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Resolved Question

What do I do to reinstall the windows OS on my dell inspiron

by Aug 30, 2011 8:40AM PDT

What do I do to reinstall the windows OS on my dell inspiron 8600 lap-top, with no authentication password or OS disks

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dochowell1968 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
6 Posts
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Clarification Request
Additional about authentication password
by Steven Haninger Aug 30, 2011 9:10AM PDT

Do you mean you cannot login because you've forgotten or don't know the PW for the OS or are you locked out by a BIOS PW?

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(NT) I bought this lap-top at a garage sale, and I can't get past
by dochowell1968 Aug 30, 2011 9:14AM PDT
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garage sale buy
by dochowell1968 Aug 30, 2011 9:22AM PDT

I bought it at a garage sale, and the fellow at dell told me I needed to reinstall the OS, but I dont know much about computers.

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If it's a BIOS password, recovery media won't help
by Steven Haninger Aug 30, 2011 8:43PM PDT

Most likely you've encountered a Windows login screen and haven't been able to get past it. In that case, a full system reinstall will allow you to set up your own username and password. If it's a BIOS issue where the laptop won't try to boot to Windows without a password, that will be another barrier to get past. Hopefully it's just Windows.

Best Answer

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That code on the bottom rarely works with non-Dell CDs.
by Forum moderator Aug 30, 2011 8:53AM PDT

The cheap exit is to order recovery media.

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Answer
Easiest way, maybe
by Aug 30, 2011 8:51AM PDT

You should have a hologram sticker with a PID code somewhere on the bottom. I don't know about dell laptops but their PCs have a service tag # that identifies the specific model. Look for such as well. Then you call Dell with the information and see if they have the recovery media available and what it will cost. If they do, you order the disks and wait until they arrive. If they don't you buy a new copy of a compatible OS (or use Linux) and you install that way. If you have to go that route, however, you'll want to make sure that all necessary drivers are on the support web site or otherwise available.

What you didn't say is what's on the HD now or why you want to do this as it might be possible to create the media yourself if you have a fully working system.

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