Creating Restore Disc Windows 7 Pro (With an Optiplex 790)

Question

Hi Gang

I just picked up a new 790 Mini Tower loaded with Windows 7 Professional. I'd like to create a restore disc since Dell no longer provides back up OS. It's my unstanding this restore disc will provide the OS only, not the drivers. For those I'd have to go to the Dell Support site.

Can someone help guide me as to how to create a restore OS disc?

OR

Perhaps I'll buy a Microsoft Genuine RETAIL version Windows 7, and strip the new Hard Drive, eliminating all the garbage - start from scratch, and download the chipset, and other drivers from the Dell Support site.

Thanx

Mike

Philip_Yip · Accepted Answer

No there is no need to fill out the Dell form on eBay, you just simply buy it. You can buy the DVDs from eBay even if you don't own a Dell system (theres just little point). You can only use it with a system that has a Dell Windows 7 Professional COA or a Dell system that came with Windows 8 Professional and as a Windows 8 Professional product key in the BIOS.

You can just purchase the DVD on eBay I bought one the other day from ebay.co.uk

The DVD I bought is good as the .iso image of it is identical in size to the Windows 7 Home Premium with Service Pack 1 DVD I got with one of the Optiplex 790s we have in the lab.

theflash1932 · Accepted Answer

'The request form mentioned should get you the reinstallation DVD on eBay hopefully for free or a low price' Phillip, just to clarify, those OEM 7 Pro discs on Ebay don't require me to fill out that Dell form? Correct? It is indeed free of charge to use the Dell form.  eBay is not free :)  Phillip is from the UK - it is NOT free in the rest of the world, so they are fighting a harder battle to get this media ... for now. With similar experiences as yourself, I'm also a little fed up with Dell. I ABSOLUTELY have my issues with Dell, but to be fair, this problem/policy of obtaining media is NOT unique to Dell.  This is a problem plagueing ALL customers of large OEM's.  ZDNet's Ed Bott recently did a story on obtaining installation media from OEM's, wherein he said that Dell was by far the best of the main OEM's for obtaining media.  This is good, but, in my opinion, not good enough ... there needs to be a more streamlined way to get this media - for everyone - starting with including the media with systems in the first place.  Honestly, OEM's are not 100% to blame either ... from my understanding, this whole 'media reduction initiative' is spearheaded by Microsoft.

theflash1932 · Accepted Answer

'they seem to push those Data-Restore-Back-Up discs' Yes, they do.  Microsoft has 'partnered' with OEM's to reduce the amount of media being distributed with PC's by encouraging OEM's to implement recovery partitions, from which a system can be returned to the factory image or create recovery disks of that image. The page to request a media is called Request Backup Discs, and proceeds to explain the options you have as shipped from Dell (DataSafe), by explaining DataSafe and how it works as an alternative to installing from the installation media.  However, at the end, it says, 'To proceed with requesting these backup discs', then fill out and submit the form.  This media DOES NOT have ANY OEM or proprietary drivers on it.  This media DOES NOT have ANY software loaded on it that is not on a Microsoft Retail (or generic OEM) installation disc.  And this media is EXACTLY the same as the Dell installation discs you would buy on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DELL-WINDOWS-7-PROFESSIONAL-32-BIT-SP1-REINSTALLATION-DISC-DVD-/200867936819?pt=US_Other_Software&hash=item2ec4a97a33 The ONLY differences between the 'backup disc' from Dell and a Retail disc from Microsoft is: - Branding.  OEM's load their own default backgrounds/wallpapers, login screens, and user account tiles, and place their logo in the Windows Edition section of System Properties.  Anyone can change/add these to their own install, and it is designed for OEM's (big, like Dell, and small) to be able to brand their media (mine is currently Ironman branded :)). - Activation.  OEM discs look for a BIOS string which identifies the system to the Windows installer.  Some OEM's use this to block installation altogether - for example, an HP Windows DVD will not install on a Dell, Acer, etc., nor will it install on a machine significantly different from the one it shipped with.  Dell, from what I hear, will install on any system, BUT automatic/SLP/OEM activation will NOT occur unless the BIOS string matches what the installer has been told to accept.  In this case, manual activation would be required by typing in the Product Key, and depending on the situation, phone activation may be required. Other than these, everything is the same as a Retail disc - same built-in drivers, same native software (including DVD codecs), etc. So, you could purchase a Dell-branded installation DVD on eBay (which I've seen sell for between $5-30) or you could fill out the form to get the media for free from Dell (if you were not the original purchaser, you might need to do an Ownership Transfer first). Again, you could certainly put down $100 and buy your own, but it's not necessary, unless you like the idea of legally being able to migrate that installation to another machine (physical or virtual). Technically speaking, the generic/Microsoft OEM version you linked to is licensed to be installed on a new PC to be sold to another party.  Generic OEM software (also called 'System Builder' software) is NOT intended for people building their own PC (I realize you didn't 'build' this one, but the concept is the same in the license), but for those building a PC for resale.  You would not be the only person to do it (in fact, you might be in the minority if you decided to abide by the technicalities of the license :)) ... I just wanted to point that out to you.  If you were to ask Microsoft and abide by their licensing, you would need to purchase the 'Retail' edition of Windows 7. One other alternative is to obtain 'retail' media (can be downloaded officially from below) and install Retail media, then use phone activation to activate using your Product Key on the sticker (activate with Microsoft, not Dell). http://www.mydigitallife.info/download-windows-7-iso-official-32-bit-and-64-bit-direct-download-links/

