ctrl f11 not working

First, did you purchase the computer after July, 2004?  If the computer is older than that, you don't have this option.  If you did purchase after this date, have you used the Windows reinstallation disk to repair the OS?  Anything done to disturb the master boot record will disable this feature.

If your computer is newer than July 2004, you should be able to use this option by pressing CTRL-F11 following a restart of the computer as the Dell bios splash screen appears.  You don't have a long time to do this as it is similar to pressing F2 to go to the bios setup screen.

If you have an older computer, you must use the Windows reinstallation disk to restore your computer.  However, it will not restore it to "as delivered" condition.  You will have a new installation of Windows and whatever applications you have on the CDs that were delivered with the machine.  For a reinstallation guide for your computer, please see this:

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/tree?c=us&l=en&s=gen&journalid=&treeid=FFA33DA99941FEDFE030030ABD62041A

This web page is interactive so I recommend that you step completely through it and print the pages that apply.  A site that is easier to read is Denny's, found here:

http://www.djdenham.com/Install%20Procedures.htm#Install

Before you begin, remember to save any data you wish to keep to removable media as this procedure erases all data that you saved to the hard drive.  Also, you should go here:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/devices.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&SystemID=DIM_CEL_3000&os=WW1&osl=EN

and download and save to CD all drivers that apply to your computer.  Don't forget the chip set driver as this driver must be the first one installed after you have reinstalled Windows.

Good luck.

Message Edited by JackShack on 03-29-2006 02:34 PM