Dell uses their own version of XP and even puts all their drivers, etc. in one small partition before the root partition.

Is this true? Well, I was going to reinstall the OS anyway – provided the XP Professional CD that comes with the Inspiron doesn't include all the crud they usually put on the system post-build. Nothing chaps my hide more. Well, walking around without underwear kinda does, but let's not go into my lack of fashion sense right now. Keep your eyes on the prize. No, not that one. THAT one.