Restore to factory settings

Question

I need to restore my computer back to its original state when I brought it home with just the factory software that came with it. Im giving it away and want it all gone. can anyone help me? I have a dell dimension xps b800  windows 2000 (me) & windows 98

rickmktg · Answer

@tiggers13 wrote:

I need to restore my computer back to its original state when I brought it home with just the factory software that came with it. Im giving it away and want it all gone. can anyone help me? I have a dell dimension xps b800 windows 2000 (me) & windows 98

In the future, by using the Advanced Forum Search on the bottom of this page, you can quite easily find the answer to this often asked question.

If you need to erase the drive, try Killdisk or Eraser, both easily Googled.

You'll need to decide which of the THREE OS you listed you are reinstallating, then click on the Desktop tab, Dimensions, and Reinstall Guides. Install the OS, drivers, then software. There is no way to make it "as shipped", hopefully you have all your CDs.

redwolfe_98 · Answer

if it was me, and i am not saying that you should do what i think that i would do, but i think that i would "erase" the data on the harddrive and then "ship" the computer like that, with a blank harddrive, along with the "operating system" cd (and other cds) and instructions on how to install the OS (operating system), and whatever other instuctions are needed to get everything else installed, like video drivers and audio drivers (and chipset drivers)..

i would use a utility from the harddrive manufacturer to erase the data on the harddrive.. in "erasing" data on the harddrive, the utility overwrites data on the harddrive with "zeros", which takes some time to do, about 3 hours on a 40 gig harddrive, at least, that is how long it takes when i do it with the utility that i use..

i think that is the best way to do things, to ship the computer with a "blank" harddrive.. and then the person can create their own personal "windows account" when installing the OS (operating system), and your personal data will be, at least, relatively safe..

like rick said, it is actually impossible to restore the computer to the way that it was when it came from the factory (there are some exceptions, like if you use "dell restore", or "zigzag" ), but, as dell-tech says, "you can restore everything that NEEDS to be restored".. a few "utilities" can come factory-installed that cannot be restored since no "backup" of them is provided since they aren't really necessary..

if you want to "restore" the computer, i would say that you need to "reformat", to reinstall the operating system and other necessary drivers.. i would not install anything else (like winamp or realplayer, or other third-party programs) except if you wanted to install something like ms "works" or ms "office"..

Message Edited by redwolfe_98 on 06-18-200607:36 PM

Denny Denham · Answer

computergeek2006, You wrote, 'i'm not understanding the last two replies.' Apparently so and your 'better idea' will leave a ton of personal information on the hard disk which can be readily accessed by anyone with a rudimentary understanding of hard disk storage. To increase your understanding, the information here is recommended reading.

computergeek200 · Answer

Okay...better idea.... i'm not understanding the last two replies, so here's what i'd do:   You can click: Start, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore and go back to a point that the computer can go back to. and: Click: Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, Internet Options. Click 'Use default' in the Home Page section. Then click ''Erase Cookies,' 'Delete Files,' and 'Clear History.'' then: Click: Start, Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs. Erase all programs you have installed, but be sure to leave important programs like the modem hookup and other default software to prevent further problems. Empty the Recycle Bin. Click Start, Accessories, System Tools, and Disk Cleanup. This program will erase all temporary internet files, and unneeded files. Other programs under System Tools will help, also. Click Start, My Documents, and delete all documents of yours. Go to the Recycle Bin, and clear all files. Shut down the computer. You can now give the computer away.

Windows General

Restore to factory settings

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