Restoring your Dell

So you can’t get that virus off, or that spyware is annoying you, or your PC is all “messed up” (personal favorite to hear from people).  Running virus scans and hacking away at your registry with various tools is not helping and let’s face it … you are not really technically inclined anyhow.  All you’re libal to do is make it worse right?

The below steps, way below, covers for Vista and XP installations btw.

Well, I’ve actually had to deal with 5 people over the course of 2 days in this same manner.  Most had spent days trying to fix issues.  One was almost 2000 miles away from me and the others were neighbors, friends, and coworkers.  In the case of the relative on the other side of the country, there was in fact a hardware error as well.  His case was at least worthy of a deeper look.  I was concerned it was either memory or video but without being there I couldn’t help him further.  Though he says no that he has replaced the components and all the other fun I did in helping has considerable helped his system along.

All this prompted this quick post.  Yes, I type fast.

First off, I highly recommend that you download CCleaner.  This is a great tool! 

Then there is the “I forgot my password” questions.  I will do this FOR you if you have proof the system is yours.  if not, too bad.  I will not give out how to here.  Go search the internet and you can learn but I will not be part of you learning.

Please, if you are installing file sharing software KNOW that you WILL at SOME POINT get a VIRUS or MALWARE on your system.  Personally I have not an ounce of pity for you and you’ll probably hear me *sigh* with “here we go again” running through my head.  What is really a trip is all the excuses I hear when I see these on someone’s PC/Laptop/Server.  lol just stop it, we all know why it’s there, no excuses BUT … you have problems with your system because the way you chose to treat it.  You know that right?

How about instalilng/updating your virus sorftware and running a full scan?  I’d personally recommend Microsoft’s Live Onecare as it is so much more than just a Virus Scan utility.  Check it out.

Okay moving along….

This is the final part … you’ve tried the above and you’re still having trouble, and you know that someone has looked at your system and it isn’t hardware.  Now we finally get where I was going to in the beginning with the Dell PC Restore by Symantec utility installed on your Dell system.

NOTE:  I highly advise you backup all your data someplace at all times!  Dell recommends before beginning the procedures below that you backup your data.  PLEASE KNOW YOU WILL LOSE DATA IF YOU SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THESE STEPS!! !! !! !!

As always the steps I write here are advisory only and you should proceed at your own risk.

First you will reboot your PC/Laptop/Server and when the DELL blue symbol with the black screen appears you will press and hold CTRL and then F11.  Releasing both keys at the same time.  This will start the Dell PC Restore by Symantec application.
Next, tab to the Restore and press enter.
A warning message will appear stating that all data will be lost, select confirm and press enter.
At this point a progress window will appear telling you about how long it will take to finish.  In my experiance this lasts between 5-10 minutes.  Dell states 8-10.
When the restore is complete it will tell you that it was successful.
Select Finish and press Enter to restart the computer.
Upon rebooting you will be at a FACTORY DEFAULT restoration.

For more detailed explination (the offical Dell Gospel Word) you can find that here