I really don't want to part with these since they are my only discs for the machine and are not easily replaceable.

Furthermore, I do think you want the actual disc for your machine...........taking the risk on a completely different machine is not worth the effort.

A copy(s) was all I ask for. Wouldn't want you to part with the originals.

So, without the startup disc... this thing is bound for the landfill???

Call Dell, they might be able to get you a replacement. :)

If there is a way to copy such a disc, I'll be pleased to do it for you. I don't believe I can just copy it onto a hard drive and then copy it back onto a new CD-ROM??

Anyone with some input on how to do that?

As I said earlier, download a program called Acronis True Image and it will transfer the entire contents of your present HD to a new one.

I can also see if I have my Dell install disks at home if you want a hard copy.

Not the issue.

How would I make a copy of the Dell startup disc?

In my case, I have the startup discs and will use them.

For Dan, he needs a startup disc to setup a new drive.

Dell includes the entire install copy of the OS on CD with the purchase of a new computer. I can burn a copy of this OS and, using the key for another computer install it on that computer.

As stated by someone earlier, the key is located on a sticker on the chassis somewhere.

As far as making a copy, are you referring to the "system recovery disk" or the install CD?

The system recovery disk will not help on a new HD install.

Dan can install his new HD along side the old one and transfer the OS to it. I've done it a couple times with no issues.

I have the entire install copy of the OS on CD.

How would I burn a copy of it?

OK, Just wasted 30 minutes of my life talking (waiting) with Dell support. Severe language barrier due to outsourced tech help prevented much info exchange before they dropped the call.

Looking in the machine and I don't see a place to connect another drive. Does it just daisy chain with the existing drive on the IDE ribbon cable?

Most likely, you have a machine with an IDE interface. You'll have to buy a new drive with the same unless the computer is new enough to have some SATA ports. Use a Google image search to find pictures of what these connectors look like.

If you don't have available IDE or SATA ports, you will have to chain the two drives together as master and slave. The drives have jumpers on them with labels so you can set them. Use "CBL sel" or "cable select on both drives and the computer will automatically sense them.

You may have to buy another IDE cable if you need it.

My Dell has a program called Roxio that facilitates the creation of CD's. Pretty much every computer with a CD burner has some sort of software to use it. In Roxio, you just click on "Create an exact copy", then follow the on-screen instructions.

Nevermind.

MicroCenter has a IBM Intel P4 512MB 40GB HD refurb for $99.

By the time I buy a HD, cable, startup disc... not saving much.

Even includes a new keyboard and mouse.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0317837

Whiskeydan,

You should have received a startup disc with your current computer when you bought it. If your current computer only has one HD, then you should be able to add a second HD as the slave on that IDE cable. You'll need to hook it up to one of the four-prong power connectors as well, there should be a few free ones floating around. If you decide to get that Microcenter refurbished unit, that's your choice, although I personally would trust a Microcenter refurbished computer as far as I'd trust a "Honest Mike's Preowned Vehicles" refurbished 1995 Ford Taurus (the kind with the V6 that eats headgaskets).

Good find! That looks like one similar to the ones we just de-commissioned here at work. Beware as it's a "low profile" form factor and you really can't put different cards into it for upgrades, etc...

You can however, upgrade the optical drives and hard drive.

Before you disable your internet connection by installing a fresh copy of the OS, make sure you download and burn the latest drivers (or back them up) so you can reinstall them.

A fresh install of Windows may have the drivers you need to reinstall your network card (or modem), or you may be stuck with a cool solitaire machine.

Plan on a bunch of restarts.

I recommend AVG for the free antivirus to go onto the new harddrive.

Have you checked dell's website, i believe you can download the start up stuff and burn it to a cd. Might be an ISO file.

Otherwise, you dont need the startup disc, just a copy of whatever OS you want, and go to the BIOS and boot from CD. Then you need to download drivers.