System Restore - 2 questions

[Guest]

Hi everyone! Ok I have 2 questions about the system restore process.
1. How do I restore my computer to it's original factory condition? This
whole thing about restore points confuses me, and I don't want to restore my
Dell to its condition a year ago, I want it to go back to original condition.
So, how should I do this?
2. Also, how do I set up system restore so that it does restore the
registry? Under the description of what is saved and NOT restored is the
registry, but wouldn't it be better if it got restored too?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Hi everyone! Ok I have 2 questions about the system restore process.

1. How do I restore my computer to it's original factory condition?
This whole thing about restore points confuses me, and I don't want
to restore my Dell to its condition a year ago, I want it to go back
to original condition. So, how should I do this?

This has nothing to do with Windows System Restore. What you want to do is a
clean reinstallation of Windows.

How to do that depends on what Dell has supplied you. Sometimes they're
provided installation CDs, other rimes restoration CDs. Find out what you
have and follow their instructions.

2. Also, how do I set up system restore so that it does restore the
registry? Under the description of what is saved and NOT restored is
the registry, but wouldn't it be better if it got restored too?

Yes. System Restore *does* restore the registry. In fact that's the main
thing it restores.

 

[Guest]

So then what's the difference between "Reinstallation of Windows" and
"Windows Restore?" The disks that Dell provided me are called "LCD Monitor
User Documentation" and "Drivers and Utilities." Neither have directions.
What should I do? Thanks for your help.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

So then what's the difference between "Reinstallation of Windows" and
"Windows Restore?"

I can't tell from those names, but be aware that there are two completely
different things:

1. Windows System Restore. This is a built-in Windows function that backs up
the registry and other system files. Its purpose is to let you revert to the
situation Windows was in a few days--at most a week or so--ago.

2. The CD that OEM vendors often provide instead of an installation CD. This
is usually called a restore or reinstallation CD, and if you use it, it puts
the system back to the condition it was in when you received it.

The disks that Dell provided me are called "LCD
Monitor User Documentation" and "Drivers and Utilities."

Neither of those is what I refer to in number 2 above.

Neither
have directions. What should I do? Thanks for your help.

You should contact Dell and ask them. Dell has provided different things
over the years, and how to reinstall varies depending on what system you
have and when you got it.

 

[Doug]

| So then what's the difference between "Reinstallation of Windows" and
| "Windows Restore?" The disks that Dell provided me are called "LCD
Monitor
| User Documentation" and "Drivers and Utilities." Neither have directions.
| What should I do? Thanks for your help.
|

See, How Do I Use the DellT PC Restore by Symantec Utility? @
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1090151

NOTE: Dell PC Restore by Symantec is available on Dimension and Inspiron
systems that shipped on or after 7/16/2004 in the Americas and 8/30/2004 in
Europe.

If your system is older than that Use the Microsoft® Windows® XP Reinstall
Guide @
http://support.dell.com/support/top...t?c=us&cs=19&DN=1092050&type=SRG&l=en&s=dhs#0

--
Doug

I'm not an MVP a VIP nor do I have ESP.
I was just trying to help.
Please use your own best judgment before implementing any suggestions or
advice herein.
No warranty is expressed or implied.
Your mileage may vary.
See store for details.

Remove shoes to E-mail.

 

[Jim]

So then what's the difference between "Reinstallation of Windows" and
"Windows Restore?" The disks that Dell provided me are called "LCD
Monitor
User Documentation" and "Drivers and Utilities." Neither have directions.
What should I do? Thanks for your help.

Doesn't the fine manual that came with the computer tell you how to restore
it to its original configuration?

Current Dells have a partition that will accomplish this task.

The first disk has the manual that describes how to use the monitor and all
of its features.

The other disk has the drivers that will need to be applied if you should
install XP from the Microsoft CD.

My 4600 which I bought 3 years ago also had an XP installation disk.

Jim
Jim

 

[Bert Kinney]

Hi,

You can use the Dell Reinstall Guide for instructions on reinstalling
Windows on your particular Dell system.
http://support.dell.com/support/top...d=0A6DDE26E66F36C7E0401E0A5517368C&redirect=1

And here's is a description of System Restore:
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/description.html

Regards,
Bert Kinney MS-MVP Shell/User
http://bertk.mvps.org
Member: http://dts-l.org