Unsolved
This post is more than 5 years old
10 Posts
0
117107
How to use the Recovery Partition to get Vista back on a Studio XPS 16.
Hi,
I was wondering if anything can be done. My cousin decided to install the RC version of Windows 7 on my laptop without me knowing. Know I am trying to use the recovery partition but can not figure out how to restore my computer back to factore. I have checked and there is a Hidden OEM partition and the Recovery partition is still there. I also noticed that Windows 7 creates a small partition for itself too.
I was hoping that there is a way to get my system back. I do plan to upgrade to Windows 7, but not until it is finalized.
Thanks to all.
PudgyOne
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
June 10th, 2009 02:00
mickeymjay,
Restoring Your Computer´s Software to the Factory Settings
Please note, make copies of files and folders that you cannot afford to lose.
Rick
RobinBredin
4 Operator
4 Operator
•
3.7K Posts
0
June 10th, 2009 02:00
Hi mickeymjay, If the format and install of Win 7 did not damage the restore partition, just press F8 when you see the dell splash screen. If the partition is damaged, then you will have to use your disc's.
mickeymjay
10 Posts
0
June 10th, 2009 10:00
RobinBredin,
The recovery partition is still there and intact. However, when pressing the F8 key while the Dell spash screen is showing, it does nothing. Installing Windows 7 may have changed the MBR because it resized the main partition and created a separate 100 mb partition for it's os. I am not sure if this will cause the F8 function not to work or not.
Thanks
mickeymjay
10 Posts
0
June 10th, 2009 10:00
Rick,
Is the backup disks just the OS or is it a complete factory restoration disk(s)? My system did come with the Vista Home Prem disk but I would rather have it back the way it was with everything already installed from the factory.
Thanks.
Rebel9
2.9K Posts
0
June 10th, 2009 11:00
"Installing Windows 7 may have changed the MBR" - It did indeed, and it "broke" the F8 functionality. Some however have reported that this procedure will work (read the post by Jack Shack).
mickeymjay
10 Posts
0
June 10th, 2009 12:00
Thank you Rebel9, I will give this a try when I get a chance. This looks promising.