What Is the Extra Partition on My Hard Drive Used For?
[url]http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?journalid=52AD689EC91954E7E040AE0AB5E1404F&docid=E8643B4D68407118E030030ABD622934[/url]

Restoring Your Computer's Software to the Factory Settings:
[url]http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?journalid=52AD689EC91954E7E040AE0AB5E1404F&docid=3E48AE3870775D64E040A68F5B2877D4#4[/url]

You can request backup discs if you no longer have the original media installation CD/DVD:
[url]https://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form[/url]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast

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"Munchichic" wrote:

Hi Everyone. I realize this may be a "touchy" subject but I need to ask.
After a massive computer failure I just bought a new Dell XPS 420 desktop PC.
My first Dell purchase. It came preloaded with Microsoft Vista Home Premium.
I asked Dell for an original Microsoft installation CD as a backup. They
refused. I have several friends and relatives who purchased Dell computers
and many of them requested the same disc from Dell and received it without
incident (some within the last 2 months). I think I should be entitled to a
copy of the installation CD and not one that is from Dell preloaded with a
bunch of Dell crap on it. Why can't I receive an original Windows CD like
everyone else has requested? Am I asking the wrong person? What am I doing
wrong? Any help is appreciated. I just spent $1000 on this new computer and
think that should entitle me to the Windows OS disc (and I expect it will
have the same product key that was used to install on my new Dell). Thank you.