Dell PC Restore..Will I need disk/serial?

Question

Hello. I am having some comp issues that I haven't been able to solve for a long time, and I've had this Dell Inspiron 9300 for about a year and half so I'm figuring that it's time to do a pc restore. I have all of my stuff backed up. I am aware that this restore process will return the condition of my pc to how it was when it shipped. My question, however, is will I need a windowsXP disc or a windowsXP serial number to get windows to work, or will everything be functional after i do the restore? Thanks for any replies. Solomon

BELL BOY · Answer

If it’s PC Restore Symantec utility, a.k.a. DSR (Dell System Restore) you intend to use?

Never used it, but you definitely won’t need the WXP CD/DVD & doubt if you will need WXP serial number/key, normally just required after a clean reinstall.

But just in case & it’s good practice anyway:

Before you continue, first download (free) Belarc Advisor from here, run it & print off all your computer info for future reference, includes all installed Software License/OEM/key numbers etc.

Make sure your personal data back up includes OE folders/files & favorites

Disconnect any/all peripheral devices, before initiating (Ctrl+F11) during boot stage & work off-line.

Since DSR returns PC system to original state, then computer will function in that condition.

All preinstalled software will remain.

As you say, anything installed after box date will be removed, requiring reinstall, includes all Windows updates installed between box-date & using the DSR utility.

If AV software wasn’t preinstalled, install it before going on-line for AV DAT updates & Windows updates.

Annie70 · Answer

You will not need the XP Disc or serial number. The hidden partition contains all you need to restore your computer. You will need to install all the Window updates again. Make sure your virus protector is also up to date. You may also need to update programs such as Adobe reader.

dcgtls · Answer

You still want to have the disk in case your hard drive ever fails. If you do not have it I would contact Dell for it and just put it away where you will be able to find it down the road. I may be wrong but I think that they will send it to you free of charge if you purchased your computer during the timeframe when they tried to reduce the media shipped.

Windows General

Dell PC Restore..Will I need disk/serial?

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