[protocoder]

Hi Experts,

I have a 2 threads with Issues posted,waiting for help and this thread is PLAN B, things I want to do as a last resort.

Latitude Dell D505
Windows XP SP 3

1. Please give me check list to put my laptop to factory reset, things I should keep in handy and things I should prepare like bootable disk, Image back up etc with Instructions so that I have them handy.

2. Over decade now, I have done numerous windows updates to keep my laptop completely up to date. what happens to them .. Do I have to spend days and days to get to my current latest updates ?

3. If I have the make image back up, can I retrieve my word back, I lost my MS word 2003 disks over time.

4. How about latest drivers from DELL or Microsoft, Do I have to install then seperately. Is there any advice against using any of the published drivers from DELL or Microsoft.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards and Thanks
-pc

 

[Kosh]

Re: Factory settings Questions

I've also got an issues thread started up here, and I'm figuring I may have to fall back on the Factory reset as well for my Inspiron 530s.

Someone may correct me on this (and I'd certainly appreciate the info as well), but I'm pretty sure you lose all your updates. It really cleans the slate, erasing anything you've done since you first booted the computer up. It's like Formatting and Reinstalling Windows, but the Dell does it for you. I'm probably going to purchase an external hard drive to back up all my important personal items, Documents folders, browser settings, etc.

That's why these kinds of fallbacks stink. You're going to spend a lot of time getting everything back up to date. :\

 

[Old Rich]

Re: Factory settings Questions

Hi Experts,

I have a 2 threads with Issues posted,waiting for help and this thread is PLAN B, things I want to do as a last resort.

Latitude Dell D505
Windows XP SP 3

1. Please give me check list to put my laptop to factory reset, things I should keep in handy and things I should prepare like bootable disk, Image back up etc with Instructions so that I have them handy.

- Backup al your data to an external source.
- Download and run the Belarc Advisor to capture the details of your hardware and software (including installation keys)
- I like to download the newest drivers prior to restoreing and burn to a cd so that I have them after the reinstall. . same for Service Packs that were not included when the pc shipped.
- If you are using the Dell Factory Restore feature, you do not need an image, although it does not hurt
- If you do not have the Dell Reinstalaltion disc, order it so that you have it if you need it. You can request a replacement instalation cd here:
- See this for additional downloads that are available for your Dell


2. Over decade now, I have done numerous windows updates to keep my laptop completely up to date. what happens to them .. Do I have to spend days and days to get to my current latest updates ?

Unfortunately, you will have to reinstall all windows Service Packs and updates that were not included in the orginal configuration

3. If I have the make image back up, can I retrieve my word back, I lost my MS word 2003 disks over time.

If Office came with the pc, you should have it when you restore.

4. How about latest drivers from DELL or Microsoft, Do I have to install then seperately. Is there any advice against using any of the published drivers from DELL or Microsoft.

I always prefer to install the newest drivers after a reinstall . . otherwise, it's like taking a bath and putting your dirty underwear back on. You should always get drivers from Dell

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards and Thanks
-pc

 

[Old Rich]

Re: Factory settings Questions

I've also got an issues thread started up here, and I'm figuring I may have to fall back on the Factory reset as well for my Inspiron 530s.

Someone may correct me on this (and I'd certainly appreciate the info as well), but I'm pretty sure you lose all your updates. It really cleans the slate, erasing anything you've done since you first booted the computer up. It's like Formatting and Reinstalling Windows, but the Dell does it for you. I'm probably going to purchase an external hard drive to back up all my important personal items, Documents folders, browser settings, etc.

That's why these kinds of fallbacks stink. You're going to spend a lot of time getting everything back up to date. :\

You can always make an image of a system that is working fine and restore that image in less than an hour.

 

[protocoder]

Re: Factory settings Questions

Hi Rich,

Thank you a lot. I would not take a restore my image, I suspect it will bring in all those applications I have downloaded used/never used with broken registries and probably same performance issues. If I do restore, I will start to look for applications I would want to use and download them.
Do you agree ?

2. Please is there a location or locations, from where I can copy all window update stuff service packs etc so that I can have them easy when I have factory settings.

3. You have adviced to have latest Dell drivers, but I have done something which is spend all the time, downloading every latest dell driver which is the reason I actually screwed my system. Now I am not sure if it is because of those drivers or something in combination ..So is there something you want to share from your experience.

Thanks a ton.

 

[Old Rich]

Re: Factory settings Questions

The image I suggested would be of a clean installation with drivers, windows updates and programs in pristine condition. Not of a "dirty" system. That way if you need it, you can quickly restore.

Unfortunately, there is no location for the windows updates . . they will have to be downloaded after you reinstall.

There have been very few instances of Dell Drivers causing issues. By and Large, they are very conservative in releasing BIOS and driver updates. Personallyo, I have never had a Dell driver go south

 

[protocoder]

Re: Factory settings Questions

Thank you very much Rich.

 

[Old Rich]

You are welcome . . let us know how it goes!