How to reset a dell computer on factory reset?

How to Reset a Dell Computer to Factory Settings

• Answer:

  Restoring your computer to a previous point is like turning back the clock. Restoring your Dell to its factory settings turns the clock all the way back to the time of purchase, removing any information you have added since. You can go back to "square one" on your Dell computer by running the System Restore utility on your Dell, which is a process you can complete within Windows even if you have no prior experience with system restoration. Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You'll Need CD, zip disk or flash drive Instructions Back up your data on your Dell computer. This is critical, because a restoration to factory settings will wipe your computer of any data you've added to it since purchase. You can backup any files you need using a CD, flash drive or zip disk. Click on the "Start" button on your Windows desktop. You will see a search box when the Start menu pops up. Type "System Restore' in the box to find the System Restore Utility. Click on it. Click on the "Restore" option when the utility opens. Select "Restore System to Factory Default." Select "Start" at the "Confirm Restoration" dialog box. Enter your computer's password if you have an existing one. If not, bypass this step and hit "OK." Wait for the "Restore from Factory Default" box to appear after Windows automatically restarts. Select "Next" inside this box. Select "OK" when prompted by the next window to create a new hard drive partition. Once this process completes, click "Finished". Your Dell computer will restart a second time, and this restart process may take longer than the first restart process. Wait for the "Set Up Windows" dialog box to come up following the second restart of your Dell computer. Click "Next", then accept the license terms by clicking "OK." Select "Use Recommended Settings" when prompted under the "Help Protect Windows" window. Fill in the appropriate date and time settings at the next window. Optionally, choose your computer's current location, then hit "OK." Select "Start" at the "Thank You" screen. This will restart your Dell computer for the last time. This restart will take the longest of any of the three restart processes, as Windows will also perform a system performance check. Once your computer is finished restarting, the restoration process is complete and your Dell will be back to factory settings. You may now load any old files and information from your zip disk, CD or flash drive.