Formatting Vista

[Clipper]

Hi im running a dell windows vista home basic and trying to get format my pc back to factory settings but on startup there is no option to sysyem recovery like the vista home premium just 2 options 1,setup and 2 boot menu can any1 help plz

 

/thanx

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Hi Clipper

 

Welcome to FPCH

 

Do you have the Vista disks to hand?

One should be the recovery disk and the other should contain system drivers.

[Clipper]

It didnt come with any discs , its been done before by my husband but he cant remember what he did =/

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Ok

 

Have a look in All Programs and see if there is a section called Maintenance or something similarly worded.

 

In there should be the option to make back up and recovery disks.

 

Have a look and get back to us.

[RandyL]

Hi Clipper;

What is the exact make and model of this Dell? For example (Dell Dimension Desktop xxx numbers)?

[Clipper]

theres a backup and restore centre,and its a dell dimension e520

 

 

/thanx

[Tootech]

Hi Clipper,

 

Can you explain " on startup there is no option"

 

After the PC boots, before you see the Windows screen, you can press F8 and that takes you to all of the startup options - from there you can run the restore process.

 

Have a look here, Dell detail the whole process.

 

Dell - Support

[RandyL]

Download the pdf file owners manual and check the Trouble Shooting Tools>Restoring your operating system.

 

It appears that you might have the Dell PC Restore by Symantec. If so on bootup when you see the blue bar press Cntr/F11 and follow the prompts.

[RandyL]

Depending on your computer one of the above options should work.

[Clipper]

Thanx for the replys il give them a go and let u no how it goes :)

[Clipper]

It worked thank u all :)

[RandyL]

What method worked Clipper?

 

Also at this time we would like to ask why you needed to reinstall. Perhaps we can help you avoid going through this again.

 

I would also like to add that if your system allows making backup disks that you should do so immediately as wolfeymole suggested. You can not always depend on the hard drive partition to do the backup. If not I suggest you contact Dell and order a set of disks.

 

Thanks for getting back to us. We appreciate it.

[Clipper]

The f8 key, and the kids put viruses on the pc which ment alot of programs wudnt work or very slow 1 by 1, tried all different antiviruses and adawares nothing worked :confused:

[RandyL]

Thanks.

 

I edited my post so please read it again.

 

We have a very good guide to cleaning your system should you need it in the future.

 

I also suggest that you look at Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help Recommended Security products

 

Glad to hear you are up and running.