DELL-Madhur B · Answer

Hi Mike,

Recovery Discs created using Dell Datasafe Local backup software will have the complete factory image - Operating System, drivers and software that was shipped with the computer.

Click here

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

for instructions to create Recovery discs using Dell DataSafe Local Backup.

In case, if you require just the Operating System disc, I request you to private message the system service tag number. To private message, accept my friend request; click on my user name and click start conversation.

Please reply if you have any further questions.

theflash1932 · Answer

Hey,

You can get an installation DVD by using this form (U.S. only), free of charge:

support.dell.com/.../backupcd_form

The installation DVD is a clean Windows installation disc without any of the garbage included with Dell factory images. It also has no drivers, so you'll need to get those from the Support Site. You could certainly buy a Retail license, but it is a waste of money. You can, if you already have Retail media, install using that, then activate with the OEM Product Key using phone activation with Microsoft (not Dell).

WWII Historian · Answer

Thank you Madhur - I'm still thinking on going with a Brand New Microsoft OS Disc For Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit and start from scratch/refomat the entire system, and go to Dell Support site to download all pertinet drivers etc.

Philip_Yip · Answer

Thank you Madhur - I'm still thinking on going with a Brand New Microsoft OS Disc For Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit and start from scratch/refomat the entire system, and go to Dell Support site to download all pertinet drivers etc.

Its a bad idea, Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit is a downgrade to Windows 7 Professional 64 bit.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/products/compare

I assume the system has a Windows 7 Professional COA, a sticker similar to the one below at the top/base/side (or inside the computer cover).

The COA is valid to both Windows 7 Professional 64 bit and Windows 7 Professional 32 bit so even if the 32 bit version is preinstalled you are licensed to run the 64 version and just need the media.

With Windows 7 theres a few options you can have.

Request a Windows 7 Reinstallation DVD from Dell using that form Madhur requested or by calling Tecnhical Support. You can see more information about this in my poll here. This is the most recommended route and saves you wasting money on a less functrional version of WIndows 7.
You can also look for the DVD on places like eBay e.g. the following items:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Dell-Windows-7-Professional-SP1-64-B-Reinstallation-DVD-W-Original-Hardware-/281041652883?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416f634c93

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Windows-7-Professional-SP1-64-B-Reinstallation-DVD-W-Original-Hardware-/281041654938?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416f63549a

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Dell-Windows-7-Professional-SP1-64-B-Reinstallation-DVD-W-Original-Hardware-/281041652206?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416f6349ee

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Dell-Windows-7-Professional-SP1-64-B-Reinstallation-DVD-W-Original-Hardware-/281041655536?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416f6356f0

Note if the COA is not for Windows 7 Professional (or WIndows 8 Professional) the above DVDs won't activate on your Dell.

