Step 1. Back up your data.

An external hard drive is a great device to back ones data up on. Documents, Music, Pictures and Videos in particular. A standard user should make regular back ups in case of hard drive failure.
If you don't backup your data and want to keep it, ensure you don't follow step 7a and don't format or delete the partitions when installing Windows 8 (Step 8). This will allow you to copy your files from Windows.old (Step 15).

Step 2. Obtain Old Windows Reinstallation Media

Before doing this see Steps 2 and 3 of A Clean Install of Windows XP, A Clean install of Windows Vistaand A Clean Install of Windows 7 depending on what your older version of Windows is. Ideally you should have installation media and product keys for your earlier version of Windows in case you wish to revert, likely you won't but you should do so just in case. In addition ensure that you have product keys for Microsoft Office to hand.

Step 3. Obtaining Windows 8 Installation Media

You may purchase and download Windows from here.

Select Buy Windows 8


This will prompt you to run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant:

You will then get a report similar to below:

As we are going to perform a clean install (maximum performance), ignore this and select nothing and press next.

You have the option to purchase Windows 8 and whether to purchase a backup DVD from Microsoft. In our case we will just purchase Windows 8.

You will be prompted for payment information:


Once you have purchased Windows 8 you should get a product key and download link sent to you via email. Click on the download link and run the Windows 8 setup. The setup will then begin to run.


You will be prompted to enter your product key, enter it and select next.

Select next and next again


The setup will then begin to download. This may take some time. When it finishes you will get installation options.

Select install by creating media and press next. When prompted select .iso file

Save this file onto an external hard drive. Beside the .iso file create a notepad file with your product key. This will give you an easy means to make Windows 8 installation media in the future. 

Click finish. The .iso will be 64 bit if your previous version of Windows was 64 bit and likewise be 32 bit if your previous versions was 32 bit.
Once one has the .iso file, they need to make either:
(a) a bootable DVD which requires a blank DVD
(b) a bootable USB stick which requires a USB stick of 4 GB or greater.

To do this download the Microsoft .iso to USB/DVD tool is a very easy to use tool to create a bootable USB/DVD from the .iso file. It mentions Windows 7 but works for Windows 8 and Vista .isos also. I recommend saving the installer for this beside your .iso file like shown below.

Install the Microsoft .iso to USB/DVD tool and run it from the start menu to create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive (For USB flash drive recommendations see here).

Ideally you should use a new USB Flash Drive. If you are using an old one format it with the HP Format Tool.
Note: A bootable USB is must be used for netbooks or systems without an optical drive or a damaged optical drive.
Note the .iso file will correspond to your version of previous Windows. I am not sure how you would switch from a 32 bit version of Windows 7 to a 64 bit version of Windows 8 for example*. In my case the 32 bit .iso was 2.01 GB and the 64 bit one 2.63 GB.
* needs verification with more tests.

Step 4. Notes on Updating the BIOs

The latest BIOS update may be required or certainly help with installation of Windows 8.
Know the risks however caution should be taken when updating the BIOs as a failed BIOs = a dead system. Therefore many users opt to stay clear of BIOs updates completely. I personally tend to update the BIOs if available after a clean install.
When you power up your Dell system, you will get the Dell BIOs screen:

On this screen is the model number and the BIOs revision. The BIOs revision typically this of either 2 formats:
• Axx, i.e. A01, A02, ..., A12 etc.
• x.x.xx, i.e. 1.0.0, 1.0.3, 1.1.2, 1.1.4, 1.1.10, 1.1.11 etc.
The higher the number the later the revision.
The latest BIOS revision may be found on the Drivers and Downloads Page. To reduce the probably of fatal BIOs updates save the BIOS update file to the desktop and close down all programs.
Remove any USB device from your computer except for keyboard and mouse and also remove any CD/DVDs and media cards. Restart computer.
Then double click the file and run it as an administrator. Don't touch the computer until the BIOs update is complete. It should automatically log you off, update the BIOs and restart the computer.
Don't power down the computer during the BIOs update as this will ensure your system is rendered completely useless. Ensure both the battery is at full charge and the AC adaptor is plugged in when updating the BIOs on a laptop.

