Folks, long story short, the cops recovered my Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop that was stolen last year.
I have not used it much this year. In June I uninstalled a bunch of crap and programs that the punks (crooks) had installed. However, it still has a couple of their log in names, & other crap that affect the initial launch screens etc.
I have nothing (no files, programs, etc) on it that I want to save.
I want to restore the system to factory settings.
I apparently do not have the "PC Restore" program by Symantec anymore that is supposed to launch at the Dell splash screen when I push CTRL then F-11 then release simultaneously. I bet I uninstalled it in June when I saw the evil name, Symantec.
The Accessories - System Tools - System Restore option only goes back to June, 2012. This is not nearly far enough back to get to my laptop's previous "happy place" prior to November 2011.
Of course I no longer have (maybe never had? who can remember?) any Windows XP Pro disks.
Now what do I do?
Thanks, Brad
Do you know if the recovery partition is still intact? When you go to My Computer, you should see a drive shown as "recovery" or "system" or something similar, if the recovery partition does indeed exist.
If it is there, the CTRL+F11 trick "should" work.
> Do you know if the recovery partition is still intact? When you go to My Computer, you should see a drive shown as "recovery" or "system" or something similar, if the recovery partition does indeed exist.
>
> If it is there, the CTRL+F11 trick "should" work.
You sure about that Wendell? I think it's in the control panel system information stuff where you can do a restore. I don't recall. It's been well over 5 years since I've had do that.
If nothing else works, you could do the system restore to 'June 2012' and see if the "PC Restore" program by Symantec returns??
Here is what I see at My Computer...
Maybe I will try Doug's idea later tonight.?
I would contact Dell and explain the situation. If they will, they can get you all the original install disks and serial numbers. Once you have those, you can (and should) reformat the hard drive. That will solve all the issues.
Larry P
Yeah, it's pretty standard with Dell laptops. But if the recovery partition has been removed, obviously it won't work.
Once again, Larry is spot on. Call Dell (ugh) and see if you can get recovery disks mailed to you. You most likely will have to pay for them. Your Windows Product Key should actually be on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop.
One option would be to use a friend's unbranded Windows XP CD of the same type, i.e. Home, Pro, Media Center, etc. When prompted, you would use your Product Key. It is a bit of a gray area legally, but if you already have the Product Key, there's no reason for anyone to get in a huff about it. That said, Microsoft doesn't provide any way to legally download Windows XP, despite the fact that they (Microsoft themselves) make Windows 7 downloads readily available. It's the Product Key that makes your installation of Windows legitimate.
Dell Recovery Partition
If you are sure you want a "Factory Restore",
Google "dell recovery partition" or "dell restore partition"
Here's one link:
http://techtips.salon.com/manually-access-dell-restore-partition-2648.html
There's many others. The restore partition should be there unless you have repartitioned the disk, in which case it was probably destroyed.
Another little detail -
I learned about two years ago that you cannot use a Windows XP Pro retail CD with a Windows XP Pro OEM product key. That's what I encountered, and it seems to be the experience of posters on the computer forums as well.
Presuming Brad's computer has an OEM Windows XP Pro product key on a factory-installed COA, then he would need an OEM Windows XP Pro CD to clean install Windows XP Pro.
Windows 7 is a completely different story.
GB
All of your hard drive's partitions will not show up in "My Computer". The restore partition is not a standard Windows partition so it will be invisible to Windows. Call Dell support or check my other post in this thread.
Another little detail -
Glenn, what is COA?
Wendell & Larry, I think I have that sticker and may contact Dell later this week.
Tyler, Ctrl F11 does not seem to work, but I can not imagine that the backup partition is gone so I might google your suggestion.
Big E, 46131 is still keepin it real cool my man.
Doug, you rock too bro.
Many thanks to all.
I've always seen it on my HP and Asus laptops. The new one I just got (Asus) shows it as well.
Another little detail -
46131? Was that my zip code there over by Webb elementary on East Adams Dr.
I remember my area code was 317 back then.
Sure wouldn't mind to hook up with some of my old friends from then. Then again, that was about 40 years ago and they may not remember me. Met my first girlfriend, Kathy, while at the Jr. high school down by the park. (If it's still there). I think I was 11 or 12 then.
