I want to reset my computer to factory settings, completely wiping it clean., I downloaded vista service pack two when it came out so I don't have the disk. I have the original disk but it says I need service pack 2, how can I restore to factory settings without the disk it asks for? I have a Dell Inspiron 1525 with service pack 2 downloaded.

resat my coumputer Thanks for your help, all OK

I want to reset my computer to its factory settings

Answer accepted by question author

Anonymous

Hi,

There are various methods to reinstall Vista.

There is no Windows Vista download available from Microsoft.

You can contact your Computer Manufacturer and ask them to send you a set of Recovery Disks.

They should do that for a small cost.

To reinstall Vista using their Recovery Disk/s, you Boot from the 1st Recovery Disk they supply and follow the Manufacturer's instructions to reinstall:

You will have to change the Boot Order to make the DVD/CD Drive 1st in the Boot Order:

How to change the Boot Order in BIOS:

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/fixtheproblem/ss/bootorderchange.htm

"How to replace Microsoft software or hardware, order service packs, and replace product manuals"

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246

And if you never received a Recovery Disk when you purchased your Computer there should be a Recovery Partition on the Hard Drive to reinstall Vista back to how you bought your Computer.

The Recovery process can be started by pressing a particular Key or Keys combination at Boot. (Power On / Startup)

It may be F10, F11, Alt + F10, etc depending on the Manufacturer.

Ask them for the correct Key sequence.

And if you do have a Manufacturer's Recovery Partition on your Hard Drive, you should be able to make your own Recovery Disks from it to reinstall the Operating System.

Look under Programs > your Computer Manufacturer's name > then their System Tools or Recovery Software Headings for them, depending how it is worded.

If you can not find any reference to it, contact the Manufacturer for advice on how to make those Recovery Disks.

Some manufacturers no longer have Vista Recovery Disks available.

If that happens, you may have to try this instead:

You can also borrow and use a Microsoft Vista DVD, that contains the files for the various Vista Editions (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate) to be installed. The Product Key on your Computer / Laptop case determines which Edition is installed.

Other Manufacturers' Recovery DVDs are not to be used for the above purpose.

And you need to know the "bit" version for Vista, as 32bit and 64bit Editions come on different DVDs

Here is how to do a clean install of Vista, using a Microsoft Vista DVD:

"How to Do a Clean Install and Setup with a Full Version of Vista"

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html

And once the Operating System is installed, go to your Computer Manufacturer's website and obtain the latest Drivers for your particular Model Computer or Laptop.

And phone Activation may be required when using the above clean install Method.

"How to Activate Vista Normally and by Phone Activation"

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/84488-activate-vista-phone.html

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And this is the DELL information for reinstalling to Factory Settings:

How ro reinstall from the Dell Recovery partition:

http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/04/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&docid=DSN\_336966

How to reinstall from the Dell supplied Disk:

http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&docid=DSN\_339949

Dell troubleshooting with Boot issues:

http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&docid=DSN\_343119

Run builtin diagnostics software: