PCA Forums

I have had a laptop for some time now and it is getting 'sluggish'. I would like to reformat and start clean. The laptop is a Dell running windows 7. Obviously I have the legal key for Win7 on the bottom of the laptop. I am guessing Win7 is similar to other versions of Windows and you have to have a specific CD to use with a Dell.
I have retail upgrade discs ... Am I correct that I can not use them?

I have used Retail upgrade discs just fine. Just make sure when doing the install to never input the key, just leave it blank. After Install, you can go into system info and change the key and go to activate just fine.

What Zyfer said should work with the key on the sticker.

There is an OEM installer DVD which is different. It installs Win7 on any PC with a Dell BIOS without requiring a CD key or activation. I have that DVD if you get stuck.

There is an even easier way: do a factory recovery from the hidden recovery partition. I think you press CTRL and F11 when you boot as soon as you see the Dell logo. You can Google DELL FACTORY RECOVERY KEYBKARD COMBINATION for more info. It will wipe the drive and put it back exactly as it came from the factory.

I will try what Zyfer mentioned. I do not want to reinstall from the hidden partition as that puts back all the BS software that comes with new computers. ... THis will be my spring break 'honey do'

Thanks,

Well if you do reinstall from a hidden partition, using something like this:

http://pcdecrapifier.com/features

To get rid of the excess non-sense. Either way you will likely be fielding a series of updates.