Cannot Create Recovery Tool - Instructions Incorrect

Question

Been trying for days to create a USB Recovery Tool for my Inspiron 15 that has a Preparing Automatic Repair loop which is impossible to resolve. Now it seems it is impossible to create this tool. The instructions seem to be incorrect.This is the page where I was led to after entering my Service Tag on the website:https://www.dell.com/support/home/uk/en/ukdhs1/drivers/osiso/recoverytoolThis is the brief instruction: How it works: Download and install the Dell OS Recovery Tool. Launch the Dell OS Recovery Tool and enter the Service Tag of the PC that needs its operating system reinstalled. Select the operating system image you'd like to install, and the OS Recovery Tool will build your bootable USB recovery drive. Install the operating system using the newly created USB recovery drive. This will remove all data and software from your PC's hard drive and restore the factory-installed operating system. The reality is that you get to 'launch' the downloaded recover tool and there is no where you can enter a Service Tag, or operating system image... just a pop up with Install or Extract. No where do ANY of the (apparently incorrect) instructions tell you how to make your USB into the recovery tool (i.e copy files over?)So - HOW do we create the tool??? Once it is created I can get to F12 and change the Boot Manager to boot from a USB - but How do I create this bootable USB??

U2CAMEB4ME · Accepted Answer

Welcome to the Dell Community&#xa0;&#xa0;@NikkisYard&#xa0;Create a folder on your desktop called 'Dell OS''Extract' the file to that folder.Then go to that folder and double click on 'DellOSRecoveryTool'It should then produce a desktop shortcut called&#xa0;'DellOSRecoveryTool'Double click on that desktop shortcut to start the process to create the Recovery Tool on your USB drive.Best regards,U2Note: I just did the process on my HP ZBook for an Inspiron 5570.

nyc10036 · Answer

https://www.dell.com/support/home/uk/en/ukdhs1/drivers/osiso/win     . .

NikkisYard · Answer

Thank you - but these instructions dont work....

NikkisYard · Answer

So... this is what happens... all requirements are checked and fine. I have a 32GB formatted USB ready. I download the Recovery Tool. I open it and it gives me 2 options - INTSTALL or EXTRACT - nowhere does it ask for the Service Tag. If I click Install it installs files to the laptop I am using (Obviously not the Dell as this is isnt currently booting hence the need for the recovery tool) I have tried copying the downloaded file (and the extracted 'installed' files - on another attempt) to the USB and booting the Dell. Nothing is working. The instructions are not correct - or not clear - or perhaps I am misunderstanding something....?

LSUFAN51 · Answer

Please check if the Dell OS Recovery icon is seen on your screen. If present, right click on it.&#xa0;

NikkisYard · Answer

My Dell laptop is dead. So there is nothing but the 'Preparing Automatic Repair' loop on screen. The laptop I am downloading the Repair tool to (in order to create the bootable recovery USB), I double click on it to open and as explained before, I get the two options - Install or Extract. No option to enter a service tag for the Dell laptop I am trying to recover. If you are suggesting I right click the downloaded file perhaps you could let me know what happens after right click?

LSUFAN51 · Answer

Any update NikkisYard ? You're able see Dell Recovery tool now? You followed U2CAMEB4ME instructions to create a folder? By the way, which windows you're trying to install onto system - Windows 10, 8.1 or 7)?

NikkisYard · Answer

Hi all.. thank you for the above advice. I've been ridiculously busy so haven't had a chance to try.this but I hope I can tonight.

One thing though.. as I am using a third party.machine to create this tool (I need to make a bootable USB recovery tool) surely I don't want to double click to start a process on that machine?

The Dell has BSOD and I cannot get past the Preparing to Automatic Repair loop. I can get into F2 and F12 but trying to set it to boot from the USB is proving a challenge. But the first thing I need to do is get this damned USB recovery media set up properly.

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

@NikkisYard  If you noticed in my post. Note: I just did the process on my HP ZBook for an Inspiron 5570. → That's where you put in 'YOUR' service tag. Best regards, U2

NikkisYard · Answer

Thank you U2! I misunderstood when you saif "start the process" as I though this may have started the actual recovery process... but of course this was about the process of creating the recovery tool itself. This was my first hurdle.

I have now successfully created the recovery USB. Now to try to breathe life into the dead Dell!

Thank you U2... apologies for the misunderstanding.

If you have any tips for the settings via F2/F12 in the dead Dell to ensure it boots up ok I am all ears!!

Nikki

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

@NikkisYard

I'm just in the process of doing a fresh W10 install for a new deployable image.

The process for yours is a little different but let me see if I can still get you started.

First thing is to power-on and start tapping the (F2) key.

Enter the BIOS setup utility and set/load the BIOS to "Default" settings.

Apply/Save and exit.

If the laptop restarts and tries to boot hold down power button until it powers down.

Next insert the Recovery USB.

Then power-on and start tapping the (F12) key.

That should bring up the "One Time Boot Menu"

Select "USB Storage Device" and boot to start the restore process.

Some of the terms may be different depending on you BIOS.

If you run into any problem just post back.

Best regards,

U2

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

@NikkisYard  Just getting ready to leave the warehouse and head home. Be back on-line in about an hour. Regards, U2

NikkisYard · Answer

Your a star - thanks for your help.I tried this a few times, plus deleted the previous 'USB' boot option I had entered (as instructed by Dell previously). I selected the Optimal settings.. both by selecting, and also by tapping F9 (Setip Defaults) and saved/exited (also F10) - but alas I am still getting the Preparing Automatic Repair loop.When I have a little more time I will take shots of the options via the BIOS as perhaps some are not correct. But of course if you have any further ideas that would be great... Thanks U2

U2CAMEB4ME · Answer

@NikkisYard

It's sad to see that my suggestion to reset the BIOS to default settings would be considered "Tampering" and ill-advised

But the same advice that jphughan has given is not.

Best regards and good luck,

U2

NikkisYard · Answer

Nooo no no! I was not referring to you!! You have been my savior!! I was advised by a Dell assistant through other communications to do things to the BIOS that I now believe have not helped. I wanted to provide a ling to that thread or tag you (which I tried and failed) so that you could continue to help me. I need you! Sorry if you misunderstood. Nx

Inspiron

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