Dell Factory Restore - only restores operating system?

The factory restore image restores the computer to the condition in which it was delivered.  That includes any extras that Dell loaded onto the hard drive.  Bear in mind that if you have added any hardware since receiving the computer, no software or drivers will be available for it in the restore image.  A new video card, for example, might not function or it might function poorly.

Also be aware that PC Restore (to factory settings) doesn't always work, especially after such a long period of time or if you have changed or added anything on the recovery partition. Make sure you have your reinstallation disks in case you need to reinstall everything manually. If you need another set and live in US the form to request it is HERE. The Office disk will not be included in the replacement set. Directions for reinstalling windows HERE.

The application that restores the image will normally be interested only in that particular file, which does not have the extension .reg.  Having said that, however, you need to be careful of doing anything to the D: drive as Mary cautions in her message since you can't be certain that you haven't disturbed something important.

Thank you both - I'd love to hear anyone else chime in - the more experienced opinions, the better!

Thanks, that is very clear.  I checked my D drive, where the folders for Dell are located, and find that I inadvertently saved a .reg file to that drive.  Two questions:

1. Should I try to delete that file (which I have no need of) before performing the Factory Restore (is there any possibility that the .reg file could mess up the Restore)?

2. Or is it not adviseable to delete anything from that drive?  I have right-clicked on the .reg file, highlighted "delete", and get a popup that says "Destination Folder Access Denied", under which it has "you need to confirm this operation" - I'd then have to give permission as administrator to get rid of the file.

I'm hoping that you'll feel that I can leave well enough alone - but I don't want to proceed without feeling certain either way.  Thanks!