How can I check hardware details from DOS on no OS installed laptop?
install ms dos to a usb stick or flash drive and use that
If I clean install Windows 10, will I have to reinstall my drivers? If so, how do I find the drivers I need?
From what I've read, the install is generally seamless and most drivers are there by default.However, to be on the safe side, go to all of your hardware manufacturer websites and download the latest drivers. I'd put them on a USB, a network drive, a data partition on your computer (if you have one), and/or a CD, just in case your computer's USB drivers don't load automatically. I can almost guarantee to you that your CD drive will work without drivers.The most important drivers that you'll need will be network card drivers (for wired and wireless). If you have your network card drivers you should be able to download anything else that you need after you get that working. If something else doesn't work, like a video card, it should default to a low resolution so that you can use it until you can get the drivers installed.
Is Dell the best computer to buy?
Well, you might get good deals on Dell. But I wouldn't recommend a Dell to you. All my roomies have been having problems with their Dell laptops (maybe the Made in China stuff infuses cheap electronics and bad quality). If you want a cheap system, go for a Dell, but their quality isn't up to mark. Secondly, they have been having hardware problems lately, especially with laptop batteries. There was a huge notebook recall. I would recommend HP (and Compaq) or Toshiba for good performance and decent prices. Apple is awesome for looks and build quality and battery life. But you won't find a lot of Windows application on the Mac OS. You can get good reviews on CNETReviews or Notebook Review (if you want to buy a laptop).
Is Windows 7 compatible w/ Dell Latitude D630; Is it worth buying vs. waiting to get a new laptop?
you can install windows 7 on your laptop but i will be slower.on other hand another newer windows will be released im 2-3 years.so i advice you to keep your laptop.
If I want to downgrade from Windows Vista to Windows XP with a Dell computer, can Dell send me a disc????
It's a little more complicated then that. Not all computer that come with Vista installed are capable of going to XP, do to the computers drivers not being able to support XP. So first you must go to the dell website, go into driver download, put in the model number of your computer and see if your computer has all the driver downloads that can support XP. If they do, then that means you can install XP on the computer. But I don't know if dell can send you the cd for it, they may or may not. You would be able to buy it from the store, no problem, but if you install XP onto the computer, it may end up voiding the warranty on your computer. Also you will have to format the computer, before install XP. Because you will not be able to put XP over VIsta, as Vista is newer. So you will have to backup any important documents and anything else.
My computer will boot but won't load the homescreen. It only shows a black screen with only the mouse visible. What is the problem?
Please try this.Start tapping immediately on F8 key as soon as you power on your computerKeep tapping until you see pre boot menu optionsTry it one more time if you miss it and go to blank screen with the mouse pointer on itOnce you see those options, select "Safe mode with networking" (You can use arrow keys on your keyboard to select/higlight it and hit "Enter"It will let your computer boot in safe mode (Icon might appear bigger, but that's normal)Go to "Start" > "All programs" > "Accessories" > "System tools" > "Disk cleanup"Hit "Ok"it will scan and bring the list of junk files on your screencheck all the boxes except "Recycle bin" and hit "Ok"It will remove all junk data from your computerRestart the system normallyif it does not work, select "Last Known Good Configuration" from same Pre boot menu options. (It will restore your system to most recent backup, but you might lose some data)or you can try this "Go to Safe mode with networking" and click on "Start"a box will appear underneath "All programs"type "MSCONFIG" and hit "Enter"click on the third tab "Startup", it will come up with all services that load when you boot your computer each timeUncheck all boxes and reboot your computer (it might prompt for it)now if your issue is resolved, check all the boxes one by one, and see which service is causing this issue. uncheck the box which is causing this issue, it might take some time but you can resolve this issue this way.