Reset Dell Computer to Factory Settings in Windows 7

How to Easily Restore Dell Computer to Factory Settings in Windows 7

May. 06, 2015 11:32 am / Posted by Michael Eric to Windows Tips
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Dell Window 7 Laptop won't Reset to Factory Settings. Help!

Due to several reasons, such as virus attacks, system errors, or a software update, you may need to factory reset your Dell computer. Here in this post, we will give a detailed guide on how to restore your Dell laptop to factory settings in Windows 7, in order to fix some computer problems, or crashes or to clear your personal information from the system.

Detailed Steps to Reset Dell Laptop to Factory Settings in Windows 7

Restoring your computer to the factory settings will remove all files and programs except it came with. You will lose all personal data, including photos, emails, and programs, if you don't backup them up. So before restoring to factory settings on a Dell laptop, just make sure you have all your files and data backed up on an external drive before you do the restore.

• Step 1: Turn off your computer.
• Step 2: Disconnect everything but the monitor, keyboard and mouse. This includes: scanner, printer, modem phone and tablets, USB flash drive or other external hard drive.
• Step 3: If your laptop is docked, remove it from the docking station.
• Step 4: When the Dell logo appears on the screen, press F8 several times to open Advanced Boot Options menu.
  
  
  Note: If the Advanced Boot Options menu doesn't open, wait for the Windows login prompt. Then restart the computer and try again.
• Step 5: Use the Arrow keys to select Repair Your Computer and then press Enter.
• Step 6: On the System Recovery Options menu, select a keyboard layout and click Next.
• Step 7: On the next screen you can login as a local user or Administrator.
  
  
  Note: Use the drop down menu to the right of User name: to select the local user or the Administrator account and enter the password for that account. If you forgot the password, you can take a Windows 7 password recovery tool to reset it first.
• Step 8: Depending on your configuration, you may need to select Dell Factory Tools and then Dell Factory Image Restore.
• Step 9: Click Next to open the Confirm Data Deletion menu.
• Step 10: Select the option "Yes, reformat hard drive and restore system software to factory condition". And click Next.

The restore process will take five or more minutes. After the restore operation is complete, click Finish to restart the computer. Then you can restore any data you want from the back up file.

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