Instructions re:clean install Win 7, on Dell insp. 1501

[Phil856745]

Hello all, I've got multiple problems!
1. CD/DVD not working (error 39)
3. I inherited this laptop, and discovered it has drivers from 3 OS's
4. I have 1 hand
5. I can follow a clear procedure, #'s I need to collect, etc..
6. I don't have a certificates disk, or any others as the DVD doesn't work!
7. Help - Please

[joeguru]

I'm sorry to say, but you have inherited a boat anchor. That computer is approximately 7 years old, which means you could buy another used laptop, in better condition, for less money than it could cost to get this one working. Just my opinion.

[Remah]

If you think that there is hardware that is broken and will need replacing then I'd follow joeguru's advice.

But if it only software and configuration problems then it just costs your time to repair it yourself. Your laptop can still be useful despite its age - my kids use a similar laptop for LAN parties playing old computer games - but unless it has been upgraded it will be rather limited.

If you want help to fix it then you should provide more information:

• What is the version of Windows that is installed on the laptop? Is Windows 7 already installed and you want to reinstall it or are you wanting to upgrade to Windows 7 from an older version?
• What is the error message with error 39? The error code means different things for different programs so I'd prefer that you are more precise.
• How did you discover that there are "drivers from 3 OS's"? Do you mean Windows has installed the drivers or that older driver files are still stored on the disk?
• I don't know what you mean by "a certificates disk" as that term is used for security software. Do you mean that you don't have a Windows 7 disk or that you do but cannot use it because the drive isn't working?

[Phil856745]

REMAH, I'm game to repair, when I first got this the CD/DVD, was working. It was made approx 2006, with Vista, upgraded to Win 7 Home Premium.

Error code 39 = dueling drivers, one driver from "Tech Pro" (Win Millennium driver), and another driver from WIN 7). I love Explorer, and I believe it was my fiddling that woke previous driver(s), and the fact that the other PC we have is an eMachine running XP... I had no idea that I could hurt this one by burrowing in explorer. I have PID, Win7 Home Prem. & SP1 on DVD, and a bunch of junk files. Thank You!! I know this is old, the other computer is about 15 y/o, and no backup!

Phil - disabled since 2000. please feel free to advise me re use of forum

[Remah]

There is more than one path to resolve the CD drive problem. You can find help on the Internet by searching for "Fix Windows error code 39" or something similar.

Here are three easier methods of the several available. Note: while you are following the instructions you will be prompted to confirm that you want to run these programs and sometimes you may be asked to enter your admin password.

Use System Restore to remove the recent driver install that you say caused the problem
This is often the first method used.
Go to the Start Menu and select "Control Panel".
Select "System and Security"
Select "Restore your computer to an earlier time" which is under the heading "Action Center"
Click on the button "Open System Restore" to run System Restore which will fiorst display an information page.
Select "Next" which should bring up a list of restore points.
Select a restore point which was at the time just before installing the device driver. By default there is usually only the last restore point listed so click-on the checkbox for "Show more restore points" to display all restore points.
If the restore point before the problem is many days earlier then be sure that you didn't make other changes which you don't want to lose. If you did make more changes that you want to keep then you could try the other methods before resorting to a system restore.

Use the "Hardware and Devices" troubleshooter
Go to the Start Menu.
Select "Control Panel".
In the search box, type "Hardware"
Under the heading "Troubleshooting" should appear "find and fix problems with devices" which you can click on to run the "Diagnostic and Troubleshooting Wizard"
Select "Next" which is on the first page of information and advanced options.
You should be able to follow the prompts once the scan starts.

Use Device Manager to uninstall the device drivers then reinstall.
Go to the Start Menu and select "Control Panel".
Select "Hardware and Sound".
Select "Device Manager" which is under the heading "Devices and Printers".
When the Device Manager window appears there will be a list of device types. Select "DVD/CD-ROM drivers" by double-clicking with the mouse or expanding the outline.
Uninstall the drivers. If you have only one CD or DVD drive then delete all the drivers that appear for "DVD/CD-ROM drivers". You can delete by selecting the driver and pressing the delete key or right-click and select uninstall. Either way you will be prompted to "Confirm Device Uninstall".
Then reinstall the driver from the "Device Manager" menu. Selecting "Action". Select "Scan for hardware changes". If Device Manager doesn't find any hardware to update then you will need to restart your system.

[Remah]

FYI, here's what Microsoft says to do when Your CD drive or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs.

Avoid methods 3 and 4 which have more scope for damaging your system. You can try them if the other methods don't work.

[joeguru]

Phil, If the error is caused by a change you made in Windows 7, maybe you could revert back to a restore point before the change was made and get the drive working again.

[Phil856745]

joeguru, for reasons I don't understand? This laptop is not holding restore points, as the "help" page claims it should..... I don't know if it is allowed, but could you place a link to virtually challenged group here?

Phil856745

[Remah]

System Restore might be turned off. As I said, try the other methods first.

[joeguru]

Phil here is the link http://www.techsupportalert.com/free...hallenged.html

Without the link, from the forums page (where we are now) click the Community link on the top menu bar, then click Social Groups to find Virtually Challenged.