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System Restore Disks
I am new to this forum and might be posting in the wrong area -- but I need some serious help and can't seem to obtain it from Dell directly. I have a Dell Dimension Desktop that I received from my ex. Unfortunately, he doesn't have or doesn't know where the Restore CDs are and the system is in bad need of a total cleaning. Who could I turn to purchase these? Yes, I have called Dell and after being transferred to 5 or 6 people and on hold for 30 minutes at a time I was told that I couldn't purchase these. Techs at Best Buy, Circuit City and Comp USA all say that I should be able to purchase them. Any ideas from anyone would be appreciated.
247
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Posted February 3rd, 2005 16:00
One other thought is you could post in the Customer Care forum.247
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Posted February 3rd, 2005 19:00
jaherndon,
You might try Dell's tech suppport. There is a chance they might replace the Windows XP Reintallation CD, but there is no guarantee of that. If they will not you will have to purchase a new copy of Windows XP. Dell will definitely not replace the CDs for any preinstalled software that may be on the system (Microsoft Office, WordPerfect, or similar applications). Any system drivers you need can be downloaded from the Downloads link in the drop-down menu under Product Support.
If you are trying to obtain a "System Restore" CD which can return the system to its "as shipped" state you will not be able to, as Dell has never made such a CD.
Your other option, if the system was made after July 15, 2005, is to restore it from a hidden partition on the hard disk using the procedure here.
247
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Posted February 3rd, 2005 21:00
Denny,Thanks... I discovered the Restore disk for Dimension 4600C doesn't restore to the "as shipped"I think that is one of the craziest and stupidest thing Dell can do.Now I am faced with the same situation on my i9100 laptop. Since sometime between Jan 19 and Feb 2 of 2005... the system restore will not funcion in normal mode. Any restore point needs to be done via safe mode. And once restored... can not create a new point.So what to do?Can not get "as shipped" and having to find method for backing up all the data before using restoring CD.If you have any knowledge on how to avoid system restore getting hosed... let me know please.247
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Posted February 4th, 2005 17:00
On a lot of the newer dell systems if you call dell tech support they have a built in program that is if you have it you can use it.I forget what key to press but while booting you press one of the f keys and it will bring your system back to the day you received it from dell.I used this once and it isn't the same as the system restore where you pick a date.Maybe sombody else has some more information to add on this function that comes with a lot of newer dell systems?
Inspiron XPS
3.4 H/T processor
1 gig ram
256 ddr ati 9800
15.4 wide aspect ultra sharp
wuxga(1920x1200) display
Operating system windows xp home
Service pk 2
Logitech MX750 wireless mouse
Nostromo n52 gamepad247
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Posted February 4th, 2005 18:00
jeffcmfrt,
That feature, PC Restore, is available on Dimensions and Inspirons made after July 15, 2004. While it can be useful in the early days of computer ownership, it does not replace a full set of CDs including the XP Reinstallation CD which can be used to rebuild the system from scratch, which is what the original poster in this thread wants to do.
247
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Posted February 4th, 2005 20:00
Hi Denny Denham
I apoligise just trying to help and learn a little along the way.I had to use that feature and it worked for me in my case so pleas excuse my ignorence it seems this is one of them times i feel like i should of stuck my foot in my mouth.
Inspiron XPS
3.4 H/T processor
1 gig ram
256 ddr ati 9800
15.4 wide aspect ultra sharp
wuxga(1920x1200) display
Operating system windows xp home
Service pk 2
Logitech MX750 wireless mouse
Nostromo n52 gamepad247
0
Posted February 4th, 2005 22:00
jeffcmfrt,
No harm, no foul. The original poster has not returned so we may be speaking among ourselves anyway.
247
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Posted February 5th, 2005 19:00
Im pretty sure Dell can send you a NO KEY copy of Windows XP... which is why it is only around $30 USD. Even if they can't just borrow WinXP from a friend and use you CD Key shoudl go off without a hitch.Message Edited by NS_MaNiAc on 02-05-2005 04:59 PM
219
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Posted February 6th, 2005 01:00
Hi again,
Yeah, after July 15th 2004!!! I got my Inspiron the WEEK prior! Hows that for a kicker?!?!
Here is the notes on the PC Restore utility.
==================================================================================
Run the Dell PC Restore Utility
Power the computer on.
When the Dell screen appears press and hold the Ctrl key on the keyboard, press the F11 key, then release them both at the same time.
The Dell PC Restore by Symantec window appears.
NOTE: Only press the keys one time, if you press them more than once you will receive a keyboard error and will have to start the process over.
Click the Restore button.
A caution message appears advising that all data will be lost.
Click the Confirm button.
The progress window appears.
When the restore is complete the message The system recovery process was successful. appears.
Click the Finish button.
The computer will restart.
Your software is now back to the way it was when you first received your computer.
===================================================================================
CAn be found at : http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1090151&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19
Well... I have my systems all back up and running after spending hours on the phone with Dell support and several separate calls.
One instance of a call left me wanting to not do busined with Dell ever again. Was very poor service!!!!
Had to contact for the 1450 Dualband drivers a/b/g
One last thing to do is get the indicator for the volume back up on the screen... its not there and I can't find how to get it to reappear.
I will be calling support again.
NS_MaNiAc
117 Posts
247
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Posted February 3rd, 2005 16:00