Step 5a. Obtaining the Dell System Drivers (Dell Drivers and Downloads Page)

The link below indicate which computers Dell intends to support on Windows 8. i.e. systems Dell will provide drivers for probably at the end of the month: Dell Computer Support for Windows 8.
For systems not in this list you will have to find drivers elsewhere, or use Windows vista/7 drivers which will likely work. All systems which can run Vista or 7 can run Windows 8.
Unfortunately the drivers and downloads links aren't all working as they should.
Go to the Dell Support page and select Drivers and Downloads. Select your model and Operating system.

Avoid inputting the Service Tag (its not working correctly for many systems omitting critical drivers).

Once the model is selected you need to select the correct OS:

Once you have selected Windows 8 look at the categories

Click the category to expand it e.g. we will take the video one

Click download file, this will take you to this page

Do not select Download Manager, select single-file download and press next. If you get the following error message:


Press back on the browser.
In the address bar check the URL. For example:
http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/uk/en/ukdhs1/GetDriver/InitiateSingleFileDownload?fileId=3080218827&driverId=V84DC&isInstallAvailable=False&isKCSArticleTobeShown=False&categoryId=VI&returnUrl=%2Fsupport%2Fdrivers%2Fuk%2Fen%2Fukdhs1%2FProduct%2Fxps-13-l321x-mlk%3FretrieveState%3DTrue&isUSDownload=false
Change the last false to true.
Then press [Enter]. The page will refresh and look identical to before

This time select Single-File download and it should now work. Once done press back several times to return here:

Ensure it looks the same as before (number of categories and number of drivers under each category), if not change the OS to BIOS and back to Windows 8 64 bit. For me drivers were disappearing earlier.
See Step 5c with regards to installation order. If Windows 8 drivers aren't available for your model see notes in Step 5c especially with regards to bluetooth and ST Microelectronics.
Dell Drivers and Downloads Page is currently under maintenance and is left in a sorry state. Most of the download links don't work. In addition inputting a Service Tag doesn't give the complete correct set of drivers. It has an awful end-user experience. Which is why the workaround is mentioned in this wiki
I have listed direct link to a few XPS models here.

Step 5b. Obtaining the Dell System Drivers (Dell FTP Website)

The Drivers for older version of Windows may be found on the Dell ftp website on the Browse for Drivers section which is designed for more advanced users. Unfortunately this isn't updated as frequently as the Drivers and Downloads page.
Most users should have got the drivers from above and have no need for the Dell ftp website (i.e. should skip Step 5b).
This has been reorganised recently so drivers are listed by model.

The Dell FTP Website has all versions of each driver released by Dell for a particular model. Select your type and then model number. We will take the Inspiron 560 desktop and install Windows 7 64 bit for example.

On the Dell ftp website the user should ignore Legacy Drivers.

The user should download only the latest drivers for their system which correspond to their Operating System.
i.e. when a driver is listed with version A0X, ..., A01 and A00 you should only use the A0X version where X is the highest number.

However ensure that the OS you wish to install is under the supported OS in this case we would want revision A00 for Windows 7 64 bit and not revision A04 for Windows Vista 64 bit.
Finally one thing to note is that certain categories, in particular Network (Wireless Card) and Video (Graphics Card) were customisable and have several variants, you must select the correct ones for your system.
Downloading from the ftp website is faster but designed for advanced users. However due to the sorry state of the drivers and downloads page I recommend all users to use the ftp website. Pay attention to driver install order (Step 5c).
All the drivers should be downloaded and saved to a USB stick. The way this guide is intended Steps 1-6 are preparation for installing Windows so the user has everything they need when installing Windows. This is why Step 5 (downloading drivers) and Step 10 (installing drivers) are independent.
If however the user has already attempted to install Windows likely they won't be able to access the internet to get the drivers and will need to use a working system to download them.

