The instructions for reinstalling to factory settings was different in 2009. Some computers required F11 at boot. It also was flaky and didn't usually work after months or years of use. The recovery partition was visible to the user and easily corrupted. It could be altered or used for backup (a big mistake) which made it useless for restoring. Your only option is to install from disk---OR upgrade to windows 7. If you have the upgrade disk for win 7, you first backup your personal files--docs, photos etc. Then without doing anything to the vista installation, boot to the upgrade disk and select Custom install. You format the C drive which wipes the partition and cleans away any sign of vista and then install win 7. It's important not to remove vista before starting the custom install so you qualify for using the upgrade disk for a clean install. Directions are at the MS site for Windows 7 under Custom install with format. windows.microsoft.com/.../Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-7

It's good to run the Windows Upgrade Advisor first to see what software and hardware needs to be removed, reinstallled or upgraded for win 7.

Thank you. I was already upgraded to Win 7. I ran the disk again for a clean install. I realized i had lost some things (Dell Dock, for one). I thought they may be in Vista, so i reinstalled Vista to then upgrade it to Win 7. Now it looks like it is in safe mode and i have no internet access. I think i need drivers but am unsure at this point. Any suggestions?

Yes, you will need to go to support.dell.com, Drivers and Downloads, and enter your Service Tag or select your model for a list of drives.  Make sure to install the System Software (if it is available for your system), then the chipset, then any other devices shown.