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June 29th, 2006 08:00
Can I format and reinstall XP?
I have a refurbished Dell Deminsion (3100/E310) on the way. I know it is loaded with software that I do not want. I ran into this with my other Dell computer (bought last year). There was so much junk on it I didn't know what to delete or what the system needed to run. Then there were trial programs that kept poping up asking for my money. I'd like to start fresh with a new computer and a clean hard drive.
I am considering just formating the hard drive and installing the operating system and essential drivers/software when the computer arrives. I already have the full version of Microsoft XP.
Is there anything (like a serial number) on the computer that will be lost when (if) I format and install the new XP opsys that I might need to allow me to install drivers or any desired software (DVD software, Photo editor, etc.)?
Is there any Dell software (diagnostics, ID info, etc.) that I should reinstall? Does the recovery software that comes with computer allow me to pick and choose what to install - or does it just reinstall everything as if it was just shipped?
If formating is not a good idea, is there a list somewhere of what I can delete through the "Add-Remove Software" feature of XP? For example I don't need any AOL software but I want to retain DVD writing software (Roxio). I don't want any trial programs either.
Thanks.
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Denny Denham
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June 29th, 2006 15:00
Is there anything (like a serial number) on the computer that will be lost when (if) I format and install the new XP opsys that I might need to allow me to install drivers or any desired software (DVD software, Photo editor, etc.)? There might be. To avoid the problem, download and run Belard Advisor (from here). It will display many Product IDs (at least for all Microsoft software) of things presently installed.
Is there any Dell software (diagnostics, ID info, etc.) that I should reinstall? Does the recovery software that comes with computer allow me to pick and choose what to install - or does it just reinstall everything as if it was just shipped? There should be a ~50MB partition with Dell diagnostics on it. You can leave that if you wish or delete it (since the diagnostics can be downloaded and run separately). Your PC Restore image will be on a 3-5GB partition. If you reinstall XP PC Restore will no longer be available as the Master Boot Record will have been modified, but you can recover it using the procedure here. You probably won't want to bother, however, since it gives you no choice of what to reinstall--returns the system to "as shipped" state complete with trial programs.