Step 5c. Driver Install Order and Notes

If no Windows 8 drivers are available then note:
• 32 bit 7 drivers may be used in conjunction with Windows 8 32 bit.
• 64 bit 7 drivers may likewise be used in conjunction with Windows 8 64 bit.
If no Windows 7 drivers are available look for Windows Vista drivers.
 • 32 bit Vista drivers may be used in conjunction with Windows 8 32 bit.
• 64 bit Vista drivers may likewise be used in conjunction with Windows 8 64 bit.
There are few exceptions to this rule in particular bluetooth which integrates with Windows Explorer. If you just have Windows XP drivers then you can attempt installing Windows 8 without drivers and if you have any problems in the Device Manager (see Step 12) you can ask for assistance on the Microsoft OS forum.
When downloading drivers for a clean install I recommend using the same folder structure as me to prevent confusion and to ensure that you install all the drivers in the correct order. Although this guide is based on installing/reinstalling Windows 7 on laptops, installation on Dell desktops will be very similar. Naturally some of these drivers/applications such as Dell Quickset for power/mobility are designed for Laptops only and are thus not needed for Desktops.
• 0. Dell System (Notebook/Desktop) Software - Under System Utilities.
Not present for most if not all Windows 8 systems so far, if its not there don't worry, it is not needed/included. See here for more information about Dell System Software.
• 1.ST Microelectronics - Under System Utilities
ST Microelectonics isn't present for all systems, check if it is present for your model under Windows XP/Vista/7/8. For systems which have the driver for earlier versions of Windows but don't have Windows 8 drivers listed use the following: 
For unsupported systems use Dell ST Microelectronics DE351DL Motion Sensor
http://ftp1.dell.com/folder00951951m/6/
If the system doesn't have the driver listed for any earlier version of Windows likely it doesn't apply to your system.
• 2. Chipset Drivers (Intel then Ricoh/Realtek/Any other ones) - Under Chipset.
• 3. Intel Matrix Storage Manager/Intel Rapid Storage Technology  - Under SATA Drives and/or CPU

Not all systems will have this. Note there are the drivers and the applications. The applications should increase system performance. If a full installer isn't present then it is likely the preinstallation drivers (see Step 6).
• 4. Video Driver - Under Video.
Generally there are several variants for Video Driver e.g. Intel/ATI(AMD)/nVidea and different variants of ATI(AMD) and nVidea. Ignore any for TV tuners at this moment.
Some of the newer laptops have switchable graphics and require the Intel driver to be installed first then the corresponding nVidea/ATI video driver for full performance. There may be a few variants of graphics cards for a laptop and you must select the correct ones.
In desktops if there is no dedicated graphics card in the card slot, then they have the onboard (generally Intel driver).
In desktop if there is a dedicated graphics card in the card slot then generally it is the ATI(AMD) or nVidea driver). Generally there are several variants of graphics card per desktop model and you need to pick the correct one.The latest driver from the ATI/nVidea websites generally offers more functionality.
• 5. Conexant Drivers - Under Communications
Drivers for Modems are often natively included in Windows 7 if its not there don't worry. Modems are becoming obsolete also. For newer systems if modem drivers exist, they may fail to install as a modem is not present. As modems are becoming obsolete the modem is not always installed as default for a Windows 7 laptop.
• 6. Network Ethernet Driver - Under Network
This usually mentions Ethernet/LAN/Broadcom/Realtek in the description. Sometimes Intel, Atheros but the later two can be the wireless card.
• 7. Wireless Card -  Under Network
Not present for all Desktops but most that come with Windows Vista or later will have a wireless card included. There are generally several variants of Wireless Cards and you will need to pick the correct one. For some newer systems the wireless and bluetooth card are one and the same.
• 8. Touchpad (usually mentions Synaptics or Alps) - Input
For unsupported systems with Synaptics Touchpad use
http://downloads-us.dell.com/FOLDER00800134M/2

