i would like to reset my pc so that it is the same as the day i got it. Its a dell dimension 5150 and only 10 mnths old. What do i do?
2007-01-12 02:33:51 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Unless you have changed hardware, the system should be pretty much the same as when you bought it.
The difference would be what was loaded onto the hard disk. You have probably updated Windows, installed new software, created documents, and set up email and such.
Assuming you are wanting to reset back to the way it was when you bought it because you are selling or getting rid of the computer, you will need to wipe the hard disk and re-install the basic operating system components. (Although if it is only 10mths old, perhaps you just have some problems with the O/S?)
To do this, you need to boot from your Dell Recovery CDs. The CDs that came with the system are designed to let you re-install the Windows and any Dell drivers after a major catastrophe on the system.
Essentially, you would want to:
- Boot from the Dell CD
- Arrange to reformat the hard disk
- Install the Windows from the CD
- Install any drivers from the CD
This should leave you with a system that JUST has the components on it that were there when you bought it. Any documents, MP3 songs, tax or budget info would be wiped off that system so hope taht you saved this somewhere.
Please note that if you have more than one hard disk in the system, you probably want to reformat the other hard disk(s) too.
2007-01-12 02:42:24 · answer #1 · answered by SteveN 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If they gave you a restore CD, turn the machine off, and boot up with the CD in the drive.
If they didn't give a CD, then there is probably a partition on the hard drive that contains the restore files.
Make sure to backup all of your data before you do the restore, or it goes bye bye.
Turn on the machine, and press 'F8' every couple of seconds as it is coming up, this should bring up the boot menu. Boot to a command prompt, and you should be able to access the restore files - if you can't figure it out, check with dell, they can probably help you--if it is 10 months old it should still be under warranty.
2007-01-12 02:39:11 · answer #2 · answered by superfunkmasta 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
If you really want to kill it, ask Norton Utilities to do a government wipe on probably C drive.
Bye - bye everything.
You would have to re-load Bill Gates, though.
No need to be so be so drastic. though.
Why not just run scandisk, or de-frag, etc..
An old machine which I had, had it's hard drive removed, after transferring all data, and was set to with a screwdriver & hammer & scissors on the plates, before disposal.
If you reset in DOS and type "del*,*" the file access tables will dissapear, but the data is still recorded.
I would, and have, totally blanked a machine, and started again, by using a floppy for it to look at, which totally wipes all data, and re-instales the fundamentals of Windows.
It is self-written, but seems to function.
I can post a copy, via email, there is no patent on it or charge.
I like to help !
There you go.
All the best,
Bob.
2007-01-12 03:06:10 · answer #3 · answered by Bob the Boat 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
your pc may or should have come with a recovery disk, this will install the factory settings
Without this disk you will have to attempt a manual re-installation.
however beware, if your not very pc knowledgable, a manual re-installation of windows does have risks (largely due to driver issues).
In retrospect from reading some answers - System restore is worth an attempt, however in my experience I have never noticed any 'restoration' when something buggers up with my pc when i use it. So system restore is very hit and miss.
2007-01-12 02:44:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Run The System Recovery
2007-01-12 02:37:13 · answer #5 · answered by frozenfire75i 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
each and each producer does it slightly in yet in a special way. some comprise restore disks and others are outfitted interior the the hardchronic on a separate partition. in case you in effortless words were given it then call them and they are going to stroll you via it for free.
2016-11-23 13:57:35 · answer #6 · answered by kenn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
System restore.
Start>all programs> accessories> system tools> system restore.
have fun!
just restore it to the earliest recovery point
2007-01-12 02:39:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
You could just change into a new one if u had the money
2007-01-12 02:38:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