Reset Windows 7 To Factory Settings

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Jake Bodensteiner

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Apr 14, 2015
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I'm looking for a way to reset my Dell Latitude E6400 to factory settings, or reinstall windows 7. I have had to do this once with a Boot Manager Error. The problem is, I can't find the disk I used to reset to factory settings/reinstall windows. I'm running windows 7 professional and it won't let me do this any other way. A way to reset/reinstall windows 7 or a disk to purchase would be a great answer!
 
Solution
Darkbreeze
If you buy the .ISO from Microsoft, which of course is the only legitimate way to get a copy online without buying a disk, it will give you the option to create an ISO for disk or USB. The windows image needs to be created to either DVD or USB flash drive, yes.
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

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Jun 24, 2014
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Did your unit come with a factory restore partition, and if so, is it still there or was it deleted for some reason. Most Windows 7 and 8 machines come with a factory partition for the express purpose of reinstalling to factory condition, but if yours CAME with a disk, which would be unusual, then perhaps not. Or did you previously BUY a disk and install from that?
 
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J

Jake Bodensteiner

Reputable
Apr 14, 2015
5
0
4,510

I think I actually purchased the disk. I can't quite remember what disk it was. I also don't believe there is a partition on this computer. What disk would I need to buy, if that is the only method?
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

Retired Mod
Jun 24, 2014
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Is the OS still working right now? If so you can probably download magic jellybean to retrieve your current product key and then download a Microsoft installation ISO from their website.

Magic Jellybean: https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/


Windows 7 ISO: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery


If your key won't work during the process, then you had a preinstalled OS and not a retail version. If that's the case, open windows explorer or my computer and see if there is a drive listed named System recovery or something similar. You can also check via disk management in administrative tools>Computer management. If there are other drives listed besides the C: drive and your optical drive, that you don't know about, it's probably a recovery partition.
 
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Darkbreeze

Darkbreeze

Retired Mod
Jun 24, 2014
80,411
7,631
176,790
If you buy the .ISO from Microsoft, which of course is the only legitimate way to get a copy online without buying a disk, it will give you the option to create an ISO for disk or USB. The windows image needs to be created to either DVD or USB flash drive, yes.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
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