Trying to restore Dell to factory settings, but F8 not working

gregrocker said:

If Factory Recovery or the Recovery Disks won't run, then get the much superior Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. Everything needed is in the blue link.

I gave you this more than a day ago, so you could already be up and running by now with a much better install than Factory recovery,.

Roger that, I'll give this a go. I'll let you know how I make out. Thanks Greg

gregrocker said:

Since Recovery doesn't run you can delete it's partition along with C and System Reserved during reinstall, leaving only the Dell Diagnostics Tools partition if it will still run. Try running it now to fully check your hardware: Dell Diagnostics Utility - How to Run the

In addition study the steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 tutorial carefullly and ask back any questions you have. You only need to get it right once then after it's all set up and running perfectly save a backup image you can use in case you ever need to reimage your HD or its replacement again.

I'm getting to step 8 where it says to choose advanced drive options, which doesnt seem to be an option for me. it says i can only re-partition my hard drive with a setup disk.



i wonder if i wouldnt just be better off with a setup disk from dell. or maybe i could just put my laptop in the dishwasher. would that help?

You are not booting the DVD, but running it from Win7. The correct way to install Win7 is to boot the installer: How to Boot A Computer from CD or DVD - YouTube

Boot the DVD to get the Custom Drive Options shown in steps 6/7 of Clean Install Windows 7.

That's got it. A shiny new computer! awesome. Thanks a ton you guys, especially Gregrocker. Do you guys run this site just out of the kindness of your hearts? seems like assholes like me constantly asking stupid questions like this would get annoying.

Either way, you've been a fantastic help. thank you again!

Glad to help. We are all volunteers here who contribute our time.

Stick with the tools and methods outlined in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
and you'll have a perfect install for as long as you do.