Factory reset, restore, or reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell computer Reset, Restore or Reinstall Windows 7, 8 & 10 on your Dell PC using the instructions shown below. Table of Contents. This simple procedure works on most Dell laptop and desktop computer systems with Microsoft Windows 7 installed. The procedure shown here is considered a destructive restore and any user data.
Hi,
You should also have a Recovery Partition to reinstall the OS from;
Dell – Press F8 at Boot which will bring up Advanced Boot Optionshttp://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?docid=DSN_362066
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If your Operating System came pre-installed on your Laptop Dell, HP, etc), Product Key Finder Programs will not find a useable Product Key that works for reinstallation purposes.
On a machine with a pre-installed Operating System (Dell, HP, etc) they only find the Product Key that was used on multiple machine at the factory during manufacture.
PKF Programs are only useful for reinstallation purposes for Retail or OEM System Builders Product Keys Operating System Licenses and Office, etc
The COA sticker with the correct Product Key to reinstall from an ISO file is either on the underside of the Laptop or in the Battery Compartment.
With a Desktop it is either on the side, rear or top of the Computer Case.
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You don't tell us where you got the DVD from.
This is the normal reinstall methods we use:
How to make your own Recovery Disk/s from the Manufacturer’s Recovery Partition
Dell:
Dell Support Reinstall Windows 7
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Order Recovery disks;
Dell USA:
If in another Country, contact Dell Tech Support in your Country.
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Or download the correct ISO file and make your own disk and use the Product Key that is on the COA Sticker.
And here are instructions on how to burn ISO images to disk:
Then do a clean install:
Factory Reset Windows 7
Using the downloaded ISO file Method may require phone Activation.
If it does require phone Activation, do not follow the Auto Prompts, but hold on for a real person to explain to as to what has been done for re-installation purposes
Reinstall Windows 7 Dell Laptop
'How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone'
The above method also will require you to go to your Computer Manufacturer's website > Support and Downloads Section > locate your Model Number and Operating System > then download and install the latest Drivers for it.
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Using the USB method in conjunction with the above Windows 7 download:
'How to Get and Use the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool'
Cheers
p.s. Using the Dell Recovery methods (their Recovery partition, their Recovery disk) does not normally require you to supply a Product Key during the Installation Process as the Recovery Process uses the Factory Installation Product Key to automatically Activate during the reinstallation processsing