where do I get a system restore cd

Question

My daughter's computer was recently stolen and we just got it back.  It is really messed up so we would like to restore the computer back to factory settings.  Can anyone help.  Thank you.

joe53 · Answer

Hi, and welcome to the forum:

What model and operating system (XP, Vista, Windows 7) are we talking about?

Dell has in recent years included a Utility partition to return a computer to its "as shipped" state; if you are using XP the instructions are here:
http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/

Dell no longer ships Re-installation disks. See here:
Media Reduction Initiative (effective April 1, 2010)
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19332656.aspx

Bugbatter · Answer

I would recommend reformat/reinstall of the operating system. To add to Joe's instructions, if you want to try restoring to factory settings:

Win7 factory restore:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?docid=362066

Vista factory restore:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?docid=336966

XP factory restore:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?docid=181316

dalem29 · Answer

Hi Bugbatter: Just checking out these links with the idea of saving them, but what appear to be buttons to push all have red X's on them. I wonder what might be causing this.

Bugbatter · Answer

what appear to be buttons to push all have red X's on them They look okay to me.

dalem29 · Answer

They're looking fine today...not sure what was wrong yesterday.

Virus & Spyware

where do I get a system restore cd

Was this post helpful?