Dell 1011 Netbook - restore to original settings

Debs0778

All

I'm selling my Dell 1011 Netbook and want to pass it on back in it's original seetings.

I havent used the netbook much at all, about 15 times probably and only just for interbet browsing, banking etc but dont want to sell it on with any of my history still there.

Can anyone tell me how to do it and also how to check how much info I've left on there if possible

Thanks in advance!

macman

The manual will give you the full details of how to do a Factory Restore. For most Dells, normally accessed by F11 at start up.
This assumes that the 1101 has a restore partition-again, you should consult the manual.

Debs0778

I did try that

The manual only tells you how to retore to a previous time - not to do a whole reset.

If its not possible to do a factory reset - can you explain (feel free to talk to me like I'm 5) how to clear everything?

dixiebb

Debs0778 wrote: »

I did try that

The manual only tells you how to retore to a previous time - not to do a whole reset.

If its not possible to do a factory reset - can you explain (feel free to talk to me like I'm 5) how to clear everything?

are u sure u are not getting confused with a system restore (within Windows ) as opposed to a master reset (restore to factory settings ) -- usually available upon startup.

macman

If you mean the Mini 1110 (you give a ref of 1011), then page 51 of the manual (below) explains how to do a Dell Factory Image Restore. The other option is a System Restore, which is not what you want.

1. Turn on your computer, when the dell logo appears, press <F8> several times to access the Advanced Boot Options window.
NOTE: If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears, continue to wait until you see the Microsoft® Windows® desktop; then, shut down your computer and try again.
Select 2. Repair Your Computer.
The 3. System Recovery Options window appears.
Select a keyboard layout and click 4. Next.
To access the recovery options, log on as a local user. To access the command prompt, type administrator in the User name field, then click OK.
Click 6. Dell Factory Image Restore. The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears.
NOTE: Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore.
Click 7. Next. The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears.
NOTE: If you do not want to proceed with Factory Image Restore, click Cancel.
Select the checkbox to confirm that you want to continue reformatting the hard drive and restoring the system software to the factory condition, then click Next.
The restore process begins and may take five or more minutes to complete. A message appears when the operating system and factory-installed applications have been restored to factory condition.
Click 9. Finish to restart the computer.

Debs0778

Thanks - you're right I was mixing them up!!!

Thank you so much, that looks like exactly what I need - you're a star, a gold one :-)

Debs0778

Thanks for the instructions MacMan - I've just tried them and the options I'm getting are different to the ones you listed.

Repair the computer wasnt there, it was start in safe mode and Directory Services Restore Mode as well as afew others which didnt strike me as what I need.

Double checked and it's defo a Dell 1011 Netbook - I'm selling it and want to wipe everything first

Thanks

macman

What options do you get at the Advanced Boot Options screen?

Debs0778

Options I get are:

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Enable Boot Logging
Enable VGA Mode
Last known good coniguration
Directory Services Restore Mode
Debugging Mode
Disable automatic restart on system failure

Start Windows Normally
Reboot
Return to OS Choices Menu

Thanks for you help with this, really appreciated!

macman

Try tapping F11 at boot up instead of F8. That should give you an option of Dell PC Restore or Factory Image Restore-same thing.

Debs0778

Thanks for trying but F11 isnt doing anything - I've tried Ctrl F11 too but nought.

At the bottom right hand side of the screen when the Dell Blue Bar is there it says:

F2 - Set Up
F12 - Boot Options

I've had a look in both, but the option you suggest isnt there