Hello, I need to replace the Hard Drive. I am of average computer knowledge. Talking with Dell. it doesn't sound very difficult to install the OS win7 using a USB media and the F12 key. Then add in the Drives from my disk I have. Does this sound correct, or will this turn into a nightmare?
Thank You....
It sounds like you are asking if a clean install on a new hard drive is difficult. If so, no, it is rather easy, if you plan ahead and have everything you need in front of you. You'll need install media, either a Windows 7 DVD or USB flash drive. You'll need your license key, likely found on your computer if it came with Windows 7. You'll also want to have the basic drivers for your computer downloaded and saved on a flash drive, too. I normally only get the chipset, network, and video drivers before hand. Then, you can get the rest from Dell once you have Windows reinstalled and those drivers installed.
yes, that is what I am doing. A clean install. I do have all that. Although, I am not sure about the License Key, but my win 7 media was downloaded from the win 7 OS that came with this computer. I am thinking the license my be on that media??? Also, I have the driver disc that came with this computer. I am amazed that I have these. I do not know what made back up the win 7 onto that USB drive. I can probably call Dell and get that licenses.
Thank You for your confirmation.
You may want to check with Dell if you intend on installing Windows 10. They have a list of ones tested and there are some which have serious problems. Although many say not tested which means you are on your own.
Hi,
If we knew the model name of that Dell desktop then that would help too as Dell often doesn't bother to test older models for the latest OS compatibility.
Cheers,
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