 
Generally for laptops only. There may be additional drivers if you purchased a non-standard keyboard for a desktop e.g. a wireless or bluetooth keyboard.
• 9. Audio - Under Audio
Ensure you install any drivers before Audio Applications. Generally the drivers have the name SigmaTel/IDT/Realtek. Again pick the correct one for your system, there is generally not that many variants in the Audio. This is for the standard onboard Audio which 90 % of the systems use. For the other 10 % usually the higher end systems a Creative Soundblaster may be installed. This is a dedicated soundcard. There will be a driver available but you may be able to get a later driver from the Creative Website. There is sometimes also Creative Applications available for the onboard Audio.
• 10. TV Tuners/Other Video (If applicable) - Under Video
Many systems don't have these and are only added via customisation.
• 11. Bluetooth (If applicable) - Under Network.
For unsupported systems with the Dell Bluetooth 355, 360, 365, 370, 375 and 380. Use the Bluetooth 380 Driver here: http://ftp1.dell.com/folder00865420m/1/.
DO NOT INSTALL THE VISTA or 7 BLUETOOTH DRIVER ON WINDOWS 8.
For some newer systems the wireless and bluetooth card are one and the same and the driver will be installed alongside the wireless driver.
• 12. Dell Quickset or Dell ControlPoint  - Under Applications
This is for the power settings and Fn keys. Usually this is for laptops only. These include the onscreen volume/brighness meters.
• 13. Webcam Driver found - Under Input
For many laptop systems the Webcam Driver is included in Windows 7.
Most desktops won't have a webcam driver or will use a dedicated Logitech or Creative webcam which can be downloaded from the perspective vendors. Note for desktop systems with a webcam integrated into the monitor, the webcam driver may be found bundled with the monitor driver. Installation of the monitor driver will install the webcam.
• 14. Mobile Broadband Drivers - under Communications
Most users don't have these but the drivers are there for users that do.
These are the main drivers and I have tried to give a basic guide to cover all systems. There will of course be some other variants from model to model and customisations within the same model such as mobile broadband cards, TV tuners and other drivers depending on your systems configuration. There may also be security drivers for Latitude and Optiplex series. The check for any missing drivers is via the Device Manager (Step 12) and you should post on the Microsoft OS forum if you run into problems there.
There are a number of other drivers such as the CD/DVD firmware. These can be updated if you wish but I would recommend leaving these well alone. Sometimes if these updates go wrong, things seriously break. If you have no problems with any of these devices then leave them be. You may look through Applications to see if you find anything else useful.
The BIOs can also be updated if there is a later version but be extremely careful with a BIOs update - A failed one will brick the system but this is very rare 99.9% of the time it is fine. I tend to update my BIOs when an update is available but many of the others will recommend to stay clear of BIOs updates. This is mentioned in Step 17 further.

Step 6. Preparing SATA Drivers

For many systems this step won't be necessary, it is less likely to be required for an AMD system for example. I recommend skipping this step unless you run into one of the following errors below:
• Errors which state there is no hard drive.
• A CD/DVD device is missing.
• Windows Setup could not configure Windows on this computer’s hardware.
To prevent these errors it is necessary to download SATA drivers such as the "Intel Matrix Storage Manager Driver" and load it during the Windows setup.
To do this you will need to extract the file with 7zip as shown. First download and install 7zip; get 7zip fromhere, selecting the 32 bit .msi or 64 bit .msi depending on your OS. Once 7zip is installed, right click the Dell driver and select extract all.

This leads you to a folder with the same name Rxxxxxx as the driver, copy all the contents of this folder onto a USB stick/DVD/CD.

Note for some systems there will be a subfolder called x86 (32 bit) and a folder called x64 (64 bit). Select the correct ones to match the version of Windows you are installing.
Repeat for the extracted contents of all the SATA drivers on this USB/DVD. Note some of the items under "SATA Drivers" are applications these should be installed alongside the system drivers. See the downloads page below for example.

The 2 Applications should be installed at the end of the installation while the two drivers should be loaded onto the USB stick. The 2 Firmware may be installed at the end of the installation if desired.

