Hi ohwell1954,

Go to Dell - Support - What is Dell™ PC Restore by Symantec and what will it Restore on My Computer? at http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1090152

Dell - Support - How Do I Use the Dell PC Restore by Symantec Utility? at http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1090151

Dell - Support - How Do I Create My Operating System CD using the Dell OS Recovery Utility? at http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1091713

After creating your OS Recovery CD which will include the basic drivers needed you will have to manually reinstall. For a complete set of instructions on installing your operating system, drivers, and software refer to the Dell Software Reinstall Guide site:

Software Reinstall Guide at http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/software_reinstall/en/index?

In order to view the correct instructions you will need to put the service tag for the computer or select the type of computer from the Product Model list that you are going to install the operating system on.

notice: Performing the steps to rebuild your system manually will lead to the loss of ALL DATA on the hard drive. Be sure that all necessary backups have been created prior to proceeding.

Message Edited by Abrandoned on 05-01-2005 05:40 PM

Message Edited by ohwell1954 on 05-01-2005 08:49 PM

like everyone else, dell isn't shipping the CDs anymore.  if you request one and they agree to send it, it will come eventually.  if not, call them back -- dell's policy is to send them if they're needed

I tried to do it as described on Dells support site but that option isnt listed on my Dell. The only Item I have under that setting is The Express Service Code. You dont get the option to create that cd with a 9300 and Windows XP MCE. I have a friend that also bought one he couldnt either. They sent him the cd no questions asked why they are stalling on sending it to me I have no idea. I have another oem Xp MCE  cd but its for my desktop that is homebuilt, not a Dell and as you know that cd is activated to work only on the desktop. I really do not want to ask my friend to burn a copy of his as it may be a eula violation but if worse comes to worse I'll ask as I am pretty sure the OS cds are all the same for Dell. I think they just look for a bios setting to confirm its a Dell machine that runs that system than I would just have to use the key on the bottom of my laptop.

I'm a little confused what you mean by "under that setting?"  It maybe that you can't do it with MCE, which would be interesting to confirm.

Just to confirm though, you did the following?  If so, can you give some more specifics on what failed?

In order to complete the following steps, it is required that you to have a CD-R/W or DVD-R/W drive installed on your Dell computer along with a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc.
If you have a portable computer, plug in the AC adapter.

1. Click the Start button on your Windows desktop.

2. Click All Programs, Dell Accessories, and then Dell OS Recovery CD.
   The Dell Software License Agreement window appears.

3. Read the license agreement and then click to select Yes, I accept if you agree to the terms.

4. Click the Next button.
   A Welcome message appears prompting you to place a blank CD-R disc into your writeable drive.

5. Place a blank CD-R disc into your writeable drive if you have not already done so and click the Next button.
   The program will create your backup OS Recovery CD.

   NOTE:  The program can take up to 30 minutes to create your backup disc.

   When the backup disc is complete a Congratulations! message appears.

6. Remove the CD-R disc from the writeable drive and label it Windows Operating System Backup CD.

7. Click the Finish button.

ohwell1954,

I have not seen any posts from a user who requested an operating system CD and was unable to obtain one from Dell, so you are probably only being delayed in reconfiguring your system, not permantently prevented from doing so.

Having said that, there are two options avaialable should you be the first to be skunked. As you feel, any Dell OS for the same version (Home, Pro, MCE) of Windows can be used to reinstall the OS on any Dell which shipped with that version.

Even if that were not true, you could use your friend's copy to install the OS then change the installed Product ID to the one shown on the sticker on your case prior to activating, using the procedure here.

Dell came through with what I needed as I hoped they would.

Thanks for the reply's

Message Edited by ohwell1954 on 05-04-2005 10:04 PM

call tech support .. they can send it