Re-setting to factory condition
Re-setting to factory condition
I am giving one of my lap tops to my shop foreman. I was wondering what the best way to get it back to original factory defaults and memory would be the best way to go. It is a Dell Inspiron 6000 and I would like to give it to him with the maximum amount of memory and least amount of junk that has been accumulated on it without me having to manually go through all the programs and files and deleting in that way. Any help would be appreciated.
Re-setting to factory condition
I'd say just reinstall Windows XP on it, that will wipe everything off the hard drive, and your machine will be the same way it was when you first booted it up. It takes about 50 mins to do, and you just need your original copy of Windows XP.
"We are never so happy, never so unhappy, as we imagine"
Le Rochefoucauld.
"A smack in the face settles all arguments, then you can move on kid."
My dad 1986.
Le Rochefoucauld.
"A smack in the face settles all arguments, then you can move on kid."
My dad 1986.
Re-setting to factory condition
Galbally;1143142 wrote: I'd say just reinstall Windows XP on it, that will wipe everything off the hard drive, and your machine will be the same way it was when you first booted it up. It takes about 50 mins to do, and you just need your original copy of Windows XP.
Thanks Gally, thats kind of what I figured. I have a few copies of Windows XP and have no idea which one went to which comp., does it matter? I assume not but wasn't sure if each copy was registered to the machine it was originally installed into?
Thanks Gally, thats kind of what I figured. I have a few copies of Windows XP and have no idea which one went to which comp., does it matter? I assume not but wasn't sure if each copy was registered to the machine it was originally installed into?
Re-setting to factory condition
Also, do I do it with the Operating system disk or the Windows XP disk. The operating system disk says it has Windows XP home edition and service pack, then I have Windows XP disks.
Re-setting to factory condition
Galbally;1143142 wrote: I'd say just reinstall Windows XP on it, that will wipe everything off the hard drive,Would it be helpful if I mentioned that this isn't true? It'll hide all your old photos and such but they'll still be findable years later if someone chooses to delve for them.
The way to remove all your personal details from a computer you're about to pass on to someone else is to leave Darik's Boot And Nuke running on it overnight. Then you can install your laptop's Operating System CD and it'll be back in factory default.
It does matter which XP you install with, each version (and there are a lot more versions than just Home, Pro and Corporate) rejects the Key and you only have the one Key on the bottom sticker. You really do need the Operating System release CDs that came with the laptop to do it properly.
Some laptops have a small partition which carries the factory default reset files. Make sure you don't nuke the reset partition if yours is like that.
The way to remove all your personal details from a computer you're about to pass on to someone else is to leave Darik's Boot And Nuke running on it overnight. Then you can install your laptop's Operating System CD and it'll be back in factory default.
It does matter which XP you install with, each version (and there are a lot more versions than just Home, Pro and Corporate) rejects the Key and you only have the one Key on the bottom sticker. You really do need the Operating System release CDs that came with the laptop to do it properly.
Some laptops have a small partition which carries the factory default reset files. Make sure you don't nuke the reset partition if yours is like that.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
Re-setting to factory condition
spot;1143180 wrote: Would it be helpful if I mentioned that this isn't true? It'll hide all your old photos and such but they'll still be findable years later if someone chooses to delve for them.
The way to remove all your personal details from a computer you're about to pass on to someone else is to leave Darik's Boot And Nuke running on it overnight. Then you can install your laptop's Operating System CD and it'll be back in factory default.
It does matter which XP you install with, each version (and there are a lot more versions than just Home, Pro and Corporate) rejects the Key and you only have the one Key on the bottom sticker. You really do need the Operating System release CDs that came with the laptop to do it properly.
Some laptops have a small partition which carries the factory default reset files. Make sure you don't nuke the reset partition if yours is like that.
Is there a way to tell which disk goes to which comp? I knew this would be harder than I thought. Should I go through and delete some things manually or is it best to use the program you suggested? Am I setting myself up for the War of the Worlds between me and the comp?
The way to remove all your personal details from a computer you're about to pass on to someone else is to leave Darik's Boot And Nuke running on it overnight. Then you can install your laptop's Operating System CD and it'll be back in factory default.
It does matter which XP you install with, each version (and there are a lot more versions than just Home, Pro and Corporate) rejects the Key and you only have the one Key on the bottom sticker. You really do need the Operating System release CDs that came with the laptop to do it properly.
Some laptops have a small partition which carries the factory default reset files. Make sure you don't nuke the reset partition if yours is like that.
Is there a way to tell which disk goes to which comp? I knew this would be harder than I thought. Should I go through and delete some things manually or is it best to use the program you suggested? Am I setting myself up for the War of the Worlds between me and the comp?
