I neec to reset my dell inspiron 1501 back to factory, how do I do this?

[Scott Snyder]

I cannot access any program on my Dell. It either says "open with what? program" or a dialog box with "windows error file not found" appears.

I tried ctrl+f11 and "cannot restore" - no operating system found appears.

I do not have any installation discs, nor do I know the password for the f2 setup.

What can I do to reset this computer back to factory settings?

 

[ksiemb]

I cannot access any program on my Dell. It either says "open with what? program" or a dialog box with "windows error file not found" appears.

I tried ctrl+f11 and "cannot restore" - no operating system found appears.

I do not have any installation discs, nor do I know the password for the f2 setup.

What can I do to reset this computer back to factory settings?

1 - See if you can boot Safe Mode and Windows Restore back to date when you did not receive these errors.

2 - If that fails, these URLs may help.
http://www.bing.com/search?q=dell+1501+factory+settings&form=MOZSBR&pc=MOZI

 

[EWillard]

Go to a public library - get on internet - check with support.dell.com - (have your svc tags) - for recvovery disks - also google search for (dell model recovery disk). some independents have them cheaper than dell.

 

[Scott Snyder]

Best answer selected by Scott Snyder.

 

[Scott Snyder]

1 - See if you can boot Safe Mode and Windows Restore back to date when you did not receive these errors.

2 - If that fails, these URLs may help.
http://www.bing.com/search?q=dell+1501+factory+settings&form=MOZSBR&pc=MOZI

Performing the restore in safe mode corrected the problem with the Dell.
Thanks for the Tch Support.