Clean system install

[lusk]

I am looking to do a clean install of Windows 7 onto my PC which I bought through Ebay as it is getting quite slow now.

I entered the product key onto the Microsoft website only to get the message that because this machine was brought through a different vendor (Dell) I needed to get the download through them.

I have looked on the Dell site but can clearly see what I need to do. Whats the best way to do this, please?

 

[USAFRet]

I am looking to do a clean install of Windows 7 onto my PC which I bought through Ebay as it is getting quite slow now.

I entered the product key onto the Microsoft website only to get the message that because this machine was brought through a different vendor (Dell) I needed to get the download through them.

I have looked on the Dell site but can clearly see what I need to do. Whats the best way to do this, please?

You purchased an OEM license, originally was through Dell.
Microsoft expects you to get the install media from Dell.

And hopefully, that specific license key has not been sold to 50 other people.

 

[the_crippler]

Most pre-packaged machines come with reinstall media, but since you purchased this off ebay (and I'm assuming used) you apparently don't have that. Contact Dell with the identifying info of your machine and see if they're still send it to you anyway.

 

[USAFRet]

Additionally, the very first thing you do with a used PC..any used PC is a full wipe and reinstall of the OS.

This does 2 things:

1. Verifies the OS license and the install media which it is required to come with.

2. Deletes any and all trace of the previous owner(s). You have no idea what they had in there.