Thread: Rebooting System

Originally Posted by Preeti_20

Well i need to reboot my system, (system recovery) and this can be done by pressing one of the 'F' keys. Which 'F' key is it?

There is a hidden partition in almost all the branded Computers which has a System Recovery Software. It is used for restoring the Computer to factory settings, backing up data and creating Rescue Discs. Dell also included Recovery Partitions for the Computers which shipped after November 2004.

System Recovery is a process which will restore the Computer to the factory settings, erase all data in the Computer; reinstall the O.E.M. version of the Operating System and Drivers.

It is recommended to back up all the data in the Computer before performing System Recovery.


Step 1:
Disconnect all the peripherals (printer, modem, USB), leaving only your monitor, mouse and keyboard.

Step 2:
Back up all the data that you want to save. Once you perform the System Recovery, all existing data will be completely erased.

Step 3:
Reboot your computer. As it boots up, a blue bar will appear across the top of the screen, displaying

PHP Code:

www.dell.com 


. As soon as you see this bar, press the “Control + F11” Keys.

Step 4:
Click “Restore” on the screen that appears. Alternatively, press <Tab> to highlight Restore, and then press <Enter>. A warning message will appear, indicating that you will lose all your data. This will initiate the System Recovery process, which will take up to 10 minutes.

Step 5:
Once the process is complete, a message will appear indicating that the System Recovery process was successful. Click “Finish” or press <Tab> to highlight Finish and then press <Enter> to restart the computer. Your Hard Drive is now restored to its original configuration.

Step 6:
Review and accept the End User License Agreement and other legal material that will appear on your screen.

Step 7:
Gather your software, such as the Dell application CDs that were shipped to you with your Computer. Use these to reinstall the applications that originally came in your Computer, such as MS Office, Antivirus etc.

Also, make sure you download and install all the Windows updates as soon as possible.

Note- System Recovery won't work:
1. If the Hard Disc was ever formatted.
2. If the System Recovery partition is corrupted/infected by Virus.
3. If there is a Hardware failure in the Computer.
4. If there is a power failure during the recovery process.

P.S.- Above steps are for Windows XP based Dell Computer. If it's Vista based, press F8 at the startup.

Originally Posted by Preeti_20

Thats exactly what I meant eruptionjoojo01!

But I wanted to know which 'F' key is it???

As i had previously questioned for exact results you would have to mention the brand,model and make so that i can search online and find the exact key myself .............

There is no F-key universally set. If you want to do so, you shall have to set it from Function key settings.
However, in elaborate, Procedure for System Restore is :

Start > All programs > Accessories > System tools > System restore >

> Restore my computer to an earlier time > Next > Select the restore point.

thanks maddy, will try this out and let you know what happened.

@ prasun261182 - this doesn't allow you to go back to factory settings only to a date which you made a system restore, this has already been tried, thanks anyway!!!

Originally Posted by Preeti_20

thanks maddy, will try this out and let you know what happened.

You are most welcome, Preeti. Please go ahead and feel free for further assistance.