Solved Trying to perform dell factory restore

[UnknownScout]

but the dell logo screen goes to fast to press any of the function keys. I have a Dell Studio XPS 7100 desktop and windows 7. I accidentally installed the windows 8 consumer preview over my copy of windows 7. therefore I am performing a dell factory restore. But i can't because the Dell Logo Boot screen doesn't stay long enough and I can't get the the Advanced Boot Options to open. Any help would be VERY appreciated!

 

[pebbly]

Hi UnknownScout, Welcome to the forums ,Here is a link to the manual for your PC Documentation this will explain how to do a factory restore better than I can

 

[pebbly]

Hi UnknownScout, this one is better for you Windows 7 PC Restore | Dell

 

[UnknownScout]

Hi,
Thank you for replying. I have my manual but i can not press F8 because the boot logo goes to fast, is there anyway i can slow it down? or something?

UnknownScout

 

[DavidE]

As soon as you turn on the PC keep tapping the F8 key (don't wait until you see the Dell logo screen).

You can also try repeatedly tapping the F2 key to enter setup as soon as you turn on the PC.

 

[UnknownScout]

I got to the setup but how does that help me?

 

[pebbly]

I got to the setup but how does that help me?

Press the F8 key UnknownScout not the F2
I think if you press F12 it brings up a 1 time boot menu from there you may be able to reach the hidden patition to instigate the factory restore

 

[UnknownScout]

When i tap the F8 key when the Computer is starting up nothing ever comes up it just boots to windows 8.

 

[seavixen32]

If you installed Windows 8 over Windows 7, the chances are you have wiped the Dell recovery partition.

Without that or a set of Dell recovery discs you won't be able to recover your system.





You have two choices as I see it:

1. Create your own Windows 7 DVD and install that using the product key on your COA sticker.
2. Contact Dell and ask them for a set of recovery discs. If you tell them your recovery partition is corrupted they'll most likely send you a set without charge.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/174907-clean-install-factory-coa-activation-key.html

 

[gregrocker]

The reason for no F8 menu is because you overwrote the WinRe file in Win7 which provides the System Recovery Options which is where the Dell Recovery hotkey was rooted.

Without the Dell Recovery disks your options now are to Clean Reinstall Windows 7 Factory OEM or to order the Recovery Disks from Dell. However on many models they only provide a Win7 REinstallation DVD so you might as well use the DVD in the blue link and get the same clean reinstall now - if you didn't make Recovery Disks.

Once you reinstall Win7 you might be able to recreate the link to Dell Recovery Partition - restoring F8 link. So for that reason you might want to save Recovery Partition as well as the Dell Tools partition if it will run from its hotkey which is normally separate from F8.

 

[UnknownScout]

Where do I get the ISO for the Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc?

 

[gregrocker]

Who said anything about Universal Installation DVD which is hugely unnecessary work?

I gave you the specific link for your ISO and tools to burn DVD or write to flash stick in Clean Reinstall Windows 7 Factory OEM.

There are other things to look at in my post above which might interest you, besides the steps which have helped thousands of others get a perfect Clean Reinstall Windows 7 Factory OEM.

 

[UnknownScout]

I just found a Windows 7 Re-installation disc from one of my other computers. So i put that in and booted from it, just installed windows 7 just got to my desktop. Its SO much better.

Thanks for all of the help!

P.S.
So i just go in and delete the windows.old right?

Thanks again!

 

[gregrocker]

As long as it is the same version and has SP1 so you don't have to spend hours updating, it should activate at Control Panel>System.

You can delete windows.old once you're sure you have all of your data, email, email settings, etc. I wouldn't import any other settings than what you absolutely need to get your email or games working, as these are corruption paths into a clean reinstall.

I guess you didn't follow the steps I provided to get a perfect reinstall if you didn't boot the installer and got the windows.old folder as a result.

 

[UnknownScout]

I am using my win 7 PC to reply right now. Again thank you everyone for all of your help!

 

[gregrocker]

How is performance? Any problems?

 

[UnknownScout]

Another question how do i re install my Microsoft Word Starter?

 

[gregrocker]

I believe the app is only in the preinstalled Office trial bloatware that is in the factory image.

May I suggest that while you look for it you try Sun Micro's lightweight Open Office suite which is Office-compatible and doesn't require endless Updates. It's a breeze compared to Office, and no Ads which you get if you can find a way to reinstall Office Starter.

 

[UnknownScout]

Yeah I was going to try Open Office, but I also might buy Microsoft Office 2010. Again thanks for all the help!

 

[seavixen32]

If you don't mind me butting in; if you're going to buy MS Office 2010 you might want to consider the student version.

If you or any of your family members are a student at an accredited learning centre, you can buy student software at greatly reduced prices.

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store...tegoryID.55981100?Icid=Student_HUB_4up_Office