This article shows you how to factory reset a laptop manufactured by Dell. You can perform this procedure both from the "Settings" menu of Windows 10 and from the advanced start menu of Windows 7. It should be noted that the Windows recovery procedure also includes formatting the system hard drive, so to avoid losing personal data or important information, it is a good idea to back up your computer before restoring.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Windows 10
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop. The Windows "Start" menu will appear.
Step 2. Launch the Settings app by clicking on the icon
It features a gear and is located at the bottom left of the "Start" menu. The window of the same name will be displayed.
Step 3. Click on the "Update and Security" icon
It is displayed in the lower left of the "Settings" menu.
Step 4. Click on the Restore tab
It is located on the left side of the window.
Step 5. Click the Get Started button
It is located within the "Reset your PC" section visible at the top of the window. A new pop-up window will appear.
Step 6. Click the Delete All button
It is the second option present in the pop-up window that appeared.
Step 7. Click on Remove files and clean the drive
It is located at the bottom of the newly appeared screen.
Step 8. Click the Reset button when prompted
The computer will be fully formatted, after which the Windows operating system will be reinstalled.
This procedure may take several hours to complete and all files on the system hard drive will be erased
Method 2 of 2: Using Windows 7
Step 1. Turn off your computer
To shut down a Windows 7 based system you can follow these instructions:
-
Click on the button Start
Windowswindows7_start ;
- Click on the item Shut down the system located in the lower right part of the "Start" menu;
- Wait for the computer to shut down completely.
Step 2. Turn your computer back on
Press the "Power" button
placed on the computer case or keyboard.
Step 3. Press the F8 function key repeatedly
You will need to do this as soon as the computer starts powering up so that the advanced boot menu appears on the screen.
If nothing happens and you see the Windows logon screen appear on the screen, you have started pressing the key F8 too late. In this case, restart your computer and repeat the step.
Step 4. Select the Repair Your Computer option
Use the directional arrows to select the item indicated, then press the Enter key.
Step 5. Click the Next button when prompted
This will confirm that the keyboard settings are correct.
Step 6. Enter your Windows login password when prompted
Type the same password you normally use to log into your computer in the "Password" text field, then click the button OK.
Step 7. Click on the System Image Restore option
It is the link visible in the center of the dialog box.
Step 8. Select the Dell default system image
Click on the "Dell Factory Image" option (or similar entry) to select it.
You may need to click on the drop-down menu to be able to select the indicated option
Step 9. Click the Next button
It is located in the lower right part of the window.
Step 10. Confirm your willingness to format the system disk
Depending on the version of Windows 7 you have, you may need to select a check button and click on the item Format or OK. In other cases, you will have to select the hard drive to format and click on the button Format. After you confirm your action, the computer will be reset and the hard drive will be fully formatted. At the end of this phase, the version of Windows present in the system image created by Dell will be reinstalled.
