Windows 7 factory restore

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Bronx Born, Oct 16, 2015.

  1. Bronx Born

    Bronx Born Private E-2

    I have a Dell Optiplex 170L desktop and would like to restore it to factory settings. I know that I will lose all my personal files and backed up the files I want.

    What is the best way to do this without installation disks, which I don't have.
     
    Bronx Born, Oct 16, 2015
    #1
  2. Bronx Born

    Bronx Born Private E-2

    I'm sorry to say that I failed to mention that Windows 7 ultimate is an upgrade that I am trying to restore to factory settings.
     
    Bronx Born, Oct 16, 2015
    #2
  3. the mekanic

    the mekanic Major Mekanical Geek

    the mekanic, Oct 16, 2015
    #3
  4. Bronx Born

    Bronx Born Private E-2

    Yes, that's my machine.
     
    Bronx Born, Oct 16, 2015
    #4
  5. plodr

    plodr Major Geek Super Extraordinaire

    A Factory restore is exactly what is says. It restores the computer to the way it was when it left the factory. You will lose Windows 7 and again be looking at a 5 year old computer with XP installed.

    If you wish to retain Windows 7 then do not attempt a factory restore.
     
    plodr, Oct 16, 2015
    #5
  6. Bronx Born

    Bronx Born Private E-2

    Thank you for your reply. I am not interested in keeping Windows 7. In fact I'd prefer to restore the original XP.

    If you can tell me what the procedure is to restore it back to Windows XP from the current Windows 7, I would be most grateful. Thanks again.
     
    Bronx Born, Oct 17, 2015
    #6
  7. DavidGP

    DavidGP MajorGeeks Forum Administrator - Grand Pooh-Bah Staff Member

    Hi

    If you have the version PC with the restore partition D: then try reboot and CTRL+F11 and see if that works, if you do not have a restore partition and no disks, then to install XP you will need to buy it sadly.

    Can check in Disk Management if you have a D: partition or not
     
    DavidGP, Oct 17, 2015
    #7
  8. Bronx Born

    Bronx Born Private E-2

    Thanks DavidGP, I tried and I don't have partition D.
    The machine is too old to invest in the XP disks.
    I'll have to settle with what I have.

    Thanks again.
     
    Bronx Born, Oct 17, 2015
    #8

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