Cannot restore -

[louise182]

Hello,

I'm trying to restore a Dell Inspiron N5030 laptop to factory settings so it can then be given to someone else.

I press f8 at startup and am able to choose 'Repair your computer' but then it just boots into Windows. I've tried creating a repair disc and booting from that but it doesn't work either. I have a recovery partition but c:\recovery does not exist, is there a possibility the repair option is pointing to the wrong place?

Thanks, Louise

 

[RolandJS]

Windows 7? You might have to get into BIOS and push external USB or external whatever device above hard-drive C. ?I think Dell BIOS is either DEL or F12 key right after the post beep?

 

[louise182]

Are you suggesting that in order to boot from the disc? The disc does boot and begins loading files but then does not run the repair tools.

 

[RolandJS]

Are you suggesting that in order to boot from the disc? The disc does boot and begins loading files but then does not run the repair tools.

Sorry! I misunderstood, I did not read post correctly! Disregard

 

[DavidE]

You can download the Dell Inspiron N5030 Setup Guide from here:
Product Support | Dell US

Page 61 has instructions for using the Factory Image Restore.
Page 60 has instructions for using System Recovery Media (usb or optical disc).

If you don't have Recovery discs, and the Factory Image Restore doesn't work, you could do a clean re-install if you have a readable COA sticker.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[louise182]

Thanks for your post, what it says in the manual is pretty much what I've been doing. When I get to section 3 however, the System Recovery Options window does not appear.

1. Turn on the computer.
2. When the DELL™ logo appears, press <F8>
several times to access the Advanced Boot
Options window.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the
operating system logo appears, continue
to wait until you see the Microsoft®
Windows® desktop; then, restart your
computer and try again.
3. Select Repair Your Computer.
The System Recovery Options window
appears.

Downloading the iso now, but my download speed is terrible

 

[DavidE]

Yea, it sounded like the System Recovery Options isn't working for you.
If you didn't create the Recovery discs, you might be able to order them from Dell.
Or, do the clean re-install...