Trying to figure out how to Restore the original Factory Settings on my computer.

H

hfmortgage

Member
I don't have a lot of experience with computers aside from using them to get on the internet.

I am looking to reset my computer to the original factory settings.

I am using Windows Vista Home Premium. And the computer is a Dell Inspirion 518/519

I've had this computer for about a year and a half and bought it from Dell but I believe there was only a one year warranty. And if my computer came with discs they are long gone. I've been told I will lose all information like stuff downloaded, videos music etc. all except what originally came with the computer. I don't mind that. I would really appreciate if someone can link me or knows what to do to get this accomplished.

I want to reset because my computer has caught some sort of virus, redirecting me to websites, not running properly at all. I've heard so many suggestions how to fix it that I'm on information overload. For someone like me with no experience I would just rather do a factory reset. thanks in advance, i'll be looking forward to any responses.

 

My Computer

System One

Welcome
This is from your computer manual
Using Dell Factory Image Restore​

NOTICE:​
​
​
​
Using Dell Factory Image Restore permanently deletes all data on the
hard drive and removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your
computer. If possible, back up the data before using these options. Use Dell Factory
Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system
problem.​

NOTE:​
​
​
​
Dell Factory Image Restore may not be available in certain countries or on
certain computers.​

Use Dell Factory Image Restore only as the last method to restore your
operating system. These options restore your hard drive to the operating state
it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since
you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted
from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail
messages, digital photos, music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data
before using Factory Image Restore.​
Dell Factory Image Restore​
1​
​
​
​
Turn on the computer. When the Dell logo appears, press <F8> several
times to access the Vista Advanced Boot Options Window.​

2​
​
​
​
Select Repair Your Computer.
The System Recovery Options window appears.​

3​
​
​
​
Select a keyboard layout and click Next.​

4​
​
​
​
To access the recovery options, log on as a local user. To access the
command prompt, type administrator in the User name field, then
click OK.​

5​
​
​
​
Click Dell Factory Image Restore.​

NOTE:​
​
​
​
Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell
Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore.​

The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears.​
6​
​
​
​
Click Next.​

The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears.​
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with Factory Image
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
You only have to google richc46 and I will be here for any help that you need.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
Hey, So I did Step 1 and didn't have any problems.

step 2 I selected Repair Your Computer but the System Recovery Options window didn't appear.

Instead a blue screen like where I would normally put in my password to get into my desktop appeared. Instead of saying my Name it had a blank for user name and a blank for password. I tried using My name and password and it did not work.

Is there a way around this that you or anyone who may see this knows of?
 

My Computer

System One

Dell also gives repair DVDs?
Do you have one?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
well I did a system restore to the latest date it showed which was about a month before the problems happened.

It's a darn redirecting virus i caught about a week ago.

To your knowledge, will i need a disc to reset the factory settings?
 

My Computer

System One

If you go back far enough with Restore you may not need it.
Restore puts you back the way you were on that date. In your case prior to the virus.
How is it working now?

If it still does not work, try the factory settings again.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
i read my prior post and it didn't sound right. Not the most latest system restore point but the oldest system restore point that was available. That was before the problems started happening.

any suggestions on the road block i hit during step 2 where the recovery options window does not appear but a log in information does? I tried my user name and password that works to get on the computer but that didn't get me to the next step.

this is so fustrating, thanks for replying and trying to help.
 

My Computer

System One

Yes that is what you need. A restore point from before the problem. Go about 5-10 days before the problem. Am I misunderstanding?

If you go back before the problems and the computer is still not right, try the repair again. It may been fixed by Restore.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
If you cannot get to repair, allow me to suggest this.
I know money is tight, but for about $125.00 you can buy the upgrade version of Windows 7. You can install it just like the full cost DVD.
You can format to get rid of the virus and everything.
Its better than factory reset
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
I did the restore point about a month before the problem but that didn't fix it. Still having the same problems.

The problem I'm having in the Restoring Factory Settings, Is the part in Step 2 after clicking Select Repair Your Computer, The System Recovery Options window does not appear. What appears is a log in screen, that says "other user" and under that are the two spots to type in your "name" and "password"

however using my name and password that I use to log in to get to my desktop did not work
 

My Computer

System One

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
richc46 said:
If you cannot get to repair, allow me to suggest this.
I know money is tight, but for about $125.00 you can buy the upgrade version of Windows 7. You can install it just like the full cost DVD.
You can format to get rid of the virus and everything.
Its better than factory reset
Click to expand...
yeah, that money would be pretty tough to spend. I don't see a reason why i shouldn't be able to restore it, i somehow just have to find out. I know getting info through an internet forums is much different than being hands on. this is crappy
 

My Computer

System One

How about this
Call your computer vendor or MicroSoft and you can get a Vista DVD for cost, about $25.00. You can reinstall Vista.
You need your key number, though.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS420
    Memory
    6 gig
    Graphics card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD3650 256 MB
    Sound Card
    Intergrated 7.1 Channel Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell SP2009W 20 inch Flat Panel w Webcam
    Hard Drives
    640 gb
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Dell USB 4 button optical
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Other Info
    DSL provided by ATT
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