[Gamergirl46]

Hello there! I am looking to restore my Dell Optiplex GX620 to factory settings. It runs windows XP. I got it from a friend and figured it would be easier to just start from scratch than it would be to go through and delete the files i don't want. I have tried the Ctrl + F11 keystroke combo on the opening screen and it did not work. So i am wondering what i need to do to get this baby back to factory settings. Thanks for you help!

 

Gamergirl46

Edited by Gamergirl46, 16 April 2015 - 05:18 PM.

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Hi Gamergirl46

In order to restore a computer to its factory settings, you need a media that contains the factory image: either a set of CD/DVD or a built-in recovery partition on the drive. Did the computer came with any CD/DVD? If not, follow the instructions below to provide me a screenshot of your Disk Management console.

Disk Management Utility
Follow the instructions below to open the Disk Management Utility:

• For Windows 7, click on the Windows Start Menu, right-click on Computer and select Manage (requires Admin Rights). From there, click on Disk Management in the left pane;
• For Windows 8, bring the cursor in the bottom left-corner of the screen and wait for the metro preview to open, then right-click on it and select Disk Management;
• For Windows 8,1 bring the cursor on the Windows logo, right-click on it and select Disk Management;
• Open the window to its full size, then take a screenshot of it and attach it to your next reply;

How to take a screenshot using the Snipping Tool
Follow the instructions below to take a screenshot using Windows' Snipping Tool:

• Press on the Win Key + R to open the Run box;
• Enter SnippingTool and press on Enter;
• The Snipping Tool will open, asking you to choose the area to take in the screenshot;
• Left click on the area where you want to start the screenshot, keep it, and drag the cursor across the screen;
• Once done, release the left button to take the screenshot;
• In the editing window, click on the File menu then Save As;
• Save the screenshot in a folder that you can access easily;
• Attaching the screenshot in your reply
  • Go in your thread and click on the Reply to this topic button in the top-right corner;
    
  • Below the text box you'll have the option to Attach files. Click on the Choose Files... button, navigate to your screenshot and select it;
    
  • Once done, add a comment to your reply and post it;

[Aura]

Hi Gamergirl46

In order to restore a computer to its factory settings, you need a media that contains the factory image: either a set of CD/DVD or a built-in recovery partition on the drive. Did the computer came with any CD/DVD? If not, follow the instructions below to provide me a screenshot of your Disk Management console.

Disk Management Utility
Follow the instructions below to open the Disk Management Utility:

• For Windows 7, click on the Windows Start Menu, right-click on Computer and select Manage (requires Admin Rights). From there, click on Disk Management in the left pane;
• For Windows 8, bring the cursor in the bottom left-corner of the screen and wait for the metro preview to open, then right-click on it and select Disk Management;
• For Windows 8,1 bring the cursor on the Windows logo, right-click on it and select Disk Management;
• Open the window to its full size, then take a screenshot of it and attach it to your next reply;

How to take a screenshot using the Snipping Tool
Follow the instructions below to take a screenshot using Windows' Snipping Tool:

• Press on the Win Key + R to open the Run box;
• Enter SnippingTool and press on Enter;
• The Snipping Tool will open, asking you to choose the area to take in the screenshot;
• Left click on the area where you want to start the screenshot, keep it, and drag the cursor across the screen;
• Once done, release the left button to take the screenshot;
• In the editing window, click on the File menu then Save As;
• Save the screenshot in a folder that you can access easily;
• Attaching the screenshot in your reply
  • Go in your thread and click on the Reply to this topic button in the top-right corner;
    
  • Below the text box you'll have the option to Attach files. Click on the Choose Files... button, navigate to your screenshot and select it;
    
  • Once done, add a comment to your reply and post it;

[Gamergirl46]

Ooo I forgot to mention, I am running windows XP so I dont actually have the snipping tool that it requires to take that screenshot. And when I tried it with the print screen button it said that the file was too large to upload. Uh oh! Also the computer did not come with any cd or dvd

[Aura]

You can upload the screenshot on imgur.com and post the link to it here So we'll check if you have a built-in recovery partition. If you don't, you won't be able to do a factory reset.

[Gamergirl46]

http://i.imgur.com/9y1cQEX.pngOkay here it is!

[Aura]

It appears that you have no recovery partition, therefore a factory reset isn't possible for you. You could always do a clean Windows installation, or I could help you uninstall the programs that aren't requires for Windows to work and make you delete the other user accounts in order to keep yours only so you can start fresh.