Installed software ,No Discs?

[visionman]

Hi everyone,
I have just aquired a Dell Dimension 2350 with preinstalled software. XP sp 2, MS Works, Roxio Creator 5 , plus other software that cames with the Dell Dimension. Anyone have any suggestions or advice what I should do in case the computer goes funny in the future and asks me to insert the original discs or some other problem connected with the original software? Any practical ,experienced advice or suggestions welcomed.
Cheers visionman.

[Vidd]

Newer Dells have a hidden partition that contain a backup image of everything that came original with the computer. If it exists on your system you might be able to extract it.

The Dimension 2350 is model from 2002-2003. I don't remember if Dell used hidden partitions back then. Dell always used to send the discs in a packet that was bundled in the box.

You might call Dell and ask if they can send the software discs. Don't know if you would have to pay or even if they would still have a stock supply. They once sent me replacement discs for free but I was still under warranty.

[visionman]

Hi Vidd,
Thanks, How does one go about extracting this hidden backup image? I have to tell you Im a bit of a novice regarding procedures , unless its very clearly written in a manual.
Cheers visionman

[Vidd]

First I want to put a disclaimer, if you don't know what you are doing you might lose data or mess up the computer. Even if you know what you're doing you can still mess up your computer.

The following website is very good regarding the subject:

http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/


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If you have the Dell computer/customer ID#, try to find a Dell toll free phone number and ask if they can send you the discs for free.

If the computer and programs are working good now, you could create a backup image file of the system and save it to a burnt DVD disc or USB thumb drive. Symantec Ghost and Acronis True Image are the most popular image programs, but you might find a free alternative if you don't have either of these programs.

[visionman]

Thnks for the Link Vidd, very interesting and informative. Also for the products mentioned . checked out Acronis site seems to be the best on the market. I also found a page full of free stuff related to this area of hard drive backup which may be fit for my purpose to make an identical copy . One thing I thought about after reading the Link page was
( Should I , use System Restore to go back to the earlies date eg, when the accompanied software that had to be installed, or activated with the preinstalled software) I do not know if I can do this? If I copy the image now the system may well have undergone defragments and other hard drive sector changes .

Cheers
visionman

[Nelson37]

There is usually some utility, Disk Creator or some such, that will create the install disks for you.

Dell will ship copies for a minimal shipping charge, also much of the software is available for download on their website.

You should have at least a Dell XP disk that came with the PC.