I've been reading about how in some cases, if you remove the Dell Utility partition, then with some Dell models, at start up, you can't succesffuly load your OS, because the computer thinks that it's missing the Dell Utility partition. Is this true?
I'm in the process of having to re-install everything, and have been reading a lot about how to go about doing that. I'm trying to re-install Windows XP Home SP2 and Mediadirect 2.0. it seems best to leave the Dell Utility partition alone, but would it really be left alone and not deleted when reinstalling Windows and Mediadirect? Also, I still have my PC Restore. I know that reinstalling Windows will destory the PC Restore function. But would the PC Restore partition be deleted automatically when reinstalling Windows OS? Or will it be left behind with a non working PC Restore and I would have to manually remove the PC Restore partition?
Also, what happens to Dell codes (someone was talking about Dell codes) and MBR? If I have to manually remove the PC Restore partition, then would that not mean a change is necessary for the MBR and any other codes that ensure that my laptop would function properly?
Thank you for any advice.
Calla,
What system do you have? In most of the new Dell notebooks (dont know abt desktops coz I never bought one) you can press Ctrl+F11 at bootup to restore your system to factory status.. good as new :) but be sure to backup everything coz everything will be cleared.. This is the safest way to restore your PC's hardisk to the status as it was on the day you received it. Hope this helps.. can help you further once I know what Dell you got there??
Thanks for the reply. I've used PC Restore, and know for certain that in order to resolve my issue, I have to re-install. I have Inspiron 640M. Thank you.
Nice bumping into you :) So Calla.. did you try to reinstall Windows.. tell me smth.. Which windows do you have? and did you get it on a CD or not? If you did then great.. I know XP you can repair for sure without deleting any of your music or data. But If you decide to hit Ctrl+F11 at boot up and restore Windows (and your notebook) to the status it was at when you got it. You must remember to BACKUP EVERYTHING or it will be lost. The process itself takes 2-5 mins on a fast machine and works great(why wouldnt it? you cant go better then restoring your PC) but I know al that for a XP based system.. have'nt installed Vista yet coz i'm afraid it might do bad things to my Dell partition.. see my posting in the same forum :P So to me you hve 2 options.
1) Restoing PC by Ctrl+F11 keys on startup (remembering first to backup everything)
or
2) IF you recieved a CD of Windows with your notebook. Use it to boot and repair Windows. But tell me first what Windows do you have? XP? Vista?
Ok oh.. in that case.. Im not sure either.. I want to install Vista on my machine and asked the same question.. a friend of mine says he did a full format.. fdisk and installed vista on his new Inspiron 1501 the day he got it :D and the system is working fine.. I think the thing to do is email Dell ( i would'nt call and wait 30 mins in a queue just for this)so drop them a mail and ask..
I believe that you are referring to the NTFS PARTITION as you state "reinstallation." If correct Deleting and Creating a NEW RAW NTFS PARTITION WILL NOT completely clean the HDD.
To achieve this you have to DEBUG the HDD with the "Old Black Command Box." Commands have to be entered EXACTLY.
Go to start>run>type in cmd and the Black Box will appear with information and at the bottom line will be a blinking cursor; enter chkdsk /r (note the space between k and / and all lowercase). Then press enter
A few lines will appear and you may receive a message, paraphrasing, "another program is running, do to you want to continue, Y/N. press y and then the enter key.
More lines will appear with a blikning cursor and then type: exit and then press the enter key.
The blinking cursor is indicating that the System is waiting for a Command.
Then restart and this will perform a five-stage disk check; indexes, files, security descriptors, etcetera and all will take approximately thirty to forty minutes but it will provide you with experience which you will need in the future as you advance and also check you disk.
Special Note: Disconnect Your ISP Cable. Printers, External HDD. All that you want is an AC Power Adapter and and external Mouse and absolutely nothing else.
de111aptopuser
24 Posts
0
December 9th, 2007 12:00
Calla,
What system do you have? In most of the new Dell notebooks (dont know abt desktops coz I never bought one) you can press Ctrl+F11 at bootup to restore your system to factory status.. good as new :) but be sure to backup everything coz everything will be cleared.. This is the safest way to restore your PC's hardisk to the status as it was on the day you received it. Hope this helps.. can help you further once I know what Dell you got there??
Calla Lily
2 Intern
•
243 Posts
0
December 9th, 2007 14:00
Calla Lily
2 Intern
•
243 Posts
0
December 10th, 2007 20:00
de111aptopuser
24 Posts
0
December 11th, 2007 09:00
1) Restoing PC by Ctrl+F11 keys on startup (remembering first to backup everything)
or
2) IF you recieved a CD of Windows with your notebook. Use it to boot and repair Windows. But tell me first what Windows do you have? XP? Vista?
Calla Lily
2 Intern
•
243 Posts
0
December 11th, 2007 12:00
de111aptopuser
24 Posts
0
December 11th, 2007 18:00
dohgee
9 Posts
0
December 12th, 2007 03:00
Message Edited by dohgee on 12-11-2007 11:41 PM
Message Edited by dohgee on 12-11-2007 11:42 PM