Re-setting to factory condition
YZGI;1143191 wrote: Is there a way to tell which disk goes to which comp? I knew this would be harder than I thought. Should I go through and delete some things manually or is it best to use the program you suggested? Am I setting myself up for the War of the Worlds between me and the comp?
If you want to use the Licence Key from the bottom of the computer then you need to use the disks that were supplied when it was new OR the content of the reset-partition if it has one. HP laptops, for example, have a reset-partition. It's worth looking at the hard drive partition map in Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Disk Management if you don't know. Do you not have the user manual? Can't you get it from the Internet? What's the model of laptop, if you want help checking.
Deleting some things manually will leave your personal information just as hidden-but-retrievable as quick-formatting would.
If you have no reset-partition AND you have no CD set from new then you're stuck with using whatever you've got to hand.
BUT!!!!! Most laptops don't come with a CD set, they come with instructions in the user manual to CREATE a CD set by running a utility. If that's the case then even if you've never done it you still could.
I'd be more explicit but I have no idea what kit you're discussing.
If you want to use the Licence Key from the bottom of the computer then you need to use the disks that were supplied when it was new OR the content of the reset-partition if it has one. HP laptops, for example, have a reset-partition. It's worth looking at the hard drive partition map in Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Disk Management if you don't know. Do you not have the user manual? Can't you get it from the Internet? What's the model of laptop, if you want help checking.
Deleting some things manually will leave your personal information just as hidden-but-retrievable as quick-formatting would.
If you have no reset-partition AND you have no CD set from new then you're stuck with using whatever you've got to hand.
BUT!!!!! Most laptops don't come with a CD set, they come with instructions in the user manual to CREATE a CD set by running a utility. If that's the case then even if you've never done it you still could.
I'd be more explicit but I have no idea what kit you're discussing.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
Re-setting to factory condition
spot;1143198 wrote: If you want to use the Licence Key from the bottom of the computer then you need to use the disks that were supplied when it was new OR the content of the reset-partition if it has one. HP laptops, for example, have a reset-partition. It's worth looking at the hard drive partition map in Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Disk Management if you don't know. Do you not have the user manual? Can't you get it from the Internet? What's the model of laptop, if you want help checking.
Deleting some things manually will leave your personal information just as hidden-but-retrievable as quick-formatting would.
If you have no reset-partition AND you have no CD set from new then you're stuck with using whatever you've got to hand.
BUT!!!!! Most laptops don't come with a CD set, they come with instructions in the user manual to CREATE a CD set by running a utility. If that's the case then even if you've never done it you still could.
I'd be more explicit but I have no idea what kit you're discussing.
It is a Dell Inspiron 6000. I just looked at the bottom of the comp. The center numbers match one of the cd's I have so I am assuming it would be the correct one. The beginning and end number do not match but no other cd is even close.
Deleting some things manually will leave your personal information just as hidden-but-retrievable as quick-formatting would.
If you have no reset-partition AND you have no CD set from new then you're stuck with using whatever you've got to hand.
BUT!!!!! Most laptops don't come with a CD set, they come with instructions in the user manual to CREATE a CD set by running a utility. If that's the case then even if you've never done it you still could.
I'd be more explicit but I have no idea what kit you're discussing.
It is a Dell Inspiron 6000. I just looked at the bottom of the comp. The center numbers match one of the cd's I have so I am assuming it would be the correct one. The beginning and end number do not match but no other cd is even close.
Re-setting to factory condition
One other thing Spot. I am not all that worried about the retrieval of personal data, more I want to give as clean of a comp as I can and leave as much memory as possible.
Re-setting to factory condition
Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec
NOTE: Dell PC Restore is available only on computers purchased in certain regions.
Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and so on.
If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore.
NOTICE: Using PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore.
To use PC Restore:
1 Turn on the computer.
During the boot process, a blue bar with Dell Laptops, Desktop Computers, Monitors, Printers & PC Accessories appears at the top of the screen.
2 Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press .
If you do not press in time, let the computer finish restarting, and then restart the computer again.
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.
3 On the next screen that appears, click Restore.
4 On the next screen, click Confirm.
The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.
5 When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.
NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.
6 When prompted, click Yes.
The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on.
7 Click Next.
The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.
8 After the computer restarts, click OK.
NOTE: Dell PC Restore is available only on computers purchased in certain regions.
Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and so on.
If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore.
NOTICE: Using PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore.
To use PC Restore:
1 Turn on the computer.
During the boot process, a blue bar with Dell Laptops, Desktop Computers, Monitors, Printers & PC Accessories appears at the top of the screen.
2 Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press .
