Dell Laptop User Thread

[human_shieldz]

Hi all, I will be getting Inspiron 6400 very soon excited... but kind of dilemma right now, on whether to opt for Vista or XP as OS...., any good advice?

Ok, i love vista as it is, but the more software u add in the more problems u have if the software is not supported. As for the hardware part, i already have quite a few blue screen of death already hehe. If u can't live with that then i suggest stick to XP but i understand u're probably excited about vista and also its something new, then why go back to old .

Ok i can't remember why and when i did it but now when i press the volume button on my XPS 1210 the volume display pop up but an additional one also pop up over the original one but its in chinese!!! I didn't install any chinese softwares!! Anyone has this problem??

 

[davislow]

Software and Games are very limited for Windows Vista.

Hi Diavonex, thank you for your suggestion, so it should be better to opt for XP, I suppose. Is XP Home Edition more than sufficient for basic usage?

Thank you human shieldz, I think I will stick to the more stable XP then...

 

[Diavonex]

Stay with Windows XP for the time being and upgrade to Vista when all the bugs, hardware and software are taken care off.

The notebook should be Vista Capable.

 

[davislow]

Thanks Diavonex, I will opt for XP. By the way, anyone kind enough (what about Diavonex) to share with me what are the recommended things to perform when I get my new 6400. I am planning to perform things like what I have read from other DELL users(standard tasks to perform when u get your laptop), such as disabling the SpeedStep, removing all bloatwares(re-formatting) etc. etc. But all the important steps that I see in this thread are here and there, so can anyone be so kind enough to clearly state all the steps once again for the 'standard tasks' to perform? Thank you so much in advance.

 

[Diavonex]

Before you reformat, I'll strongly suggest you make a full image of your hard disk (Diagnostic+Windows XP+MediaDirect+Recovery Image) to an external hard drive using imaging software like Acronis 10 or Ghost.

This'll allow you to restore to Factory Default should you mess up your System.

 

[Diavonex]

Alternative suggestion:

Make 2 important images:

Image 1: Clean Windows XP + 74 updates

Image 2: Clean Windows XP + 74 updates + freshly installed Programs

Don't forget to backup data too.

 

[davislow]

Thank you Diavonex. Sorry for my lousy computer skills, these tasks are a bit tedious for me. I though it is as easy as reformatting the hard disk and installing back XP, drivers, utilities and some of the softwares that I need and if seriously if I messed things up I just use the hot-keys to restore to the factory default. (pardon my ignorance.) If it is going to be so tedious, I will stay as it is then.

 

[Diavonex]

Once you reformat, DELL PC restore (Ctrl+F11) will not work anymore.

 

[stam]

whats SpeedStep???

 

[Leino5]

hell guys, anyone redeem their windows vista through the dell vista express upgrade? (this is valid for customer who purchase dell laptop after 26 october 2006)

i already registered online, but the order status is still pending after 3 weeks so i am wondering if any of you having the same situation?

 

[AzureFlux]

Leino5: I am facing the exact same situation and it has exactly been 3 weeks already. From what I have read, Dell is having some major issues on their supply side, and that you should expect to wait a LONG time before ever getting your hands on that express upgrade disc.

Here's some reference:
http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2007/02/07/5757.aspx

 

[Leino5]

Thanks dude, this explain everything

 

[yi_shiang]

ya me oso still on pending

 

[Shard]

For those that have been asking, the SIM slot in the M1210 and Dell Precision M65 is useless unless there is a mobile module in the form of a mini card installed.

The cards are currently not available in Singapore but that may change in the future as other notebook brands like Fujitsu have already started selling notebooks with preinstalled mobile modules.

Dell UK and US will not ship the mobile modules to Singapore, even if you go through vPost. You can however buy one off eBay at a big discount. There seem to be alot floating around waiting to be bought. Installation is not too hard but will require you to open up your notebook and will most likely void warranty.

There are a few different mobile modules for the different networks, 3G HSDPA, EDGE etc. So pick the right one. You can get the specs from the Dell US or UK site.

Once installed, you can download the software from Dell support.

Lastly, the Dell Precision M65 works with all versions of the Vodafone Mobile Connect Card (3G, HSDPA GTMax, HSDPA Huawei 620) and the USB device.

 

[july14]

Recover to factory defaults

Hi everyone, I just got my Notebook with Windows Vista Business version.

Would like to know how to back up the in a CD/DVD so in future can restore from this CD/DVD again if anything goes wrong.

Previously own a acer notebook. There is a E-recovery button where I can restore the systems setting from CD/DVD which I back up previously.

 

[ahjoe100]

for those who intend to install XP over ur new vista...make sure u make an image of ur entire hdd before u proceed, cos u will lose ur RESTORE function even if u did not delete the restore partition!!

i would strongly reccomend u get an external hdd to image for secure. DVDs nowadays are just too flimsy.

At the same time i like to say DELL has the best service so far. i like the way the customer service provides.

 

[TRDKids]

My eyes stay on DELL - Mobile productivity 640m.

Any User in the forum .. pls comment the laptop look, feel, durable ?
wat is the best combination for the setup ( as we can choose the hardware to customise it)

Thank you !

 

[Xiaosa]

My eyes stay on DELL - Mobile productivity 640m.

Any User in the forum .. pls comment the laptop look, feel, durable ?
wat is the best combination for the setup ( as we can choose the hardware to customise it)

Thank you !

Using it for 9 mths. Never failed me..

 

[pisces25]

My eyes stay on DELL - Mobile productivity 640m.

Any User in the forum .. pls comment the laptop look, feel, durable ?
wat is the best combination for the setup ( as we can choose the hardware to customise it)

Thank you !

Me 2 ...cheapest cor2duo 1 can find

 

[human_shieldz]

Hi everyone, I just got my Notebook with Windows Vista Business version.

Would like to know how to back up the in a CD/DVD so in future can restore from this CD/DVD again if anything goes wrong.

Previously own a acer notebook. There is a E-recovery button where I can restore the systems setting from CD/DVD which I back up previously.

Eeeee i dunno how to do the button back up but i am using vista business also, there is a full system backup which i believe is mirroring your entire system to a backup drive or disc. I use external HD to back up 19gig of it. Havne't tried retoring it though. I screwed up my vista, tried to use their restore but shockingly it says i have no backup to restore, wtf! So now i trust myself better lol