Step 7a. Preparing the Drive For Installing Windows (DBAN)

Step 7a is for advanced users, most regular users should skip it. However for users that are planning on selling/giving away their system or reinstalling due to a viral/malware infection this step is highly recommended as it permanently erases data and is more through than the standards Windows format.
Download DBAN and burn it to a blank CD/DVD using ImgBurn (on XP/Vista) no additional Software neededfor Windows 7 or alternatively make a bootable USB using Universal USB Installer.
Before using DBAN any card readers need to be disabled in the BIOs setup. For instructions on how to do this see Card Reader BIOS settings A or Card Reader BIOS Settings B depending on your BIOS. Not all systems have card readers,
Insert the DBAN CD/DVD or USB and power down your system. Press F12 at the Dell BIOs screen and select boot from CD/DVD or from USB respectively.
DBAN will then load

The easiest way to use DBAN is by typing autonuke and then pressing enter.

You should get these two screens



DBAN will then begin to securely format your hard drive. Note DBAN can take a very long time to securely format a large capacity hard drive.
When completed you should get a screen like this. Hopefully it will say DBAN succeeded although sometimes it mentions an error. Most of the times that it has mentioned an error to me it has actually fully  formatted the drive and ran for the same length of time as it should (i.e. the same time for a system of the same model where no error cropped up).

Once the DBAN format is done, re-enable any card reader within the BIOs setup.
Note using DBAN may sometimes cause some issues with product activation if using upgrade product keys as the original version of Windows is not there.

Step 7b. Preparing the Drive For Installing Windows (Media Direct)

Avoid pressing the Media Direct with Windows 8. Don't press the Media Direct Button. I haven't tested Media Direct with Windows 8 it could corrupt your full system.

Step 8. Installing Windows

Ensure everything (documents and the downloads listed above) is copied over onto the external hard drive.
Insert the DVD or the bootable USB flash stick you created. Also insert the SATA Drivers USB stick if applicable.
Note: It is recommended to unplug any unecessary peripherals (You need keyboard and mouse).
Power down your computer. Hold F12 while powering up your computer (at the Dell BIOs screen).

Select boot from CD/DVD or from USB respectively.
Press any key when prompted such as "h" when it says Press any Key to boot from CD/DVD.
You will get a black screen that says Windows.

The language to install only has English (US) at the moment for the English version but its just a few screens. Change the Time and Currency format and the Keyboard to your desired country. When ready select next.

Select Install. Enter the product key given

Select Next. Read and accept the license and then select next

Select custom install (advanced) and then select next

 Next you will be brought to the drive options.

When you get to this screen select Load Driver and select your SATA drivers USB stick.

Ensure that "Hide drivers that are not compatible with hardware on this computer is ticked" (it should be set like this by default). Select all the drivers listed and then click next. It will take you back to this screen. Select "Drive Options".

This will reveal the drive options. The tools are rather self-explanatory. For a new hard drive you will need to select New to make a new partition (case below).

You should get a message saying some space must be "System Reserved" and a System Reserved Partition is made, don't worry about it, it is very small.

When you have an existing Windows partition you have a few options:
• 1. To delete it and then must create a new partition or partitions if you want multiple partitions e.g. for dual boot or for other reasons; this will remove all data and factory partition. Once you have created your partitions; select the partition you wish to install Windows on and select Next. You might as well delete the Dell factory partition if going down this route as it will no longer work and hence serve no service.

• 2. To format it, leave the partition intact but remove all data and factory partition. You might as well delete the Dell factory partition if going down this route as it will no longer work and hence serve no service and instead Extend the main partition.
• 3. To install Windows on the partition but not format it (in this case all old files will be found in the Windows.old folder). Again you might as well delete the Dell factory partition if going down this route as it will no longer work and hence serve no service and instead Extend the main partition.
The Dell Factory setting won't work in either case. I recommend deleting or formatting but you must take the 3rd option if you have not carried out Step 1 and wish to keep your data.
Note: if you have not backed up all your data onto an external hard drive. Do not select any of the drive options particularly format or delete. In this scenario all your files will be saved in a folder called windows.old.
You will then a screen telling you the progress of the install.

