buy a windows 7 full cd/dvd. put it in. boot to the disk. choose advanced startup not upgrade. choose advanced when it gets to the disk section and delete the current partitions - this will remove all current info. continue the install of win 7.
i just did a pretty slow laptop last night and it took 30 mins or so
Then double or even quadruple your RAM. Your Terminator can take it.
If you have a friend with a .edu suffix on their email address you can get the upgrade for $28.00. You might even be able to get it in the local Jr College bookstore,
What's terrible about those Dells is that when both of them are on the trash heap, your Terminator will be just getting broke in.