any Dell PC users care to help??

29 Apr 2004

i've been asked to take a look at a friends PC, cos they've somehow scewed up their windows installation, and now can't boot. reckons his win CD won't boot from CD either for a reinstall. he says he's tried a standard, borowed ERD for his version of windows (which escapes me right now), but thinks Dell somehow have a proprietary booter!?
i've got several ERD's for various windows versions from , but can't seem to find any references to 'dell specific' boot disks?
cheers neil x x x x

29 Apr 2004

If I can find it I'll let you know! redface

ops:

29 Apr 2004

First thing to check is if the 'boot from CD' is selected in the BIOS. If it isn't then you will have to make it so. To check, press the 'del' key on power up.
The windows CD from DELL should be enough to re-install the OS. Your friend will also have a drivers CD with all the relevant drivers that will be needed after the initial installation.
Can you tell me when the ssytem stops the bootup. Do you hear any beeps? Does the num lock flash? Can you hear the fan start? Does the monitor come on?

29 Apr 2004

I have got a Dell boot disk, just found it.

29 Apr 2004

Hi
Is he running xp ?
If he is he will need the 'special' dell xp install cd that comes with the Pc. This should reboot the pc back to its original state (maybe even keeping his settings and files).
Dell are a nightmare ... Yes you get a good deal but you cannot upgrade them easily and If something go's wrong if you do not subscribe to their overated service plan or know what you are doing with PC's you get ripped off.
Any probs please ask me and I will find the answer out as soon as smile

5 May 2004

I use Dell and have done so for ages. They do not have a proprietary booter but they do use proprietary image tools that can recover system from a hidden image (asuming that it isnt deleted).
Cases like this are usually caused by damaged boot sector. Lots of things can cause this including virus. Other posts are good advice.
dazed, you are wrong about Dell. They have lots of tech advice available. Other box shifters are poor by comparison.
wink

5 May 2004

.