I understand what you are talking about and it may solve the Op's issue.
However, as per my post #3 it's not exactly clear exactly to me what they did.
Dell generally use the Recovery partition also as active, system reserved. I was thinking a true clean install may format this original Recovery Partition and make it just one big active system reserved partition.
I followed the guide to repair the F8 link but when I click Repair Computer it just goes to Windows 7.
Posting a screenshot of your disk management layout will give us a better understanding of what is going on, but it does sound as though you have overwritten the F8 link and/or the recovery partition.
Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums
Have you followed the comprehensive advice that gregrocker gave you? If not, is there any reason why not?
One of my computers is a Dell XPS 8100 and the recovery procedure is as follows:If you can't carry out this procedure, you can either carry out a clean install of Windows then reload your drivers and applications or you can contact Dell for a set of recovery discs.
- Turn on the computer and press F8 several times. When the Dell logo appears, tap the F8 key to access the Advanced Boot Options window. If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop and try again.
- Select Repair Your Computer.
- The System Recovery Options window appears.
- Select your keyboard layout and click Next.
- To access the recovery options, log on as a local user. To access the command prompt, type administrator in the User name field and click OK.
- Click Dell Factory Image Restore when the welcome window will appear. Depending on your configuration, you may need to select Dell Factory Tools then Dell Factory Image Restore.
- Click Next. The The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears. If you don't want to proceed with the Factory Image Restore, click Cancel.
- Click the check box to confirm that you want to continue reformatting the hard drive and restoring the system software to the factory condition and click Next. The restore process begins and takes a few minutes to complete. You'll will see a message onscreen when the restore to factory state is complete.
- Click Finish to restart the computer.
Try marking the Recovery Partition Active then rebooting to see if it boots into it. I've posted the instructions to do this three times now, including how to return the Active flag to Win7 using DVD/Repair CD Command Line.
I'm having the same problem
I had to format the partition where the original windows was installed and now, when i try to start the recovery , Dell Factory Tools does not show in the list, i tried installing the dell data save , it detected the image but when i try to reboot and recover my os, Dell Factory Tools ,still doesn't show up
InformationWe always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create
Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?
You can order OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks from the Dell support website.
As it says in the Special Note to Dell Owners at the end of Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7, Dell Factory Recovery does not boot after a reinstall.
You can try marking the Recovery partition Active to boot Recovery: Partition - Mark as Active
If that fails and you can boot the OS you can try to Problem with my partner's Advent Roma 1001 laptop.. OEM SLP..
But you're much better off doing the vastly superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
Quote