Restoring Dell Inspiron 1501

OK you now have some options.

1) Download a password reset disc image - this should allow you to clear/change the passwords on the laptop; or

2) Download a Vista installation disc image to reinstall Windows from scratch. You will also need to download drivers from DELL's site, which you'll probably have to do on your working laptop and transfer over using a USB stich (or another DVD) as one of the drivers needed will be for the network card(s)

3) [Before anyone else jumps in] forget Windows and install Linux instead

4) Buy and install Windows 7

Hey, who's teaching who here, and who's jumping ahead?

That is the site I was going to send you too after you'd said that was your preferred option!

These are the instructions you need

No probs.

Assuming you manage to unlock the password(s) I would be inclined to create a new admin user account for yourself, log in with the new account then delete the old account(s)

Check it has up-to-date and working antivirus software and run Windows update to check the OS is up to date will all service packs and patches etc.

Good luck

minigirl762003 wrote: »

Argghhh Figment HELP!!!!!

Right I downloaded the file from the above website, opened it using WinRaR and then copied the files to a CD. When I put it into the Dell and start the computer I press F12 (boot menu) and select CD Rom and the computer just loads as normal

Where am I going wrong?? How much will a shop charge to fix it? If I get a copy of Windows Vista will that be easier???

Fed up !!!!

Thanks

The problem is that you "copied the files to a CD". You need to use something like ImgBurn to create a bootable CD instead.

On the ImgBurn page you need to click on this icon at top right to download the correct file.

Do not click any of the other download links or you'll end up with the wrong software.

During setup remember to untick the option to install the Ask toolbar

Sure Figment will be along in a minute but here are a few things to try whilst you are waiting.

I always use linux boot disks to reset windows passwords but I am guessing the file you downloaded was a .iso image and would need to be burnt as an image rather than copying the .iso file to a disk (pure guess as i have never tried to use this programme, Its just what I would expect it to be)

Another thing that may be worth trying before bothering with all that, boot the laptop in safe mode (F8) when booting and try to log in as administrator (the account named "administrator" not a normal accoutn with admin rights) with no password, That has worked for me a few times on older dell machines, Or even the try to guess a password from the password hint if its set, Sometimes they are stupidly easy to guess.

Good luck.

Oh and yes you should install linux.