Dell Dimension

Ramen · March 27th, 2005, 05:19 AM

I just recently decided that I wanted to sell my old Dell Dimension that has been sitting in my closest for the past few years. It's pretty old for a computer, but I figure since I live in an AF dorm someone is bound to be willing to buy it for a low price. So, here is the problem..

I've formatted my own home-built computer, so I feel very comfortable doing anything with it short of fixing actual broken hardware. The Dimension one I never played with because it was my first computer and just bought it not knowing you could build one that could blow it out of the water for less money.. hehe.

So, would I just format like a regular computer or do you guys know something special you have to do for these Dinosaurs? It came with a bunch of CDs that are really lame (i.e. Reinstallation CD Windows ME, drivers, etc.)

I don't want to just format it and come to find out the bugger won't be of any use to me, hence a new paper weight! BTW, if I do sell it and the old stuff with it (my old monitor, keyboard, etc.) I'll be looking for some suggestions for new stuff to replace it, but that will be a different thread if I get a buyer.

XxCowOfChaosxX · March 27th, 2005, 05:51 AM

Make sure you have all the drivers.

Coolzer · March 27th, 2005, 07:38 AM

Because the Dell Dimension is a branded computer you MUST always have the CD's that came with it. You can't just format it and sell it because the person who gets it next will find it useless. Just reinstall it with the install CD's then sell it WITH the CD's also.

osprey4 · March 27th, 2005, 07:46 AM

Ramen:

You don't need the original discs, any OS disc will do, and all of the drivers can be downloaded. If the system came with ME, it can run XP, guaranteed.

If you want more specific help, you'll need to post the system. All Dell systems have a reinstall guide on the support site. If you want to follow the one for your system, go to http://support.dell.com/ and enter the service tag number, then click Reinstall guide.

I own five Dells so I know my way around them pretty well. Nothing tricky or proprietary.

Ramen · March 27th, 2005, 05:22 PM

Just wanted to let you guys know I restored the Dimension back to it's factory settings. It took a little while, but I got it up and running like brand new.. in 2001.

Oh yeah.. it's a Dell Dimension 4100. I even put my sound card back into it, so right now my new computer is running off the onboard sound. Onboard sound really isn't that good.

Anyone got a suggestion for a good sound card and/or speakers and subwoofer?

Thanks for all your info.

Arenal · March 27th, 2005, 05:27 PM

lol i am runnin a Dimension 8100..

Ramen · March 27th, 2005, 05:35 PM

It was kinda weird running my 4100. I barely heard any noise from the single fan.. hehe..

osprey4 · March 27th, 2005, 09:24 PM

I have a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz in my 4100. Works great! But you should really install XP in that thing, much better than ME. Your old 4100 will seem like a new machine.

SpaceSquad · March 27th, 2005, 09:45 PM

agreed, I HATE windows ME. Literally 1/10 times i started it, it gave me a fu**ing BSOD. Never use Me, get XP or even 2000...just not Me.

JLK03F150 · March 27th, 2005, 10:08 PM

I actually liked ME. I have a Dimension 8100 (that only runs folding@home 24/7 these days). The original install was on my machine for 3 1/2 years. I finally formated and reinstalled ME 6 months ago when I built a new machine.

Oh yea, I've reinstalled XP twice on my new pc, but trashed one install finding my overclock limit - duh!