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Vista Remove PC Restore?
Hi all,
I recently installed Windows Vista RC1 and it works perfectly. No complaints. But im done with my testing and want to convert back to XP until Vista is released in a few months. I want to use the Dell PC Restore Partition, which is still on my computer. I know that for a fact. The only problem is that the screen with the blue bar at the top during boot up has disappeared. Is this a doing by vista or is my dimension 9100 on crack.
Thanks.
I recently installed Windows Vista RC1 and it works perfectly. No complaints. But im done with my testing and want to convert back to XP until Vista is released in a few months. I want to use the Dell PC Restore Partition, which is still on my computer. I know that for a fact. The only problem is that the screen with the blue bar at the top during boot up has disappeared. Is this a doing by vista or is my dimension 9100 on crack.
Thanks.
Message Edited by zlantix on 11-11-200605:27 PM
WolverineMachin
367 Posts
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Posted November 13th, 2006 18:00
Be aware. It was noted to all for install notes by Microsoft on the download instructions before downloading the RC1 or RC2 that no revertions are possible without a clean install. Or you can load it on another partition for a dual boot possibiliy, the best option for those wanting the use of the XP versions. You can always reformat that partition and rejoin it later after Vista is wiped out. But as for Microsoft, the directions were clear, there will be no support to revert back, period. Now as for the RTM versions, possibly. But as stated if you are upgrading, then you will loose the capability to go back since the MBR and boot partition will be overwritten. So, if you install on the same partition, then oops. But if you got an intact restore partition, then depending how the install was done, it may be possible to restore, only if the rp is in good shape.Message Edited by WolverineMachine on 11-13-200603:29 PM
- Here are the directions on how to fix the Dell MBR so you can restore the Control-F11 at boot-up so you can restore your troubled PC to like new condition, as if you just received it new from Dell.
The following is specific to Dell but is not specific to the machine or model.
So it applies to any Dell PC, desktop or laptop.
When you use Control-F11, you are restoring a disk image, you will lose everything on your C drive, so backup your files that you created before you proceed.
You need 2 good blank floppy disks.
One is for a Windows 98 boot disk. If you do not have one, download it for free from here:
http://www.bootdisk.com/bootdisk.htm (link updated on 11/16/06)
Double click this file so it will create the Windows 98 boot disk on your first floppy disk.
If you already have a boot disk, then you only need one blank floppy disk.
You MUST boot to DOS. If you follow my directions you will fix your problem in just minutes, like I did.
Now download "Dsrfix.zip" from here: http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/files/dsrfix.zip
unzip these 4 files and copy them to the second floppy disk.
This file and instructions are provided by Dan Goodell, his very helpful site is here:
http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/fixmbr.htm
and more info is here:
http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/fixes.htm
Dan's help was the only one I found to fix my messed up new Dell Dimension's MBR (master boot record) on my disk drive. Because I had tried to repair and also reinstall Windows XP on my troubled PC, I had inadvertently changed the MBR of my PC, which stopped the Control-F11 feature from working again. I called Dell Tech Support to see if they can help me. To make a long story short, Dell could not help me at all.
Now lets fix your Control-F11.
Put the Windows 98 boot disk in your floppy drive (Drive A) and restart your PC, and from the Boot Menu select #2 Without CDROM support feature, as you do not need it, and you will boot up faster.
When you are at the A prompt, replace the Windows boot disk with the second floppy disk, the one you copied the four files from the Dsrfix.zip file.
1) Type:
mbrsaver /s
this will backup your existing MBR to "mbrsaver.bin" file to the floppy disk. Just a good idea in case something goes wrong and you can restore this MBR backup, by typing: mbrsaver /r mbrsaver.bin
2) Next type:
mbrsaver /r dellmbr.bin
This will restore your MBR sector from the dellmbr.bin copy. You will be given a choice of which of the three parts of the sector you want to restore: the boot code, the Disk ID, and/or the partition table. Do not overwrite your partition table! Normally, you should not need to overwrite your Disk ID, either. So answer 'yes', 'no', 'no' to MBRsaver's three prompts, then confirm your choices by answering 'yes' to the final prompt.
To make it easy and clear for you, here is what you will need to type:
boot code : Y
disk-id : N
partition table : N
write MBR sector now : Y
You will now see: MBR sector restored successfully
that's it my friend, you have done it.
Now remove the floppy disk, reboot your PC, and when you see the blue Dell logo at boot up, just keep the Control key pressed down and once a second tap the F11 key.
The restore page will now open up.
Congratulations, and good luck.
From John in Louisville, Colorado
I am a PC Consultant, and happy to help people in trouble.
------------------------- ADDED ON MARCH 12, 2006 ----------------------------
To test F11 functionality after you finish all above procedures, you must turn OFF your PC and re-boot cold. If you just restart your PC, the F11 function will most likely NOT WORK.To all users who do NOT have a floppy drive, you will need an iso file to make a CD boot disk.You can download the Windows 98 SE boot iso file from here:
http://www.allbootdisks.com/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=42&func=fileinfo&parent=folder&filecatid=1869
then use your CD burning software to burn this iso file on a CD.You must also burn the files that are in the "dsrfix.zip" to a CD so you can be able to use them after you boot up with the new Windows 98 boot CD.
Goodluck.
John
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Added on Nov. 16, 2006 **** for users who do not have floppy drive ****
I have created an ISO file that includes the Windows 98 boot files, PLUS a folder "dsrfix"that includes all the files listed above. Just burn this ISO to a CD, and boot your PC with it. Dell PCs now allows you to boot from CD drive at boot time (when you see Dell logo) by clicking on F12 key, and choose the option to boot from CD.
Download this ISO file from here: http://www.filecrunch.com/file/45o
After booting, notice the CD drive letter, for example you may see that it is "D" drive. Type:
D: then type: cd dsrfix to be in this directory (folder) to do above mentioned operations. passthasug
1 Message
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Posted April 20th, 2007 17:00
Wow it was a hassle to get a post on this forum. Anyway. Are there any options for people that do not have floppy drives in there notebooks?
Kwopau
2 Intern
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272 Posts
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Posted November 11th, 2006 21:00