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How to get Media center again
My question is a simple one. How do I get the Media Center again. I just bought a new laptop and it came with A LOT of added software that I have no interest in. I am trying to decide which would be faster going through and removing all the software myself or formatting. I am leaning toward the formatting. Just because I like the clean registry and not having to get rid of all the little droppings that the software leaves behind.
My only concern is that I can not get the Media center again. I went to the Microsoft page and it says that they only distribute it with new PCs and that it is not somthing that is downloadable. I see on the bottom of the laptop that there is a license for the Media Center so all I need is the software. Now I have not done the formatting yet. Is there somthing that I can do before I format to be able to reinstall the program? I am not that familiar with Media Center yet which is one of the main reasons I don't want it gone...
Which brings me to my next question if somthing goes wrong with my PC and I end up having to format it. How would I go about getting the Media Center back?
I did try calling the support line but gave up after sitting on hold for over 22 mins. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
A funny thing for me is that I scratched up my windows xp os cd, still under warranty for about two more months, started almost four years ago, and Dell is sending out a Media Center windows xp disk to me.
Dim 4400
2.6 Ghz 400 FSB
1 Gb 2100 DDR Memory
20 Gb hard drive 7,200
Windows XP Home - SP-2
Leadtek 6600 GT
48xCDRW
17 LCD ( 1703 FP )
250 watt power supplyGuys,
The trick is, you have to word it right to get the XP software. If you say you are worried about data safety they will suggest some backup solution.
Just ask what if the hard disk crashes? You can also say that you want to reformat and partition your disk, so you need the software.
They are a nice bunch of guys out there, they will send s/w free of charge, though some charge may appear on your account it is not really billed to you. They are just showing it as a cost for themselves. Warranty should not matter. Getting software is your right. It is illegal not to deny your software. Afterall the 25 character microsoft product key is yours for life, what is the use if you can't reuse it.
Vaidix
joe53
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Posted March 27th, 2006 23:00
Hi, and welcome:
You will need the MCE backup disk(s) to reinstall, as well as the backup disks for much of the software you will also want to reinstall (DVD burner, for example).
If you are in the USA, you should contact Dell vial the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page, and try either email or chat to place your request. Some have met with responses that say it is not necessary, but if you are politely persistant, they will likely send them free of charge, according to most users still under warranty who have tried this.