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XPS17 Cannot get to utility partition or restore computer
I had a problem with my PC and decided to restore it via the USB I created for the Dell datasafe local backup.
Once I did this and reboot is says "no operating system found". I can boot to the USB again and I backuped again, to no avail, same problem. I tried to f12 to diagnostics and go the the utility partition - it wont go, just sits there. I tried using the USB to boot and have it boot to utility partition from the datasafe, it just sits there too. I cannot seem to get to the utility partition to see if that works or if it will find a HD issue. Restoring wont work. Is my MBR off? ctrl-f11 does not work, F8 wont work since it never gets to the operating system. F2 doesnt have anyplace to fix it. Any thoughts or suggestions?
DELL-Roshan L
6 Operator
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4433 Posts
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Posted August 11th, 2012 09:00
C:partion definitely has gone bad and also if tapping F8 is not letting you go to Advanced boot options,Repair my Computer and get to recovery options,than even recovery partion may have gone bad.
The only way forward might be to use the Windows DVD.
Since you don't have the recovery disc,try using this link below to request for a copy of back up disc (For US customers only):
support.dell.com/.../backupcd_form
For other regions you need to contact regional support.
Roshan, Thank you for the suggestions. I have done the basic diagnostic test and everything passed (although that does not look like it test the harddrive) I will do the longer diagnostic test, hopefully that test the harddrive and MBR. I do not have any CD/DVD's since Dell does not provide them anymore, so I cannot do a manual reinstall. All I have is the recovery partition which I cannot seem to get to. Is there a way to bypass the bios/mbr and boot directly to the recovery partition so I can do a restore and test the harddrive. I would like to try that since booting to USB and doing a restore via dell datasafe local USB does not work. It sounds to me like my master boot record might be messed up since it cannot find either my c: partition or my recovery partition.
DELL-Roshan L
6 Operator
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4433 Posts
226
0
Posted August 11th, 2012 07:00
Hi elukas,
Welcome to the Community,
First go to BIOS (F2 on start up),check if HDD is getting detected.If the HDD is getting detected run the diagnostics.Another way to run the Diagnostics is to press and hold Fn key and while holding it down,press the power button to turn on the system.Once you see Pre-Boot System Assessment running on the screen,release the Fn key.
If you don't get any error code/message,than try to perform PC restore,if that does not work you will need to perform Manual Reinstall of Windows.Find the steps for PC restore and Manual Reinstall in this link below :
support.dell.com/.../document
Note:Both PC restore and Manual Reinstall will delete all data on the HDD.I hope you've backed up all your important data.
Let me know if you need more help,
Thank You