I think I must have messed something up--Really bad. Help?

[mysquishee]

As soon as you turn on the lappy start tapping the control key AND the F11 key and don't stop till you see a "Recovery" screen come up.

You need to hold down the control key an tap the F11 key at the same tiime.

1. Reboot, and press Ctrl + F11 at the Dell logo.
2. The Dell™ PC Restore by Symantec screen will come up.
3. Select "Restore" or use the Tab key to highlight it and press Enter.
4. if you wish to continue, click "Confirm", or use the Tab key to highlight it and press Enter.
5. When the utility is finished, click "Finish", or use the Tab key to highlight it and press Enter.

Tried again, holding down cntrl and tapping F11 multiple times. The mute doesn't seem to help with the beeping. Followed those instructions a while ago, and they didn't do anything either.

 

[richc46]

OK, then get your manual and understand how to restore with the DVD. It will be easier for us to help if you have an understanding, too.

 

[mysquishee]

If it does not work, read your manual and understand how to restore with the DVD. You will be up and running, again. Take your time. I will be here and I know that Barefoot will be here for you, too.

Thank you both. I'll reread the instructions and try again.

 

[richc46]

If you have any questions about what you are reading, just post, we are here for you.
We will also be here when you actually try to do it. Just want you to understand what is being done.

 

[mysquishee]

How to automatically repair Windows Vista using Startup Repair

I found this helpful.
I'm currently at Figure 4. Something has popped up saying Windows found problems with your computer's startup options. Do you want to apply repairs and restart your computer?
Repair and restart
No

What do I select?

 

[richc46]

Select make repairs.

 

[mysquishee]

Yes. Went to start menu and typed in system restore in the search box, clicked on it, and chose the restoration point.

 

[richc46]

I read the entire theread again, we did speak about the restore points. Hopefully the DVD repair will work.

 

[mysquishee]

Sadly, I don't think there can be anymore things done to help my laptop. I think I said before that I did not make earlier restoration points, from times when my laptop was working fine. So, the only choices are from today and yesterday--Both equally problematic.

I am trying complete PC restore, but I need a 'valid backup location.' It's asking for a 'final DVD' from a backup set.

 

[richc46]

Do you have the DVD?

 

[mysquishee]

Yes I do. It's in the computer right now. Which is why I'm confused about the final dvd thing.

 

[richc46]

I have a Dell, I have a factory back up and 1 DVD. I do not know what they are referring to. Lets see how this turns out and we go from there.

 

[mysquishee]

Since I can't really go anywhere from there, I just chose a startup repair. It says I don't have any problems. Okay, good...

Now I chose windows memory tool.

**I just finished with that, and there is no change to my desktop. The screen is still on an HDMI mode. I think my biggest goal right now is to make the screen back to normal, even though some of the regular components (mentioned in first post!) of vista aren't working at the moment. I should be able to live with that...

FN+ALT+F8 are not working to fix the screen. Before, they flickered from one screen setting to another. First showing both screens on the tv and laptop, then only on the tv, and then only on the laptop.

I have my laptop hooked onto the HDMI cord and tv. There is still no change. The tv screen is pitch black.

This may sound off topic... But shen I go to Dell Webcam Central, it wants me to close 'other video streaming application.' I am not watching a movie or anything. Even with the HDMI cord off, there is the same message.

the computer screen is still in the enlarged HDMI setting.

----

My second goal is to get some internet connection to this. But as you mentioned once, one problem at a time. Apologies if I am a bit unsaavy with computers. I feel like I really did great with fixing the Antivirus 2010 problem before. I wish I had never watched those episodes of Lost w/ an HDMI cord.

 

[richc46]

The best way to go at this juncture is to get those factory specs back. Lets start over. Carefully follow these instructions. If you are sure they do not work try the next step.

Laptop Recovery Instructions - Tech Support Forum

Second Step Try above first
Boot computer (do not wait) contiually and rapidly hit f8

Select Repair my computer

Click Dell Factory Image Restore.

I know we did this, but this is the method suggested by Dell. There seems to be 2 methods f8 and f11.

 

[richc46]

If the above does not work, give me the model of your computer and I will research further. We should be able to get this going.

 

[mysquishee]

Well, look at this:
"Notice: Dell Factory Image Restore may not be available in certain countries or on certain computers."

Why would they have a 'How to' on Dell Factory Image Restore if it's not available on my laptop? I'm certain it is--It just isn't working right.

The first time I did it, there was only one other choice that seemed okay to me. 'Restore to previous configuration' (Or something along the lines of that) There was no Repair Your Computer.

There is no change in the laptop when I log in.

I'm trying to get back to the Vista Advanced Boot Options by using the F8 button again, but it isn't working.

Computer model: Dell, Intel Pentium Inside, Studio Laptop 1735
Selecting Repair My Computer was not an option. : [
I found a similar thread concerning this problem, and they directed me to this: Windows Vista Recovery Disc Download — The NeoSmart Files

I'm wary about downloading the torrents, and there's a problem since I'm using a different laptop. I guess I could try burning it onto a CD or something. : [ CAn Windows ME do that?

All seems like a lot of work for something so simple. It makes me angry that large retailers don't give buyers the actual CD with the helpful factory specs option.

 

[richc46]

That is what I do not understand. Dell gives a repair CD with the OS. Let me check out the info for your computer.

 

[richc46]

Here is the infor for your specific computer. Works with Vista and 7.

It works in the USA. some countries may not allow this repair.

How to Restore Windows on a Dell Studio by using the recovery partition

 

[richc46]

If above does not work, this may.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/141820-create-recovery-disc.html

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

If above does not work, this may.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/141820-create-recovery-disc.html

This is a good option; it comes as an ISO file and you will need the (free) program at the link below to burn it to a disk; the tutorial is very easy to understand, just take your time and do it, I've done this myself more than once.

The Official ImgBurn Website