How can I reboot my Dell PC back to factory condition without the Restore CD?

Question

Obviously, the Restore disc gets it done. But I don't have the restore disc. I bought the computer off of a friend and the disc has, since, been lost. How can I wipe my computer clean back to factory condition without the restoration disc? And yes, I've already backed up all my wanted information onto another disc(s).

Answer 1

You can't because on that restoration disk was your licensed copy of Windows.  Without it you cannot put Windows on your computer without a new license (meaning you have to pay).

Once you have done that, you can download the drivers for your computer from dell.com.  Just enter the model number.

Answer 2

Google Dell (model) restore CD.  You can download it.

Answer 3

"Software" = Windows System

Using PC Restore in Windows XP or Media Center

Notice:  

  Restoring the original factory image erases ALL existing data. This includes files, folders, programs, drivers, E-mails, photos. Before performing a PC Restore, back up all personal files. If you do not back up your personal files, the data will be lost.    

1   Turn on the computer.

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2   When the Dell splash screen appears during the computer startup process, press and hold <Ctrl> and then press <F11>. Then, release both keys at the same time.

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3   In the Dell PC Restore by Symantec window, click Restore. Alternatively, press <Tab> to highlight Restore, and then press <Enter>.

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4   When a warning message appears stating that all data will be lost, click Confirm, or press <Tab> to highlight Confirm and then press <Enter>.

The Progress window will appear. Once the restore process starts, Dell PC Restore by Symantec usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes to finish.

When the restore process is complete, the following message will appear:

The system recovery process was successful.

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5   Click Finish or press <Tab> to highlight Finish and then press <Enter> to restart the computer.

The software is now installed as it was when the computer was first received.

If it works, then please select it as a best answer

Answer 4

I am 90 % sure that it can't be done, i recently had to restore my dell pc and i needed disks, fortunately, if you go to www.support.dell.com, and talk to one of the online agents, you can request a copy of all the disks that you need to restore your computer. It may take a few days to get them delivered, but they were free for me, and it worked out fine.