Dell Factory Image Restore in Windows Vista

DNMD · Feb 26, 2014

System Specs:
Windows Vista Home Basic Edition, SP2, 32 bit
Dell Inspiron, Pentium Dual CPU T2370, 1.73 GHz, Memory: 2.00 GB

This computer was handed down from another user to current user.

It's never performed well for current user. MS Word 2007 has always been extremely unstable.

It recently lost connection to our wi-fi/network. The connection status icon says:
Connection Status: unknown
The dependency status or group failed to start

I have often thought about reinstalling Windows on this system to try to give it a completely fresh start, but I don't have the Windows disks or the drivers.

I recently found Dell's instructions for "Using Dell Factory Image Restore in Windows Vista". This will "Restore the computer's software to original condition."

If this will give me all/most of the benefits of reinstalling Windows from the disks, I think I am going to proceed with the Factory Image restore, but wanted to check with some experts before proceeding.

I don't need to back up any data b/c we haven't saved any data on this machine.

Good plan? Bad plan?

Image Restore Instructions:
http://www.dell.com/support/trouble...leView?&docid=DSN_336966&isLegacy=true#Issue3

Please note, my other recent request is about a different laptop.

Thank you in advance for any help.

DavidGP · Feb 27, 2014

HI

What exact model Inspiron do you have and the Label underneath should tell you or to narrow the model down further the Asset Tag number?

If you have saved no data on the laptop then fine, good idea but a few thoughts on this as:

1. Did the previous user remove the Factory Restore Partition and you will note this when trying to restore, it will fail.
2. For Microsoft Office, do you have the original setup disks or files and licence code as not always does it come pre-installed or licenced with PCs, in most cases if it is installed its a trial version.

**now having read this thread now, I note your comment on the Word issue in the other thread

DNMD · Feb 27, 2014

Thank you for responding.

This laptop model = PP92L.

1) Previous owner was not sophisticated user, and wouldn't have intentionally attempted advanced changes.
2) I do not have any of the original disks, but the Windows Vista product key is printed on the bottom of the laptop. The complete driver set is available via download from Dell.

My other post about MS Word crashing at save is about a different laptop with less severe issues.

Sounds like proceeding with "Dell Factory Image Restore in Windows Vista" is still a good idea. Should I go ahead and try it, and then proceed with other options if it fails?

DNMD · Feb 27, 2014

Dell Service Tag: 90HHPF1

DavidGP · Feb 28, 2014

Hi

Yes I would as a 2nd hand machine could have all sorts of weird issues as you where not in control of the PC, and from what you mention in point 1, then the restore partition is likely still available and instructions on Factory Restore HERE

Drive partition that has the recover is labelled D: RECOVERY in general so can view in Computer or Disk Management to check

Armed with the Service tag, you know the exact drivers for the laptop HERE

Only downside is any added software like Office that needs a licence key, you will need a spare copy to re-install, there are free alternatives though like OpenOffice etc as a thought

Also I would use PCDecrapifier on the laptop once all drivers and Windows updates are installed, to remove the junk apps OEMs add.

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Dell Factory Image Restore in Windows Vista

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