Reset & Reformat

Question

Hi,
I'd like to reset my PC back to when it was first turned on, but at the same time I want to reformat my hard drive. How can I do this?

I don't have any CDs. My warranty has run out. I have an E510 w/XP SP2.

Thanks a bunch!

fudgieguys · Answer

Depending when you purchased you system, read the link below.   http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/index.htm   See if this helps.   If you need CDs follow this link below.   http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=sw_winxp&message.id=204505 Message Edited by fudgieguys on 12-15-200612:42 PM

larrytotter89 · Answer

My computer was purchased November of last year, and it has the Symantec (Not the Norton Ghost)Restore. To tell you the truth I'm not exactly sure how that page would help me. (I don't see anything I could use maybe something needs to be pointed out. Basically I just want to do the Symantec restore but while I reset I might as well reformat the thing too. Thanks lots for your time.

EDIT: Thanks for the link. Would they still give me a XP and a Dell CD now that my warranty has expired? (I don't know if I need them or not though)

Message Edited by larrytotter89 on 12-15-200601:49 PM

shesagordie · Answer

larrytotter89 wrote:
My computer was purchased November of last year, and it has the Symantec (Not the Norton Ghost)Restore. To tell you the truth I'm not exactly sure how that page would help me. (I don't see anything I could use maybe something needs to be pointed out. Basically I just want to do the Symantec restore but while I reset I might as well reformat the thing too. Thanks lots for your time.

How to use the Dell PC Restore by Symantec Image,

http://www.djdenham.com/New%20user%20questions.htm#PCRestore

How to make the Dell PC Restore by Symantec Image become unusable,

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&dn=1090198

EDIT: Thanks for the link. Would they still give me a XP and a Dell CD now that my warranty has expired? (I don't know if I need them or not though)

You should seriously consider obtaining the reinstallation CDs, because if the hard drive fails, you will most certainly require them.

Bev.

Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

shesagordie · Answer

larrytotter89

Dell may try to talk you out of requiring them, but you should to be politely persistent about it. Keep trying different contacts until you receive them.

Bev.

Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

larrytotter89 · Answer

Thanks a bunch; I'll try to see if I can get them and go from there. If I have any questions I'll just report back. Thank you from an Eagle Scout.

larrytotter89 · Answer

I try to do the chat and email to Dell and it won't let me because my warranty is expired; any ideas? Thanks!

larrytotter89 · Answer

Also, my computer has started to get really bad. Thanks again for your time.

shesagordie · Answer

larrytotter89 wrote:
I try to do the chat and email to Dell and it won't let me because my warranty is expired; any ideas? Thanks!

Have you tried calling Dell?

Bev.

Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

larrytotter89 · Answer

Nope I haven't called Dell yet I'll try soon. And I'm not sure if I could reformat without them. (It was part of my original question)...But certainly I'll try to call them soon and see where I can get; it couldn't hurt either way. Thanks for all of your help, and again if I need anything I'll just post back. Have a great day Bev!

shesagordie · Answer

larrytotter89

Without the XP reinstallation disk, you cannot format the hard drive?

Did you try using the Dell PC Restore by Symantec image?

This should return the hard drive back to it's, as "shipped" condition.

Bev.

Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

shesagordie · Answer

larrytotter89

I hope you have luck with Dell.

The other options, you have, is to borrow the Dell XP reinstallation disk from a friend, that's the same version Dell installed in your system, or buy a new retail copy of XP.

Bev.

Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

larrytotter89 · Answer

Okay, so I finally got to call Dell and they're sending me the XP disk. But to reset my computer do I need anything else? Like drivers and software for my video card and DVD burner and etc.?

I did ask for them but because my computer's warranty had expired they couldn't send me anything more.

shesagordie · Answer

larrytotter89

You can download the drivers and applications for the E510 and burn them to a CD, from here,

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/devices.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=DIMENSION%205150/E510&os=WW1&osl=EN

The order the drivers need to be installed in Windows XP,

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&cs=19&docid=1A0C0937D62A8739E0401E0A55174744&journalid=4F1F82483DC811DBAE564F9328EE04A4&l=en&s=gen

Bev.

Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.
Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

larrytotter89 · Answer

Thanks again Bev for all of your help. And as always, if I need anything I'll be back. ;-)

shesagordie · Answer

You're Welcome.   :)   Bev.       Please don't send me questions about your system by DCF Messenger.Post the issue in the appropriate Board, where they will be answered.

Storage, Drives & Media

Reset & Reformat

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