The computer will then restart

A black Windows screen will appear and the system will do some preparations such as getting the devices ready.

You will then be prompted to type in your computers name and seelct a colour scheme.

Once done select next. You will then be prompted for the settings. I generally would select use express settings.

 However you can customise if you want.

 


One thing to notice about Windows 8 when changing the settings is that it is very touch screen optimised, you can move the sliders along with your finger if using a touchscreen, otherwise just click them with the mouse.
You will the be prompted to enter your email address:


Enter your email address and select next, it will then search for a Microsoft Account (if you use a Microsoft email or XBOX live it will be one). If you don't use a Microsoft Account it will prompt you to link your email to a Microsoft Account. You will then have to verify your email, once you have signed up for a Microsoft Account. You can alternatively sign up for a new email address.

Once you have a Microsoft Account (most people will already have one) Enter your email and  password. It will then ask you for some additional security information

i.e. number and alternative email. If you have already provided such information or have a Windows 7 phone likely it will be filled in for you. You should now be logged into Windows 8.

This is the new start menu (again very touchscreen orientated).

Step 9. Install the Service Packs/Internet Explorer 9

Not applicable. The Service Pack is a collection of major updates rolled out together. Windows 8 is just released and so no Service Pack is out yet. In addition the download link from Microsoft should probably take you to files with the Service Pack when it is released (probably it will take at least 1 year for a Service Pack to be required).

Step 10. Install the System Drivers

Again Windows 8 has most the drivers  already unless you have Windows 8 specific drivers or a specific problem I would hold of installing the drivers.
I recommend not installing any drivers unless you have Windows 8 specific drivers or experience a particular problem or have an error in the Device Manager (see Step 12).
Here is details on installing the Windows 7 drivers.
Ensure you keep to the order listed above for best results. You should again have downloaded these at Step 4 and have them readily accessible on a USB stick or External Harddrive.
Running the .exe file Rxxxxxx should extract the driver to C:\Dell\Drivers\Rxxxxxx and then run the installer automatically.
Newer systems no location adopt the R# notation but should still extract to C:\Dell\Drivers\"Subfolder" where "Subfolder" is variable.
Unfortunately often no installer runs and the file just extracts. To actually install the driver you will need to navigate to the folder where the driver extracted to and run any setup.exe files. Many users think they have installed the driver when they haven't. "3Cp style='text-align: justify;'>We will take for example R284334 the chipset driver for my XPS 8300 and look at it in detail:

Double clicking the file, you should get a run prompt select yes.

Select Continue

Select Ok

Select Ok. At this stage the setup should start and you should start the installation. If it does not the driver is not installed. In my XPS 8300 (and I suspect many other systems) the installers do not automatically run. Therefore in this case I have to go to C:\Dell\Drivers\R284334 (you will have to go to the number of your driver) and click setup.
Accept the UAC prompt and install via the setup program.

'3Ca href"/cfs-file.ashx/__key/communityserver-wikis-components-files/00-00-00-00-18/4382.Capture2.PNG">Usually a series of clicking next, next, finish and then rebooting. I usually tell it not to reboot until I install all the drivers it is faster this way and always worked for me however it is probably best to reboot when prompted.

Step 11. Activation

Press the [Windows] and [Pause|Break] or [Windows] and [ e ] and then select properties.


"3Cp style='text-align: justify;'>Windows should automatically be activated, if not there should be a link to activate it at the bottom.

Step 12. Ensure there are no Errors in Device Manager and run the Windows Experience Index Rating

On this screen next select Device manager.

Hopefully it should look something like mine.

