Page 1 of pc restore

I`m having probs with my dellC521 so i would like to take it back to the factory settings.
I`ve backed up all my programs,pics etc and i`ve got the driver and utilities disk and Vista home premium disk for reinstallation so what do i do next? is it something to do with pressing f12 on start up?
cheers
neil.

Have you backed up your Browser`s Favourites / History ?

Also your Cookies ( ?! )

K

Yes mate, done all that.

First make sure the boot order puts the DVD drive before the hard drive.

After you have made sure of that, put the installation disc in, shut down the computer, turn the computer back on, then just follow the instructions.





www.soundalikes.com ~*~ glitterkat.stumbleupon.com

This item was edited on Friday, 9th May 2008, 12:41

Which disk do i put in first the drivers one or the vista one?
cheers
neil.

The Vista one....you need to install the operating system before you install any specific drivers for it....

Although, if you have to ask that question, I`m not sure if you should perhaps attempt it without a bit of assistance first :/

For example, when you said you backed up your programs...do you mean you have a copy of all the installation files for them? Or do you mean you copied the "Program Files" directory?

"Build a man a fire, and he`ll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he`ll be warm for the rest of his life."
-Terry Pratchett.

This item was edited on Friday, 9th May 2008, 13:29

Also are you absolutely sure that the problem can`t be resolved in a less-drastic way? If only to save yourself a boring evening of reinstalling software and copying over documents.

What problems are you having?




www.soundalikes.com ~*~ glitterkat.stumbleupon.com

I just copied the program files directory, :/ so i think i might leave it to someone who knows more about it than me. thanks anyway for your time.
cheers
neil.

I THINK i might have a virus or something as everytime i go on the net, my homepage comes up then loads of other pages, mainly asking me to install programs etc, it`s a nightmare.

Its always nice to have that freshly installed feeling...but you do need to know what you`re doing before attempting it.

For example:
1) Make a list of all the programs you use, and ensure that you have the relevant installation discs/executables for them stored somewhere (other than your C: drive!)
2) For all the programs you use, make a list of the settings/files that they use (e.g. your favourites from Internet Explorer, your email from Outlook Express etc. etc.)
Make sure you are able to back them up easily
3) Ensure you take a backup of your documents (if stored on the C: drive).

Even after doing all of that....its always wise to take an image of your drive (using an imaging tool like Acronis TrueImage or Norton`s Ghost etc. just in case there was something you missed.

"Build a man a fire, and he`ll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he`ll be warm for the rest of his life."
-Terry Pratchett.