Inspiron 1440 factory restore files damaged

Question

I have an Inspiron 1440 laptop I restored to factory, complete reformat & restore. My problem now is during the updates I had the bright idea to turn the 'characters' screensaver on which I believe froze it up during critical updates. Couldn't get it to unfreeze, so powered off. I knew this could damage it (it did) & now the boot-up &/or restore is so damaged it won't start. Does anyone know where I could obtain system setup disks, or even if this will allow me to start all over again? This is a friends laptop, so please help so I don't let her down. Thank you

ejn63 · Accepted Answer

In the US, http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/w/microsoft_os/476.2-0-requesting-a-microsoft-windows-reinstallation-cddvd-from-dell.aspx

Philip_Yip · Accepted Answer

First run full system diagnostics to check the state of the hard drive:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/f12-preboot-diagnostics/

Then see here for details about procuring installation media:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/request-a-reinstallation-dvd-from-dell/

Then here for instructions on the clean install (after a secure wipe with DBAN, recommended):

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/a-clean-install-of-windows/

Locked Topics – Laptops General

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