If you have an error, yellow ? or ! as in my base system device then Windows 8 hasn't found a system driver correctly. Quickly check to see if you have missed installation of a driver. If you still can't find out what it is. Right click the device with the error and select properties:

Go to details and select Hardware ids.
You should post here stating your model of Dell, the hardware ids and whether you have installed Windows 8 32 bit or 64 bit this should help give us all the information required to find the driver.
Likely installation of the Windows 7 driver will fix this issue.
Next after the drivers are installed you should rate your system. Click the link "system rating is not available".
Note at this stage I would re-rate the system even a number is displayed there. Although people may not care so much for the system rating it is best to perform. Several unrated systems will revert to the Windows 8 Basic Theme even if they are capable of the Aero Interface and will not allow the user to change to the Windows 8 Theme until the system is rated.

Select rate this computer and leave it be for 5 minutes to rate it.

'0AWou should get the rating now. Here are the scores on my Desktop for example:

screens above have the White and Black, no logo and the Blue and White logo respectively.

Step 13a. Install a Security Program and your Applications (Security)

Microsoft Security Essentials is included as part of Windows 8, no additional security should be required however a good supplement is Malwarebytes' Antimalware.

Step 13b. Install a Security Program and your Applications (Microsoft Office)

You can try the consumer preview of Microsoft Office 2013 if you wish:
To get Word, Powerpoint, Excel, OneNote and Outlook see here.
To get Visio see here.
I recommend getting both. Visio is an excellent part of the Office suite that is often overlooked.

Step 14a. Reinstalling Dell Preinstalled Applications (Webcam Central)

For some unknown reason Dell does not provide Dell Webcam Software under the drivers and downloads page for most systems. Here is the download link Dell Webcam Software R230103. You may wish to download the latest version of Skype also. Note for newer systems Dell Webcam Central may be supplied in My Dell Downloads (Step 14b). R230103 works fine with Windows 8 and so I assume all versions on My Dell Downloads should also work fine.

Step 14b. Reinstalling Dell Preinstalled Applications (My Dell Downloads)

See my wiki Instructions on using My Dell Downloads. Here the user should find the preinstalled Dell Stage, Roxio Creator Starter, McAfee. What other software you have available here will depend on your specific system. Save any downloaded items to an external hard drive for backup purposes as there is a download quota. I have not tested any of the My Dell Downloads software on Windows 8 it may or may not work.

Step 14c. Reinstalling Dell Preinstalled Applications (Updates for Windows 8)

Review this article here and search through the fixes/updates for any preinstalled software.

Step 14d. Windows 8 Pro Pack (Optional)

For a limited time get Windows 8 Media Centre Pack for Free. See here.

Step 15. Copy old files from Windows.old

If you have everything on the external hard drive then ignore this step. If not go to computer, then to C then to C:\Windows.old look through the users folder, move all the items (you want to keep) from "documents" to "documents", "desktop" to "desktop", "music" to "music", "pictures" to "pictures", "downloads" to "downloads". Look about in this folder for anything else, has old windows files you won't need, old program files probably won't need. It is very large. Delete it when you have moved whatever you need as it is a very large folder and unnecessary once you have your new windows installed. Note there is more information and an automated tool here. 

 

Step 16. Misc Tips - Using Windows 8 Mouse and Keyboard

There is a free Dell Windows 8 for Dummies guide available from here.
In addition there is a number of useful videos here.
Also Dell Windows 8 FAQs are here.
I have sketched some of my own notes here but likely the above resources are more helpful.

Step 17. Get back the Old Start Menu

Really don't like the new Start Menu? Want the old one back?
Get StartIsBack. this will return the Windows 7 Start Menu.
In addition for those that are using 2 monitors I recommend downloading and installing Actual Windows Manager or Actual Multiple Monitors. This will give you a taskbar on each monitor completing your Windows experience.
Note you get a 30 day free trial of each product; for the Actual Multiple Monitors after 30 days this will revert to the free version (its worth having around)
The professional version is of course better and I recommend using it or Actual Windows Manager. See herefor a comparison between the professional
Disclaimer: This wiki is not official Dell documentation but is compiled by Philip Yip (Dell Community Rockstar natakuc4).