Depends on the model computer and operating system. You can make your own install media for windows 8.1 --dvd or thumb drive by using Create Media utility provided be Microsoft. 

windows.microsoft.com/.../create-reset-refresh-media

Hasn't been a CD for years now.  Vista and 7 and 8 and 10 are DVD not cd.

Pardon me sir.  I'm from the day when they were 3.5" floppy disks and I have no idea what the difference is your pointing out and I don't care.  Your comment flaunts your knowledge but helps me not a bit.

How do I go about getting the media that Dell uses for original instalation.  I need the MS number for windows so I can activate it and the instructions told me to ask for the original software or the email that came with my buying Windows.  The only ones I have are the Dell XPS I bought in 2005 and the one I bought in 2010--doubt that they will work.

Can anyone help me?  Is there some place in this "support" section that I can go to to find out how to get this? 

Thanks in advance.

Sir; I hope this is the information you asked for.  I am running 8.1 so things are a bit different than the link. On the desktop it says Windows 8.1 "Build 9600".  I am trying to enclose a picture of the screen that comes up when I start the computer.  What is really confusing me is that on this screen I can get the win 8 apps screen in the bottom left corner and can go to the apps screen and use windows normally from there.  oops I guess I can not enclose a picture sorry. 

In any case, when I open the control panel home "view basic information about your computer" at the bottom it states that Windows is not activated and gives me a link. That link is what opens when I turn the computer on.

Please follow the instructions here (just part 1) and tell me the model number and version of Windows:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/updating-the-bios/

I think that is what I did when I got the system.  however this "activation" number does not seem to be where the system can find it and is telling me I need to input it.  Actually I can (and am) using the system without doing that as I was able to get to my desktop and do this from there.  It is just darn annoying to have to execute a work around every time I boot up the system.  Like to get that darn page to go away.

Please tell me if you have a MSDM table as mentioned here:

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

Dell has not shipped original Media since the media reduction program back in 2006.

Dell does not ship media for all countries and Dell does not provide this if your warranty has expired.

Windows XP is from 2002

Windows Vista is from 2007

Windows 7 is from 2009

Windows 8.X is from 2012

All of these dates would be well past 90 day to 3 year warranty.

7 and below have a COA sticker.

8 and above have the key in bios.

You won't be getting media from dell if your warranty has expired.

Thank you for your time and the information.  According to the Dell web site my system is still in warrante.

Is it possible then, to order a new DVD?

It is for USA Canada and UK if your system is still under warranty.

To submit your request for backup and recovery discs, enter your Service Tag below and click Continue. The Service Tag is the 7-character code usually found on the bottom or back of your device.