Formatting a Dell Inspiron 518

Grimsilver · Oct 13, 2014

So I recently obtained a Dell Inspiron 518 for free, and it is loaded down with malware, viruses toolbars, etc etc, so I figured I could just do a clean install of Vista on it.

My question though, is will this work with a Dell machine, or is there some sort of weird program built in that would prevent me from doing so? Would the drivers need to be reinstalled (Such as the ethernet one mainly)?

Just looking for some advice and tips, since I have never done anything like this with a prebuilt factory machine.

Thanks!

Phillip Corcoran · Oct 13, 2014

If you run the Factory Restore process as described below, all the drivers will be installed automatically once the process has completed the Windows OS installation.

Note: The process described below will work only if the Dell Factory Image is still present and intact on the hard drive.

This is from the Inspiron 518 computer manual:

Using Dell Factory Image Restore:

NOTICE:
Using Dell Factory Image Restore permanently deletes all data on the
hard drive and removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your
computer. If possible, back up the data before using these options. Use Dell Factory
Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system
problem.

NOTE:
Dell Factory Image Restore may not be available in certain countries or on
certain computers.

Use Dell Factory Image Restore only as the last method to restore your
operating system. These options restore your hard drive to the operating state
it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since
you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted
from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail
messages, digital photos, music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data
before using Factory Image Restore.
Dell Factory Image Restore
1
Turn on the computer. When the Dell logo appears, press <F8> several
times to access the Vista Advanced Boot Options Window.

2
Select Repair Your Computer.
The System Recovery Options window appears.

3
Select a keyboard layout and click Next.

4
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.

5
Click Dell Factory Image Restore.

NOTE:
Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell
Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore.

The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears.
6
Click Next.

The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears.

Grimsilver · Oct 13, 2014

Phillip Corcoran :

If you run the Factory Restore process as described below, all the drivers will be installed automatically once the process has completed the Windows OS installation.

Note: The process described below will work only if the Dell Factory Image is still present and intact on the hard drive.

This is from the Inspiron 518 computer manual:

Using Dell Factory Image Restore:

NOTICE:
Using Dell Factory Image Restore permanently deletes all data on the
hard drive and removes any programs or drivers installed after you received your
computer. If possible, back up the data before using these options. Use Dell Factory
Image Restore only if System Restore did not resolve your operating system
problem.

NOTE:
Dell Factory Image Restore may not be available in certain countries or on
certain computers.

Use Dell Factory Image Restore only as the last method to restore your
operating system. These options restore your hard drive to the operating state
it was in when you purchased the computer. Any programs or files added since
you received your computer—including data files—are permanently deleted
from the hard drive. Data files include documents, spreadsheets, e-mail
messages, digital photos, music files, and so on. If possible, back up all data
before using Factory Image Restore.
Dell Factory Image Restore
1
Turn on the computer. When the Dell logo appears, press <F8> several
times to access the Vista Advanced Boot Options Window.

2
Select Repair Your Computer.
The System Recovery Options window appears.

3
Select a keyboard layout and click Next.

4
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.

5
Click Dell Factory Image Restore.

NOTE:
Depending upon your configuration, you may need to select Dell
Factory Tools, then Dell Factory Image Restore.

The Dell Factory Image Restore welcome screen appears.
6
Click Next.

The Confirm Data Deletion screen appears.

Well that was far easier than I thought it would be! Thanks a ton, saved me time too I'm sure!

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Formatting a Dell Inspiron 518

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