My original dell operating system cd is broken and i would like to know how i can format my laptop and whether i could get a replacement cd of the software or atleast an online version.

Hello,
First off, you might need your windows operating system disc. 1. Turn on your laptop 2. Start tapping on F2 once you see the Dell Logo 3. Once your inside BIOS go to Boot options or Boot menu 4. Change the boot priority, make the CD the top priority. 5. Once you're done with step 5, insert the operating system disc into your CD/DVD drive 6. Press F10 (Save and Exit). The laptop will then restart. 7. Check if it will boot from the OS disc, if it does, then there's no problem with your optical drive. If it did not boot from the operating system disc, then there's a big chance that your CD/DVD drive is already broken.
Note : if you're not satisfied with the steps above, you might want to try 2 operating system discs. You don't have to install them on the laptop, we just need to use it to verify if the CD/DVD drive is already broken and needs to be replaced.
With my experience as a technical support, usually this kinds of symptoms(the things that you mentioned) says that the DVD drive is already broken or defective.
Hope this helps!

When deleting the operating system you have to have a restore disc or the master disc for an Operating System to be re-installed again. You will then have to insert the Operating System disc in the drive and then restart select boot from CD or DVD whichever you have on your lap top then you will have to format the drive with this disc it all should just do it for you select complete install. This will wipe files currently on the hard drive and enable you to restore your machine back to its original condition as you purchased it.
You computer should be by default to boot from CD ROM first boot. If not get to the BIOS press F2 when the system first boots it will take you to the BIOS then set in the BOOT order as first boot being CD or DVD first boot and hard disc second boot. Then restart and have the Operating System Disc in. If you do not have an operating system disc that came with your computer you can get one from Dell just order it and use this disc. Do not try to install just the basic Windows because Dell has all of their drivers installed on their restore discs and you will play heck trying to get the drivers. Unless you have a legal copy of Win 7 go ahead and go for it then. Making sure to be online when installing Win 7 so that it can seek driver files during the installation.
I hope this assisted you. Thanks for using FixYa for all your questions. John

Hi,

Yes, reseting your laptop to original setting is possible.
It is called as formatting.If you format all the content in laptop will be lost.Please take back up and then format it.

Please get the boot up CD for your operating system(windows 2000 ,XP)

Put the CD in drive and restart the laptop.
It ask 'reboot from CD'.
Give enter it will start formatting the laptop.After formatting the laptop will be brought to original settings

thanx

You can restore the original factory image using PS Restore
http://www.fixya.com/support/r3705089-restore_dell_system_original
Otherwise, you boot to the Windows Media, and install the operating system then drivers from either the resource CD or download them from support.dell.com

check whether you are able to boot fom operating system cd/dvd,
if you are able to boot fom OS cd/dvd, there is no hardware issue,
if unable to boot = Replace optical drive

then software troubleshooting
Install firmware upgrade for optical drive fom suppot.dell.com
reinstall Operating system.

Dell ships their system with factory installed software and recovery discs.if you formatted using a different , the pre installed recovery are gone. so CALL DELL customer service and have them ship you out a recovery disc its for free, i guess if your still under warranty.

try to use another windows cd in case of a restore that is located in the internal hard drive and in the restore process it will show a problem and dont complete the restore that have two possible causes one bad hard drive second bad restore partition on restore whid virus in that case you need to restore from a original cd thanks and hope i was good help

then if i may ask what operating system are you using with yourn system before if you are sure of the kind of operating system you are using then you would have to format your system so that it wouldnt sees that error anymore and will initialize well and boot well then first of all save your document on a USB or anywhere save to backup your file then find a window xp original cd and format your system then reinstall your application and driver then if it repeats then rewrite to me have a nice day .
Any question

Yes. Using the cds supplied by dell, boot the operating system cd. Delete the active partitions, then quick format it and proceed to reinstall windows. Once windows is installed, use the supplied application and driver cd to reinstall the applications and drivers that came originally with your computer, again following the onscreen instructions.

Insert your Windows Vista Basic CD into the CD ROM drive and restart your computer.

It will autoboot from the CD and you can reinstall Vista Basic.

Should you have further problems don't hesitate to give more details.

Donnie