Ask questions via twitter! Message any question to @answers on twitter. We'll publish the question and send you a reply each time there's a new answer.
My mother neglects her needs and health. How do I convince her to take care of herself?
Share A Conundrum Answer A Conundrum Where To Buy
Next Question

Answered Question

winmaster winmaster
 

Mahalo is adding a tip to all questions that don't offer a tip.
 M¢25  Funded By Mahalo ? |  July 11, 2009 06:06 PM

Need some info on Dell Inspiron 6000

I got a free Dell Inspiron 6000 from my uncle and it needs a new hard drive. When I get a new hard drive, I will have to reinstall Windows. I currently don't have any Windows install disc that I can use on the laptop (its license is for Home Edition.) Now, I can order a restore disc through Dell, or I can find a Windows XP Home Edition install disc and install and configure everything myself. So, my question is: How much crapware will come with the restore disc if I use that to install Windows, and do you recommend using that or an install disc provided by Microsoft. I'd like to know because if it comes with a lot of crapware, I'd prefer to install everything myself. So, if you happen to have an Inspiron 6000 sitting at home or you know where you can find these things out, please let me know.

Also, where can I get a cheap replacement battery for the laptop. Dell wants $150 for one, but that is way too expensive.

Thanks!
Interesting Question?  Yes (0)   No (0)   
RSS
 
 

Best Answer  Chosen by Asker

dannyjohns... dannyjohns...
 
 July 12, 2009 09:33 PM
Good question. I do this for a living. I've done this recently with a Dell 1525, and a few other Dell models..

Two ways:
Use a DELL restore CD.
http://www.pacificgeek.com/productimages/xl/RestoreCDfoDELL.jpg
There is NO crapware here, all this is is WINDOWS XP (whatever version) that auto activates when it sees a DELL Motherboard. Yes, this will work on ANY Dell motherboard. The crapware is with the other cds you get with the set. I've got four sets, and all sets have the same XP cd (ok, one is pro, other is home)... Most restore CDs are either SP1a or SP2, as Vista was live when SP3 came out. If you can find a Sp3 restore cd, thats ideal.

OR use a Windows Home Edition OEM disc. This would be the ideal CD to useif you don't have a Dell restore cd.. If you cannot find a OEM CD, a Windows XP install CD would work, but if its a retail copy, the numbers on the COA sticker won't work with it. Upgrade copy will also work, but you have to have a retail version of 98/me/2k etc..

FOR BOTH solutions:

While windows is installing, use another computer and visit Dell.com and find the drivers for ethernet or wifi card for the Dell Inspiron 6000 series. This link should work: http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&ServiceTag=&SystemID=INS_PNT_6000&os=WW1&osl=en&catid=&impid=

Also grab the Service packs from Microsoft.
Put them on a flash drive or CD. After windows installs, update the drivers on the laptop so it can connect to the internet. If you used the OEM solution, let windows activate. The DELL version is automatica and requires no activation.
Install the service packs up to SP3. Visit Windows Update via the Start menu.
Let windows update.. Click on Custom update. Update ALL the hardware drivers.

Thats it, you now have a working updated laptop.

As for battery: Thats an older model, batteries can be found on the net for $40 or so.. http://www.google.com/products?q=dell+inspiron+6000+battery&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7GGLD_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=UlZaSuDDMpCKNsyPqUM&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4
I'd probably get one off ebay. Don't waste your money buying direct from Dell, this stuff is easy to find on the secondary market...

Please let me know if you have any other questions or problems with that solution.
Asker's Rating:
• Thanks for the info. I'll let you know what happens when I get the disc.


Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip dannyjohnson for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
winmaster winmaster
 
July 13, 2009 12:14 AM
I don't have Dell's disc, but the website says I can order one free of charge. (It looks like they even update the drivers for me). So you are saying that if I do this, it won't come with any pre-installed software other than drivers and Dell utilities. That means No Google Toolbar, no 30 day Antivirus Trial, ect. If so, then that's what I'll do.

As for the battery, I'm not sure I want a used one, because a used one might not have much of a lifespan left. Do you know of anyplace I can get a new one cheap? Thanks!

Report
 
 
dannyjohns... dannyjohns...
 
July 13, 2009 01:14 AM
if they send you that disc in the picture (standard disc in Dell XP cd packages) it will be just XP. No crapware.

