Dell Factory Restore

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ronwend523

New Member
I have a Dell Dimension C521 and I can no longer get the factory restore that is built into the system, to come up at the bootup stage. Could it be lost from previous uses? I've had troubles in the past and have done this procedure to get back to the factory, as shipped, condition. Is there some way to find it or get it back into use? I need to take it down again. Thanks
 
The hard drive might be bad. Download the drive manufacturer diagnostic and test the drive.
 
Could have a damaged partition table, bad hard drive, or just aren't hitting the right keys at bootup.

If the partition table is corrupt this may help you restore it.

http://www.goodells.net/dellrestore/fixes.shtml

It has helped me in the past to get the recovery partition back. You are using the ctrl and F11 buttons correct?

What operating system is installed XP or Vista? I'm assuming XP. However, if you installed a different operating system you may have deleted your restore partition.
 
You might be able to access the recovery software from the Windows recovery screen.

To boot to Windows recovery, wait until the BIOS screen (Dell Screen) has disappeared, then hit F8 a few times. On the list of options, select the top option "Repair your computer"

Log in with Admin rights (ie: Your normal windows account)

Look for the dell recovery option, usually last on the list. Keep in mind you are NOT going to be looking for the "System Restore" option or anything Microsoft based, you are looking for Dells utility.

Hope this helps!
 
davidireland said:
You might be able to access the recovery software from the Windows recovery screen.

To boot to Windows recovery, wait until the BIOS screen (Dell Screen) has disappeared, then hit F8 a few times. On the list of options, select the top option "Repair your computer"

Log in with Admin rights (ie: Your normal windows account)

Look for the dell recovery option, usually last on the list. Keep in mind you are NOT going to be looking for the "System Restore" option or anything Microsoft based, you are looking for Dells utility.

Hope this helps!
Click to expand...

Assuming he's running Vista or 7.
 
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