Need Advice: Reformat & Clean Install Windows 7

Question

My 2-year old Dell Inspiron 580 with Windows 7 Home Premium edition has gotten a few corrupted files over the last 3 months. At boot up I get alerts saying Windows failed to locate some system32/config files. And I've had a few bouts of Malware which I couldn't completely get rid of.

I'd like to reformat my hard drive and re-install Windows 7 rather than do a Quick Restore, because the earliest restore point I could find is July 2012. I was already having corrupted files issues at that time. So, I'd like to go back all the way and start with a squeaky-clean hard drive & operating system.

My main question: I don't seem to have an actual Windows 7 installation disk. I do, however, have 2 DVDs that I must have been prompted to create when I first got this Dell....which I labeled "System Restore DVDs, OCTOBER 2010". Will these disks allow me to boot up after reformatting the HD, and do they contain the Windows 7 HP that will re-install on my Hard Drive?

Philip_Yip · Answer

For best results see my wiki A Clean Install of Windows 7. I would advise requesting a Dell Windows 7 Reinstallation DVD alternatively use the retail media and phone activation if your Windows COA isn't faded. The request form and download links are in my wiki (Step 3).

jumprun3 · Answer

Thanks natakuc4. I did request the Dell Windows 7 Reinstallation DVD you recommended and received the following reply from Dell:

"I am really sorry for the inconvenience that might have caused you for this. However, as I pulled up the records, the contract for this system has already expired last 2011-09-29. With this, I regret to inform you that I could no longer process any dispatches. Should you wish to purchase a copy of the operating system disc, you may contact us at 8882611716."

Isn't THAT special????

So, back to my main question: I don't have an actual Windows 7 installation disk. I do, however, have 2 DVDs that I must have been prompted to create when I first got this Dell....which I labeled "System Restore DVDs, OCTOBER 2010". Will these disks allow me to boot up after reformatting the HD, and do they contain the Windows 7 HP that will re-install on my Hard Drive?

Philip_Yip · Answer

I have marked this as a customer escalation, hopefully a Dell Support agent should assist you on Monday with regards to getting a Dell Reinstallation DVD.

The Reinstallation DVD is the best way.

If your COA isn't faded and you can read your product key. You may also use downloadable retail media and phone activation.

For this see Microsoft Windows 7 Official .iso Download Links (Digital River) and A Clean Install of Windows 7 (step 3).

The following Videos should help you with regards to using the Dell DataSafe media.

How to Create a Recovery USB for your Dell / Alienware Computer

How to Recover Your Dell / Alienware Laptop (Internal Recovery Partition)

They are quite limited and don't actually tell you what to do with the discs you created. I have never reinstalled using Dell DataSafe DVDs as I didn't like the factory settings and had the Reinstallation DVD. I would just try inserting the first one in your machine and seeing if you can boot from it.

Press F12 at the Dell BIOs screen and select boot from CD/DVD.

Philip_Yip · Answer

Yes the retail .iso will work with your product key, you have to activate it via automated phone activation though. Many people have done this as its much easier to get than the Dell Reinstallation DVD. You might aswell just go ahead and download it, you could probably be up and running before a DVD gets sent to you.

Windows General

Need Advice: Reformat & Clean Install Windows 7

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