If you do not press in time, let the computer finish restarting, and then restart the computer again.
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.
3 On the next screen that appears, click Restore.
4 On the next screen, click Confirm.
The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.
5 When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.
NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.
6 When prompted, click Yes.
The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on.
7 Click Next.
The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.
8 After the computer restarts, click OK.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
Re-setting to factory condition
spot;1143224 wrote: Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec
NOTE: Dell PC Restore is available only on computers purchased in certain regions.
Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and so on.
If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore.
NOTICE: Using PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore.
To use PC Restore:
1 Turn on the computer.
During the boot process, a blue bar with Dell Laptops, Desktop Computers, Monitors, Printers & PC Accessories appears at the top of the screen.
2 Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press .
If you do not press in time, let the computer finish restarting, and then restart the computer again.
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.
3 On the next screen that appears, click Restore.
4 On the next screen, click Confirm.
The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.
5 When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.
NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.
6 When prompted, click Yes.
The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on.
7 Click Next.
The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.
8 After the computer restarts, click OK.
Wow, that sounds easy. I will do this as soon as I get my new comp set up to take over where this one is being used. Should be here tommorrow or the next day. Thanks very much Spot.
NOTE: Dell PC Restore is available only on computers purchased in certain regions.
Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and so on.
If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore.
NOTICE: Using PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore.
To use PC Restore:
1 Turn on the computer.
During the boot process, a blue bar with Dell Laptops, Desktop Computers, Monitors, Printers & PC Accessories appears at the top of the screen.
2 Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press .
If you do not press in time, let the computer finish restarting, and then restart the computer again.
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.
3 On the next screen that appears, click Restore.
4 On the next screen, click Confirm.
The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.
5 When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.
NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.
6 When prompted, click Yes.
The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on.
7 Click Next.
The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.
8 After the computer restarts, click OK.
Wow, that sounds easy. I will do this as soon as I get my new comp set up to take over where this one is being used. Should be here tommorrow or the next day. Thanks very much Spot.
Re-setting to factory condition
spot;1143224 wrote: Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec
NOTE: Dell PC Restore is available only on computers purchased in certain regions.
Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and so on.
If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore.
NOTICE: Using PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore.
To use PC Restore:
1 Turn on the computer.
During the boot process, a blue bar with Dell Laptops, Desktop Computers, Monitors, Printers & PC Accessories appears at the top of the screen.
2 Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press .
If you do not press in time, let the computer finish restarting, and then restart the computer again.
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.
3 On the next screen that appears, click Restore.
4 On the next screen, click Confirm.
The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.
5 When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.
NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.
6 When prompted, click Yes.
The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on.
7 Click Next.
The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.
8 After the computer restarts, click OK.
This worked great. Thanks for the info.
NOTE: Dell PC Restore is available only on computers purchased in certain regions.
Use Dell PC Restore by Symantec only as the last method to restore your operating system. PC Restore restores your hard drive to the operating state it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail messages, digital photos, music files, and so on.
If possible, back up all data before using PC Restore.
NOTICE: Using PC Restore permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and removes any applications or drivers installed after you received your computer. If possible, back up the data before using PC Restore.
To use PC Restore:
1 Turn on the computer.
During the boot process, a blue bar with Dell Laptops, Desktop Computers, Monitors, Printers & PC Accessories appears at the top of the screen.
2 Immediately upon seeing the blue bar, press .
If you do not press in time, let the computer finish restarting, and then restart the computer again.
NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in the following step.
3 On the next screen that appears, click Restore.
4 On the next screen, click Confirm.
The restore process takes approximately 6–10 minutes to complete.
5 When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.
NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the computer completely reboot.
6 When prompted, click Yes.
The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original operating state, the screens that appear, such as the End User License Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer was turned on.
7 Click Next.
The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.
8 After the computer restarts, click OK.
This worked great. Thanks for the info.
Re-setting to factory condition
YZGI;1149292 wrote: This worked great. Thanks for the info.
I just noticed that you'd put the laptop model in the first post, I'd not noticed it was there when I asked. I'm writing fifty times "I must look more carefully at what ForumGarden members write before I ask silly questions". Well done with the reset.
I just noticed that you'd put the laptop model in the first post, I'd not noticed it was there when I asked. I'm writing fifty times "I must look more carefully at what ForumGarden members write before I ask silly questions". Well done with the reset.
Nullius in verba ... ☎||||||||||| ... To Fate I sue, of other means bereft, the only refuge for the wretched left.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.
When flower power came along I stood for Human Rights, marched around for peace and freedom, had some nooky every night - we took it serious.
Who has a spare two minutes to play in this month's FG Trivia game! ... My other OS is Slackware.