Damn disk

[nicky munchkin]

Got a Dell computer sitting here which came installed with Vista HPrem. The good thing about Dell is that they give you the full OS install disk, instead of a recovery disk. And I dropped the disk behind me desk and forgot about it. I've just found it and its scratched to hell. Thought I might get away with it at one point when a computer booted from the said disk but gave me errors on install.

Could I ring Dell and get them to tell me the key for the disk or will I have to pay? Also is there another way of getting the key off the scratched disk (remembering the OS off the disk is not installed on any computer) and then I could borrow a friends install disk, make an image of the disk, burn the image to another disk, and use my perfectly legal key to install onto the computer.

And yes you heard me right when I said get the key off the scratched disk, because Dell Vista disks don't need a key as the key must be already on the disk (other than that they don't need a key). I'm actually a bit confused about that.

[Cosmo_1847]

I think you can ring dell and explain to them your situation that the might send you a new recovery DVD. You may have to pay a fee for it.

[Daza]

Or you could try the free options first, how about a bit of banana action (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/save-the-day/scratched-disc-banana-to-the-rescue-288312.php). :D

[nicky munchkin]

Thanks mate I'll give the banana thing a go :D When it says glass cleaner it means Windolene right?

[Daza]

Most likely, let us know how it goes as I still think it cant work.

[nicky munchkin]

Most likely, let us know how it goes as I still think it cant work.
Didn't work, although fairs fair, the disk is much much more scratced than "moderate" as the vid says.

[nicky munchkin]

On my bottle of Windolene it says by "appointment to her majesty the queen...".

Can just imagine them using the stuff on the chandeleers (remembers Only Fools and Horses Episode :D)

But yeah I think the disk is beyond repair.

To save starting another thread, how can I get a DVD to play in VLC on linux (I wanna watch Men in Black II).

[Cosmo_1847]

I have a vista ultimate dvd, if you used your key would it allow you to install home premium?

edit: 4444 posts :eek:

[Tami]

Go to the drug store or supermarket and buy "Pearl Drops" toothpaste or failing that any plain whitener toothpaste,
Wet your finger and put a bit on the tip of your finger and rub the scratch from center to the edge to remove the scratch.
There is a layer of plastic protecting the data and you can "buff" a lot before you damage the disk (its fooked already).
If that doesnt work a cotton buffer wheel with "Stainless" polish (white) or "rouge" but this is aggressive and needs a steady and EASY hand to do.
I have saved some pretty bad CD's with the toothpaste method and one I had to buff the scratch with wet 1200 grit and then polish with the compound and wheel.

[Forthy]

....and then I could borrow a friends install disk, make an image of the disk, burn the image to another disk, and use my perfectly legal key to install onto the computer....

Why not just do this?

Your serial number should be on a sticker on the outside of the case.

[nicky munchkin]

Why not just do this?

Your serial number should be on a sticker on the outside of the case.
Yeah Cosmo reminded me of that yesterday on MSN. Needless to say I spent a few hours whacking my head on a wall.

I'll have a look at the serial in a mo, if its not on the case am I right in thinking it could be on the PSU.

[Forthy]

Will be somewhere on the chasis, possibly inside, but usually in the bottom corner of a side panel.

[nicky munchkin]

Go to the drug store or supermarket and buy "Pearl Drops" toothpaste or failing that any plain whitener toothpaste,
Wet your finger and put a bit on the tip of your finger and rub the scratch from center to the edge to remove the scratch.
There is a layer of plastic protecting the data and you can "buff" a lot before you damage the disk (its fooked already).
If that doesnt work a cotton buffer wheel with "Stainless" polish (white) or "rouge" but this is aggressive and needs a steady and EASY hand to do.
I have saved some pretty bad CD's with the toothpaste method and one I had to buff the scratch with wet 1200 grit and then polish with the compound and wheel.
We are out of pearl drops so I'm using some regular whitening toothpaste.

[Cosmo_1847]

Whats the chance that you're being lied to and your disc will be fubarred after all of this?

I'd suggest you look for the serial number on your case and borrow a working vista install DVD off a friend.

[Tami]

Whats the chance that you're being lied to and your disc will be fubarred after all of this?



I am offended!
I would never do that to anyone!
My method works and works quite well, I have worked with plastics for years so I do know what I am on about.
I was a supplier of etches to Kustom until I could no longer work so am not likely to play "Silly Buggers" with someones disk.

[nicky munchkin]

I am offended!
I would never do that to anyone!
My method works and works quite well, I have worked with plastics for years so I do know what I am on about.
I was a supplier of etches to Kustom until I could no longer work so am not likely to play "Silly Buggers" with someones disk.
Yeah thats what they all say :p

jk

I've just dropped Dell a line so will have a reply shortly.

[Cosmo_1847]

Tami that wasn't aimed at you and I'm sorry that I offended you. In fact I was just winding up Nick up.

[spikeboy4]

I was a supplier of etches to Kustom until I could no longer work so am not likely to play "Silly Buggers" with someones disk.

I Would :p:D

[movinginthedark]

...why has no one suggested using the magic jelly bean keyfinder?
If you have access to the vista environment to which you wish to re-install. Google and download that app (as far as I am aware it's perfectly legal). Then borrow your mates CD, copy the image and use your key....
Job done.

...or am I so tired I missed something?