Dell has done alot of crap but this really isn't a big deal.
If you so much as bring an empty, writable CD to a small computer store they can probably burn a copy for you for free. You could even torrent download a copy and burn it yourself if you have a 2nd machine or a friend who's willing to spare a little time. This is not piracy because you still need a "key". If your computer is a Dell it almost certainly has a sticker with the key on it. See the image please.