Setting back to factory Settings

[Sandie]

I'm sure there is help here for this, but can't seem to find the right post. I want to set my PC Dell Inspiron 560 Windows 7, back to the factory settings as I just bought a new one and I'm selling this one.
I have the CDs to do this, but when it comes on the screen, there is so much "jumble" on the screen, and I have no clue what it means, or what to do. I hit f12, when the Dell logo appears. Is there an easier way to do this, or can someone explain what I do, I am totally clueless on this. Someone else told me to hit F8, lol, so as I said Im confused on this, thanks for any help. Also is there an easier way to do it, without using the CD's?

 

[whs]

· Save all your important files.

· Unplug all the devices and drivers from your CPU (except the keyboard and the mouse), including your printer, camera and memory stick.

· Shut off the computer and then turn it on, or simply restart it.

· As soon as you see the Dell logo at the start keep on hitting the F8 key repeatedly. Do not stop until you see the screen that says "Repair your computer." There will be other options too but chose this option and hit Enter.

· Next you will see a prompt window giving you options to select the keyboard layout select from the drop-down menu "US" and click "OK."

· On the next screen you will be asked to select the user ID and the password of your Windows account. Select your user account, but make sure your user account has administrative functions. Type in your password. If you don't have a password, leave it blank and click "OK."

· Now you will come to a window with multiple options. Choose the one at the bottom that reads, "Dell Factory Image Restore." By clicking "Dell Factory Image Restore" , it will generate an operation that will take about 45 minutes to complete.

 

[Sandie]

Thanks, so I don't have to install the CD's with this option, just Hit F8 when the Dell Logo appears?

 

[whs]

Correct - provided your recovery partition is still in good order.

 

[gregrocker]

Make the disks first to have a secondary backup method.

But running Recovery from partition is the most stable method.

Dell Restoring Your Computer´s Software to the Factory Settings