Unsolved
1 Rookie
•
61 Posts
0
192
February 16th, 2024 21:20
XPS 420, restore to Windows Vista, ISA M.2 SSD?
XPS 420
One of the many Dell PC's I own is my Dell XPS 420 which I bought from Dell in 2008. I've got it currently running Windows 10, but I'd like to restore it to how it was originally, i.e. running Windows Vista. The original disk has long been replaced so I cannot simply do a reset this PC. Does anyone know how to get the original software that came with this PC? Another question for this PC, I'd like to fit an ISA card containing a M.2 SSD, would that work?
No Events found!
Chino de Oro
9 Legend
•
8.1K Posts
1
February 17th, 2024 00:01
The information for operating system was provided in this thread by our community contributor, see if it can help your inquiry as well https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/desktops-general-locked-topics/where-can-i-download-windows-vista-installation-cd/647f3ca1f4ccf8a8de3d3400
For storage media, you can try 2.5" SSD. Else, you may have drivers compatibility issue.
redxps630
9 Legend
•
14.8K Posts
1
February 17th, 2024 20:16
XPS 420 motherboard does not have ISA slot. It has three pci slots, one pciex16, one pciex8, one pciex1.
redxps630
9 Legend
•
14.8K Posts
0
February 17th, 2024 20:22
Dell original Windows vista 32 or 64 but dvd are available on eBay.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=dell+windows+vista+cd&_sacat=0&_odkw=dell+windows+vista&_osacat=0
you can look at your pc chassis sticker to figure out the original edition of vista sold on that unit.
mrglwatson
1 Rookie
•
61 Posts
0
February 24th, 2024 21:18
@redxps630 Thanks, the sticker on the PC says Home Premium, so still not sure if that means 32 bit or 64 bit. I would guess it was 64 bit.
The PC now has 8Gb ram, so as long as the O/S supports that.
One of the things I am keen to get working as it did was the little screen on the top front of the case. This can currently allow me to play solitare, but I think it originally let you look at emails.
mrglwatson
1 Rookie
•
61 Posts
0
February 24th, 2024 21:19
I probably meant to say PCI. I currently has a 2.5 SSD fitted, but thought I could fit a faster M.2 drive in some kind of expansion slot.
redxps630
9 Legend
•
14.8K Posts
1
February 24th, 2024 23:47
If the Dell service tag is still visible on it, you may be able to use it to retrieve original product spec on Dell support website.
I think it more likely 32 bit vista home based on product spec of a 420 I found. View product specs
the original dvd Dell HX425 is available on eBay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/126330364414
(edited)
mrglwatson
1 Rookie
•
61 Posts
0
February 27th, 2024 17:13
I located the original email receipt and it does not say on there whether or not it was 32 bit or 64 bit.
XPS 420 (D02X4059)
XPS 420 Viiv Intel® Processor Q6600 Quad Core™ 2.40GHz, 1066Mhz FSB, 8MB cache, Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium - English
£ 725.89
1
£ 725.89
Item
Description
Base
XPS 420 Viiv Intel® Processor Q6600 Quad Core™ 2.40GHz, 1066Mhz FSB, 8MB cache
Memory
3072MB 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM [2x1024/2x512]
Keyboard
Logitech™ Cordless Desktop™ EX110 - UK/Irish (QWERTY)
Monitor
Dell™ 22" Black Wide Flat Panel (E228WFP) - UK/Irish
Video Card
256MB ATI® Radeon™ HD 2600 XT graphics card
Hard Drive
1TB Dual Hard Drive Raid 0 Stripe (2x500GB - 7200rpm)
Floppy Drives and Additional Storage Devices
19-in-1 Media Card Reader
Microsoft Operating System
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium - English
Mouse
Mouse Included in Wireless Keyboard and Mouse option
Modem
No Modem
Optical Devices
16x DVD +/- RW Drive
Sound Cards
Integrated HDA 7.1 Dolby Digital Audio
Speakers
No Speakers
Shipping Documents
XPS 420 English Documentation with UK/Irish Power Cord
Gedis Bundle Reference
D02X4059
Microsoft Application Software
Microsoft® Works 8.0 - English
Standard Warranty
Base Warranty - 1 Year XPS Premium Hardware Support (incl. Gaming and On-Site Support)
Enhanced Service Packs
Base Warranty - 1 Year Hardware Support, Next Business Day
Protect your new PC
No Security/Anti-Virus Protection - English
Order Information
XPS Desktop Order - UK
Dell System Media Kit
XPS 420 Resource DVD
Accidental Damage Support
No Accidental Damage Support
Promotions Hidden Option Class
Memory Upgrade to 3GB 667 MHz (From 2048MB 667MHz)
Also, I think when you installed Vista you could select 32 bit or 64 bit as it was the same product code.
mrglwatson
1 Rookie
•
61 Posts
0
February 27th, 2024 17:16
I just noticed that the machine is 16 years and 1 day old.
redxps630
9 Legend
•
14.8K Posts
0
February 27th, 2024 17:27
Have you tried the service tag look up? even if the tag sticker is lost you can still find the tag of motherboard inside bios.
I am able to retrieve system spec Vista DP/N using a service tag. Dell is good at keeping old records (although some very old Dell pc is another story).
mrglwatson
1 Rookie
•
61 Posts
0
February 29th, 2024 07:24
yes I have tried the service tag, but did not tell me any more information.