However, its the phrase 'they will even update the drivers for me' that has me concerned. All the Dell machines I have bought have had this CD in set (diff colors for home or pro).
One note: Its when you put those "dell utilities' on the machine you start adding crapware. I've never seen a "utility' program from a manufacturer that was decent and not spammy.. The easiest way to install the drivers is directly via windows update - custom- hardware..

I sent you a PM about that disc btw but Yes, if they're going to send it to you for free, then take the chance. My guess is you'll get more than one cd, prob 4 or 5 with all sorts of stuff, then just install what you need..

here's a NEW 6 cell battery for $50:
http://www.amacomputerstore.com/servlet/the-14618/New-Battery-for-Dell/Detail

Report
 
 
winmaster winmaster
 
July 13, 2009 01:39 AM
OK, thanks, I'll order the disc and let you know what I get. Thanks for the battery post too.

Report
 
 
dannyjohns... dannyjohns...
 
July 13, 2009 01:43 AM
Just wondering- How'd you get it for FREE?
thats free with no shipping/handling right?

Report
 
 
winmaster winmaster
 
July 13, 2009 10:28 PM
I don't think so, it doesn't cost much to mail a disc(s). I think that they are just doing this out of the goodness of their hearts. (Yes, I realize that this sounds very fishy.)

Report
 
 
winmaster winmaster
 
July 15, 2009 05:34 PM
UPDATE: I got the discs in the mail. The OS disc is blue, and contains Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2, and nothing else. Utilities and software shipped on separate discs. Everything was free, I paid nothing, not tax or shipping. I'm very pleased with how this turned out.

Report
 
 

Other Answers (2)

Sort By
don5601 don5601
 
July 11, 2009 06:28 PM
I would get a full verson of windows not a upgrade after that backup all your work the windows full i would get is xp pro but if you like vista then get the vista one but a full one not a upgrade you will thank me if you buy a full windows disk like xp pro no crapware will be on it . You know when you have trouble with windows and system restore does not help a full copy will fix the problem fast and you will not need a pc repair man to come to your home and fix it when there is a problem with your windows.

Helpful Answer?  (0)   (1)   

Unhelpful: winmaster

Tip don5601 for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
winmaster winmaster
 
July 11, 2009 06:51 PM
I'm not concerned with the version of Windows I am running. I have no problem with XP and the difference between Pro and Home is mostly behind the scenes. I do not need a professional PC repairman. I can fix my computers myself. I just want to decide wheather to use Dell's disc or one from Microsoft, as right now I don't have either.

Report
 
 
don5601 don5601
 
July 11, 2009 06:58 PM
Oh sorry then i would use dell disk .

Report
 
 
bbusyb bbusyb
 
July 12, 2009 10:03 PM
I'll suggest using Dell's disk, as Most of the drivers should already be on there. It should then be pretty easy to install the most updated versions

Also, If you are using a generic Windows XP disk, it might not accept your dells XP product key so it might not install.

The Dell Restore disks I've got, don't have any of the crapware that was on the original install.

However I've seen that if you restore from the recovery partion (On some systems) then the crapware is part of the restore.

Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip bbusyb for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 

Answer this Question

How tips and payments work

This question has already been resolved. You may add an answer to it but you will not be eligible to win best answer or any associated tips.

Related Questions

View All Laptops & Notebooks Questions

Ask a Question


140 characters left
Top of Page
Buy Mahalo Dollars with Credit Card or PayPal

Top Members

This Week All Time
  • buddawiggi
    buddawiggi
    2nd Degree Black Belt
    24987 Points
    M$694.72 Earned
  • cfinke
    cfinke
    2nd Degree Black Belt
    23219 Points
    M$29.75 Earned
  • unwirklich
    unwirklich
    Purple Belt
    2287 Points
    M$129.55 Earned
   See All
 

Most Popular Tags

mahalo(1398)
twitter(923)
iphone(449)
music(435)
google(324)
food(290)
internet(283)
beer(267)
online(266)
money(246)
apple(239)
movies(235)
aotd(233)
facebook(228)
answers(203)
video(200)
health(197)
free(190)
windows(190)
dog(188)
   See All
 

Categories

Welcome New Members


 
 
Mahalo Dollars are the currency of Mahalo Answers.

Each Mahalo Dollar costs $1.

Once you earn more than 40 Mahalo Dollars, you can request to be paid via PayPal. Each Mahalo Dollar is currently worth $0.75 when paid out via PayPal. Learn More

 
 

Please log in to use this function.

Answers Home | Ask a Question | Earn Points | How Tips Work | Widget



Share A Conundrum Answer A Conundrum Where To Buy