You may use the Windows 7 Professional x64 with Service Pack 1 .iso from Digital River and input the COA and activate via phone activation to Microsoft (not Dell). This is a non-supported route but works pretty well.

For more details see my wiki Windows Reinstallation Guide which I linked to you to earlier. Step 3 compares the OEM Dell Reinstalaltion Media to the Retail Media.

WWII Historian · Answer

Thanks to all for your help. Please allow me to clarify a few things: I do NOT want "a Recovery Disc created using Dell Datasafe, as this Local Backup software will have the complete factory image, (perhaps uneccessary Dell garbage)"

Far above the average user, I fully realize the advantages of Windows 7 Pro vs. Windows 7 Home. And yes, I'm talking about 64Bit. The system I bought already comes with Windows 7 Pro 64Bit. However, I'm going to replace the HD with a larger capacity Drive, and will need to REFORMAT. My experiences have always been favorable using the freedom of a Genuine Microsoft Retail Disc.

It's been suggested I go here:

https:/support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form

However, please note the explanation: Restoring Your Dell Computer to Original Factory Installation with Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0

Again, it would appear this option may give you uneeded crap. And unless I'm missing something, the Ebay links provided, all refer to DELL RESTORE DISCS, possibly providing unwanted data.

OR

Do they contain simply the generic OS, (cheaper than a retail version)?

Just to clarify: I'd like to perform a fresh install of 7 (whether it's 7 Pro 64Bit, or 7 Home 64Bit), no original factory image, no Dell garbage.

*After that, I have no problem using the Dell Support site to download all the neccessary drivers pertinent to the Service Tag.

Thank you for your patience - Happy Holidays!

Mike

theflash1932 · Answer

'Its a bad idea, Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit is a downgrade to Windows 7 Professional 64 bit.' It depends.  For most people, Pro doesn't offer anything that HP does not, so it can save a person money ... if buying the full OS ... which, as I said, is a waste. 'I do NOT want  'a Recovery Disc created using Dell Datasafe, as this Local Backup software will have the complete factory image, (perhaps uneccessary Dell garbage)' ' I don't blame you.  DataSafe itself is garbage.  Do as I suggested first and get a Dell installation DVD and install with that ... garbage-free. Mike ...  the form you got the link for tells you to use DataSafe, BUT is for requesting a CLEAN Dell-branded Microsoft OS DVD.  The ONLY difference between it and a Retail disc is the few pieces of OEM branding and activation.  The are NO drivers and there is NO factory-loaded software added to the Dell Windows installation DVD.  The ONLY restore discs that contain the factory-installed garbage are the ones you create using DataSafe Local.  Trust me, I've done this a hundred times (probably more).

theflash1932 · Answer

The only advantages that Retail has over OEM is:  1) Microsoft OS support instead of Dell (that seems funny to even mention :)), and 2) you can move the installation to another computer; OEM is locked to a specific machine, where Retail is not - it can be used only once, but on any machine (although depending on the machines in question, it may still require a reinstall).

WWII Historian · Answer

Folks Thanx for all your help:

BTW, natakuc4 have read your petition - nice work - wonderful - I agree with your proposal.

So then those Dell OS restore discs on Ebay will work on my machine?

OR

As flash stated, I should I preferably get a 'CLEAN Dell-branded Microsoft OS DVD' from Dell support, (specific to my machine)? Still not clear on that as I read the Dell support site - they seem to push those Data-Restore-Back-Up discs. Can't see where I'd get a so-called CLEAN Dell-branded Microsoft OS DVD'?

OR

http://www.royaldiscount.com/Windows+7+Professional/Windows+7+Professional+SP1+OEM+64-bit+%28Branded%29.html

*Microsoft activation is no problem for me - have done it frequently.

