Windows 7: Restoring Windows 7 from Windows 8 Developer Preview

Hello forum.

Recently I decided to test windows 8 developer preview on my desktop computer. It works great, but I can't run many of my PC games because the drivers don't work with windows 8.

Anyways, I also need windows 7 for school work as well. The problem is that I installed it over Windows 7 by accident instead of dual boot. Usually if I would want to do a factory restore I would press F8, but windows 8 has replaced this with a new menu and GUI that doesn't have the option (Dell Data safe factory restore)

I know it's still on the recovery partition so there must be some way to revert my computer back to factory defaults with the correct drivers.

Any help will be appreciated.

As you have access to another computer, you could try creating a system repair disc.

System Repair Disc - Create

Obviously, you can't re-install Windows with it, but it should get you into the advanced recovery options from where you may be able to carry out a factory restore.

Failing that, Dell should be able to provide you with a recovery disc and driver disc at a reasonable charge.

Thank you, I tried this method. Normally this is the screen I would get to do a factory restore, but for some reason Dell Datasafe factory restore option is not on there. If I go to uninstall windows 8 it ask me for the installation media.

In that case you have two choices as I see it.

Ask Dell to send you a set of recovery discs. If you tell them you were unable to create your own they may not even charge you for them.

http://support.dell.com/support/topi.../backupcd_form

Alternatively, borrow a Windows 7 DVD and use your laptop's product key to activate it.

Clean Install : Factory COA Activation Key

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?


How to use Dell Recovery Partition,make Recovery Disks & how to order Recovery Disks.
Dell - Support

What is the licensed version on the COA sticker, and is it 32- or 64-bit?

Is the Product Key readable? Back it up now as it is good for the life on the machine.

Look over these steps for Clean Reinstalling Windows 7 on factory OEM to see if it's something that you'd like to do.

Otherwise you'll need to order Recov Disks from Dell if you can't restore the Recovery option to F8 menu: Dell Recovery Partition - restoring F8 link

Thank you for your replies. I tried a friends win 7 dvd, but that didn't have the correct factory recovery option either. I will try to see if I can get a hold of a Dell Inspiron One 2305 Factory Recovery disc.

You would need some kind of Dell medium- only they will include the Dell restore program.

I think they send them out on request - I have a vague recollection Dell might not even charge for them.

An advanced user could restore using what is already on the recovery partition - if you haven't done that kind of thing before - probably easier to get a disc from Dell.

How can I access the recovery partition ? I see it listed in disc management. It takes up 16 GB and has the factory image. Is there a program that can run at boot that will be able to access the recovery partition?

I can't promise, but you may be able to access it by pressing Ctrl+F11 when you power up your computer, ideally just after you press the power button, but if Windows 8 has overwritten the MBR, it may not work.

These links may help, although they seem a bit involved.

http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/

http://jim-zimmerman.com/?p=368