New Hard Drive

[geekgirl1234]

Ok, I have this Dell Inspiron 530s and the hard drive is busted. I called Dell to get a new boot disk so I can just install a new hard drive but they want WAY to much money for it. (like $300) she said because my warranty is out that this is what a new disk costs. So here is my question, I have bought a new hard drive can I just install a current version of windows on it?

[rjfvillarosa]

Do you know any one with a Dell copy of the Windows installation disk?
If you can find a Dell install disk, I am assuming you use XP, you will not have to validate the installation. Dell install disks are tied to the Dell BIOS.
The other thing you can do is use an OEM version of your copy of XP (home or PRO) and use that to reinstall the OS using the COA key from the sticker on the side of your machines case.
Which ever way you do it you will need to get all the hardware drivers from Dell and the quickest way to do that is use the service tag from the back of your case via the Dell website.

[geekgirl1234]

Thanks for the info, I don't think I know anyone with a Dell boot disk, I was running Vista on it? Is there anything else I can do? Or can I follow your other instructions, buy vista and get the drivers?

[glc]

What operating system do you WANT? Dell has drivers for both XP and Vista. If you have to buy it, either XP Home or Vista Home Basic are both in the $90 range for OEM, which is all you need.

[geekgirl1234]

So if I understand this I can just put in a new hard drive and install windows vista? I want you all to know I appreciate all of your help.

[rjfvillarosa]

Originally Posted by geekgirl1234 So if I understand this I can just put in a new hard drive and install windows vista?.

Yes exactly.
Obviously we do not know the extent of your computer knowledge so if we come across a bit basic at first it is only because we are testing the water to see how much you know.
Reinstalling the operating system is only half the work. All the hardware in your computer requires a small data file (driver) to inform Windows of exactly what that piece of hardware is and contains information on how Windows can best use that piece of hardware.
Most of the time sourcing and installing the correct drivers for your hardware is harder than reinstalling Windows itself. You are fortunate to be playing with a Dell because via the service tag number you can easily find all the Dell drivers for your machine. Please try and find a Dell reinstall disk, this will save you $100. You do not need the installation key from anyone else's computer, your installation key will be verified via the BIOS during installation.