Thanx

Mike

WWII Historian · Answer

Hello Phillip Nice to see you again. You did a splendid job with your Dell petition. I support you entirely. 'The request form mentioned should get you the reinstallation DVD on eBay hopefully for free or a low price' Phillip, just to clarify, those OEM 7 Pro discs on Ebay don't require me to fill out that Dell form? Correct? I'm leaning toward the purchase of one of those discs on Ebay - cheap enough and the seller in Reading Pa., appears honest and reliable. With similar experiences as yourself, I'm also a little fed up with Dell. I finally upgraded my old 8400 to a 790 Mini Tower - I think it was a good choice for my purposes - I needed a reliable everyday machine. The Pro version of 7 was an added plus - no I won't be needing some of those more complicated advantages, except the ability to load older software. As soon as I get the new machine, I'll be looking to replace the 250GB HD with a larger capacity drive, and begin the new format. If the format with the 790 is anything like my 4600, & 8400, I can do it in my sleep - LOL I'll get the drivers and Chipset off the support site, and anything else you may suggest. It's a pleasure getting all this help from you guys. My Best Mike

Philip_Yip · Answer

The OS DVD on eBay is the same Reinstallation DVD that Dell should send out to you. The Dell Windows 7 Professional DVDs aren't machine specific. They all have the same product key, the Dell SLP key. This is a generic key that will be the same on all Dell systems with reinstalled Dell Windows 7 Professional. The SLP key is automatically input and the product activated when installed on a qualifying system i.e. a Dell system with a Windows 7 Professional COA. This and some Dell logos in the system properties is the only difference between the Dell OEM DVD and the retail DVD or .iso. Note you may not install Windows 7 Home Premium unless you purchase another license which as described is a complete awaste of money.

There is nothing in Windows 7 Home Premium that's not in Windows 7 Professional. With Windows 7 Professional there are a few advantages over Home Premium the main 3 advantages are XP mode which is the ability to install a Windows XP virtual machine within Windows 7 and can be useful if you have older programs incompatible with Windows 7, the ability to use more than 16 GB of RAM (valid for this system) if you want to install 24 GB or 32 GB of RAM in the future, there is also the ability to change some advanced security settings which I needed Professional for to connect to a network drive for example (most users won't need to touch these).

See Step 3 of my wiki A Clean Install of Windows 7 within the Windows Reinstallation Guide pdf for a more detailed comparison between the retail media and the Dell Windows 7 Reinstallation DVD. This wiki as the name suggests will tell you how to do a completely clean install of Windows as I, the author like you don't like the Dell Factory settings or preinstalled software. I have a small section of the wiki on these just for completeness but the wiki is written to achieve a clean installation with maximal performance. It mentions in later steps how to reinstall the preinstalled software and has descriptions of these but you can of course only install the preinstalled software that you wish. The request form mentioned should get you the reinstallation DVD on eBay hopefully for free or a low price. I have been informed however that Reinstallation USBs are also being sent out these days and that these have preloaded junk i.e. McAfee which is quite upsetting.

I have asked my Dell contacts to see about getting these without McAfee as one of the main reasons media is requested is for clean installation. I suggest you fill out the form, ignore the top parts about DataSafe just state you want specifically a Reinstallation DVD and that you want to perform a clean installation however if you get overcharged or refused media after filling out this form and/or a USB comes instead of a DVD then let me know and I can query it with my Dell contacts for you.

WWII Historian · Answer

Phillip and theflash1932, (you must have a name), I thank you both. :emotion-5:

Your answers were concise and detailed. :emotion-21:

I understand Phillip's quest completely, I wish him the best. And I agree with flash, Microsoft is behind all this.

Call me old-fashioned, but I like to format my own machines, and care for them as though they were my children :emotion-36:

BTW, after the install, do you guys recommend the automatic updates? I'm going to get one of those Ebay discs with SP1.

And what's yer take on Spyware Doctor, (malware & virus), in one application?

Happy Holidays!

Mike

Philip_Yip · Answer

One other alternative is to obtain 'retail' media (can be downloaded officially from below) and install Retail media, then use phone activation to activate using your Product Key on the sticker (activate with Microsoft, not Dell). http://www.mydigitallife.info/download-windows-7-iso-official-32-bit-and-64-bit-direct-download-links/ This alternative is also mentioned in my wiki (top of page 66) however I was instructed to encourage users to use a Dell Reinstallation DVD over a Digital River retail .iso and to make sure users note the phone activation is to Microsoft and not to Dell.

Windows General

Creating Restore Disc Windows 7 Pro (With an Optiplex 790)

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