ultimate but your product key will not be recognised and I think after 30 days your system in this senario will run on a 'reduced mode'.   snow

sc456a · Answer

I think you guys are missing the last part of my question:

"This of course does not work with the DVD provided by Dell because that DVD isn't bootable. Has anyone found a way around this?"

Because you CANNOT boot from the Dell Vista Upgrade Assistant DVD, I can't do a clean install of Vista (i.e. without installing XP first). The last two posters said they did a clean install, but I don't think you're in the same situation I am. If you are, and you're using the Dell Vista Upgrade Assistant DVD provided to people who participated in the Vista Express Upgrade program, then please outline how you were able to perform a clean install.

chasbox · Answer

You can try it this way http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp Message Edited by chasbox on 10-28-2007 10:30 AM

snowshine · Answer

Hi sc456a,

I am exactly like you. Bought my computer in January 2007 with the option to updrade to vista when become available. My vista DVD and the Dell's upgrade assistant DVD arrived in March07.

You will probably need to do Two thinks first.

1.You may have to update to the latest BIOS for your system.

2.You could also download on a cd of the latest IMSM & chipset drivers.

3.You boot to the Dell issued vista upgrade DVD[you do not need to boot to the Dell's upgrade assistant]

4.choose your language and country of origin

5.choose the custom install

6.you could here uplad drivers for IMSM or you could wait until after the vista is loaded.

7.now when vista is finished you could follow the followin in order

IMSM

Chipset

Video

Network

Audio

Setpoint if you have bluetooth wireless

finally your Virus scan of your choice.

[In fact I followed Paul Thurrett's suggestion of not putting the vista product key while at the installation.I did put in the product key when went to activate on line]

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_install_03.asp

Try the above site-helpful.

In nutshell you do not need the Dell's upgrade assistant at all.This only have the latest drivers that are no longer the latest. I infact went to vendor's site for my Nvidia,Creative Xtreme music to get the latest drivers-saved on a cd prior to started my vista clean installation. I did not use Dell's Upgrade Assistant DVD during my clean installation. I think you need to update your BIOS for your system from Dells Drivers & Download site.

snow

Dimension 9200
Intel ViiV Core 2Duo E6400 Processor 2.13GHz 1066 MHz 2MB
Windows XP media Centre Edition 2005 now VISTA OS 32bit
Memory:2048 MB Dual DDR2 533 MHz [2x1024]
Dell Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard & Mouse Dell Wireless Bluetooth
Video Card: 1GB nVidia GeForce 7950 GX2 Dual graphics card
Sound Card Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme music
BIOS 2.5.1
Intel 82801 HR/HH/HO SATA RAID controller
Intel Matrix Storage Manager v7.6.0.1011
Chipset v.8.1.1.1013
HL-DT-ST DVD +/- RW GSA-H31N
HL-DT-ST DVD-ROM GDRH10N
Hard Drive: 640 GB [2*320GB]SATA stripe RAID 0
Media Card Reader 13-in- 1 internal

Message Edited by snowshine on 10-28-2007 12:00 PM

Message Edited by snowshine on 10-28-2007 12:02 PM

chasbox · Answer

MBD I missed it. I did the clean install with a retail Vista upgrade disk.

mombodog · Answer

chasbox, snowshine, I think you missed a big clue in the OP's original post   'This of course does not work with the DVD provided by Dell because that DVD isn't bootable'

snowshine · Answer

Hi mombodog Thanks for telling me. I always look up to you for for proper guide on these issues. Thanks again. snow

chasbox · Answer

Glad it worked out for you

sc456a · Answer

Firstly, thanks for all of the advice. Second, let me apologize for a mistake I made, in that I actually had another DVD from Dell labeled "Microsoft Windows XP Professional to Windows Vista Business Express Upgrade". This is essentially a Windows Vista Business Upgrade DVD and was bootable. After inserting the DVD and reformatting the drive, then re-installing I was able to activate using the license key provided to me by Dell through my Express Upgrade - essentially completing a "clean install" in only one step, rather than two as mentioned in the sites linked throughout this thread.

I'm happy to report that the notebook is running much faster, which indicates that the clean install in this situation is certainly the way to go and worth the extra time and effort.

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Clean Install Using Dell Upgrade DVD?

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