Dell Vostro problem ?
Dell Vostro problem ?
Hi
I'm experiencing nightmares after a fresh Windows 11 reinstall on my Dell Vostro. It's been running very slowly lately. I chose to perform a full clean install. The previous W11 model reported an error saying it couldn't recover the system.
This device was purchased on Ebay roughly six months ago from a seller named Ecolaptop, who resells older machines. I bought it in a fairly legal manner.
I'm comfortable with clean installations, but this one has been challenging.
I used the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to create a 64GB memory card. Then I began the installation process.
I removed all partitions except the main unallocated one and set that as the target drive for the new W11 installation. Everything proceeded normally until about 30 minutes in, when I saw a corporate screen from a UK college asking for either my Student login email or my Microsoft Passkey.
How did this manage to survive the clean install?
A full wipe should have erased all previous data, but I still see the login screen. How is that possible?
Do Dell devices have a hidden storage area in the BIOS?
I've tried everything I could think of. I've worked with computers and laptops for many years, but this situation is really confusing.
Where does the old information actually reside, and how can I remove it?
After three attempts and six hours, I'm still stuck on this frustrating screen.
I can't finish the installation and can't move forward.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
My next stop is The Skip!!
Dell Vostro
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This device was purchased on Ebay roughly six months ago from a company named Ecolaptop who refurbish older machines. Dell offers several laptops and desktops in the Vostro range; which model are you using? A specific model and SKU would assist in identifying your setup.
I opted for a full clean reinstall.
Is the OS being installed offline?
How did this unit endure the clean install process?
Did all partitions on the connected drive, originally meant for an OS installation, get removed?
I removed the drive, replaced it with a brand new one, and still encounter the login screen. What’s going on?
If the included license key was an OEM key tied to a specific institution, that could be the reason behind the problem. The key is linked to the BIOS chip on your motherboard.
Hi Lutfij,
Thank you for your quick response.
DELL VOSTRO 15 Intel I5 7200U Windows 11 laptop 15" FHD with 8GB RAM and 1000GB storage is all I have.
It seems like it might be better to replace it rather than risk buying something subpar.
Appreciate your assistance.
Reach out to Ecolaptop initially. If assistance isn't available and a Windows reinstall fails, consider Linux.
Thanks cruisetung
Got to go to work now, but thank you for these suggestions.
Ecolatop weren't helpful, so I won't bother them again (or buy from them again either).
I'll try the settings but suspect I'll just have to write this one off to a bad experience .
Life's too short to spend it worrying.
Thanks