Hi everyone, Just wanted to update you all.
After much digging here's what I found out about the Dell reinstallation disc. It is similar to an original Microsoft installation disc, except that it is geared toward a Dell BIOS. This is why it will only work on a Dell system. It does give options to access the recovery console, repair install with (hopefully) no loss of data, or a new installation of windows, etc.
Dell does not supply recovery/image discs. For that, Dell has a hidden partition on the hd that contains a proprietary utility known as "Dell PC Restore by Symantec", which will return the pc to an "out of the box" state, including all of the junk that came preloaded, and, minus any data or software you have on the hd. Only Dell pc's manufactured after 7/16/04 Americas, and, 8/30/04 Europe, have the utility.
I still haven't found out why the disc is on a DVD.
So there you have it, buyer beware.
See y'all later, cb
