How do I restore my notebook computer to its original state without a disk?
Q. I have a Dell Inspiron 1521 and I want to erase everything off my hard drive and restore my windows vista to its original state. Is this possible without a restore disk. I know there is a system restore option and backup restore option but these do not bring me back to its original state. I want to erase everything and reinstall windows vista.
Asked by kingfish3805 - Mon Jul 7 15:31:07 2008 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments
A. You can buy a new copy of vista *shrug* why don't you just call the manufacturer? They often offer copies of the restore disks for $10 or so.
Answered by CloudedVision - Wed Jul 9 00:06:30 2008
Q. I have a Dell Inspiron 1521 and I want to erase everything off my hard drive and restore my windows vista to its original state. Is this possible without a restore disk. I know there is a system restore option and backup restore option but these do not bring me back to its original state. I want to erase everything and reinstall windows vista.
Asked by kingfish3805 - Mon Jul 7 15:31:07 2008 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments
A. You can buy a new copy of vista *shrug* why don't you just call the manufacturer? They often offer copies of the restore disks for $10 or so.
Answered by CloudedVision - Wed Jul 9 00:06:30 2008
How do i create a system restore disk in Windows Vista?
Q. I think system restore is the right word. The disk that you put in your computer to restore it if your computer crashes. On the Microsoft website, it says you can only do a complete PC backup if you have Vista Buisness, Enterprise or Ultimate. I have Home Basic. Is it still possible to create a complete PC backup disk??
Asked by just me - Sun Aug 16 12:57:34 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. The OEM version of Vista that comes pre-installed on most of today's big-name computers does not, typically, come with a Vista CD. It may come with a set of whole-system restoral CDs or DVDs, but it's uncommon for a Microsoft Vista CD to be included with the machine. And there's no provision in Vista (by design) to make one. Therefore, if a bootable Vista CD is required (so that one may boot-up a machine that has stopped booting properly from its har drive; and then, once booted, one can attempt repairs of the boot sector or the OS, or so one can roll-back to a previous restore point) one would either need to get a boot CD of some kind and then "slipstream" a Vista bootable CD (the complexity of which is beyond the scope of this place).. [cont.]
Answered by Gregg DesElms - Sun Aug 16 13:56:28 2009
Q. I think system restore is the right word. The disk that you put in your computer to restore it if your computer crashes. On the Microsoft website, it says you can only do a complete PC backup if you have Vista Buisness, Enterprise or Ultimate. I have Home Basic. Is it still possible to create a complete PC backup disk??
Asked by just me - Sun Aug 16 12:57:34 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. The OEM version of Vista that comes pre-installed on most of today's big-name computers does not, typically, come with a Vista CD. It may come with a set of whole-system restoral CDs or DVDs, but it's uncommon for a Microsoft Vista CD to be included with the machine. And there's no provision in Vista (by design) to make one. Therefore, if a bootable Vista CD is required (so that one may boot-up a machine that has stopped booting properly from its har drive; and then, once booted, one can attempt repairs of the boot sector or the OS, or so one can roll-back to a previous restore point) one would either need to get a boot CD of some kind and then "slipstream" a Vista bootable CD (the complexity of which is beyond the scope of this place).. [cont.]
Answered by Gregg DesElms - Sun Aug 16 13:56:28 2009
If I restore my computer using a restore disk can I easily reinstall Word, etc. with the disks I bought?
Q. I want to start my computer over fresh. The computer did not come with Microsoft Word, etc so I bought the disk at the store. If I restore my computer will the Microsoft Word disk let me redownload on my computer anew?
Asked by Jennifer - Sat Jan 16 16:07:19 2010 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. yes this is possible as long as you have the code for the installation disk of microsoft word but instead of using microsoft word you could download this ,sorry if you have had this for a long time , take it back to the shop and get a refund and use open office which is just as good if not better than microsoft office and when you want other software just post on here and i am sure we can all find you alternatives to paying for it thanks ian
Answered by ianmccully - Sat Jan 16 16:16:38 2010
Q. I want to start my computer over fresh. The computer did not come with Microsoft Word, etc so I bought the disk at the store. If I restore my computer will the Microsoft Word disk let me redownload on my computer anew?
Asked by Jennifer - Sat Jan 16 16:07:19 2010 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. yes this is possible as long as you have the code for the installation disk of microsoft word but instead of using microsoft word you could download this ,sorry if you have had this for a long time , take it back to the shop and get a refund and use open office which is just as good if not better than microsoft office and when you want other software just post on here and i am sure we can all find you alternatives to paying for it thanks ian
Answered by ianmccully - Sat Jan 16 16:16:38 2010
What's the relation between a system disk and a restore disk?
Q. My computer, Sony Vaio PCV-RS410 recently crashed down because it couldn't load the "system disk" or something like that, if I get a restore disk, will this fix the problem?
Asked by donuthead7 - Sun Jan 18 00:45:47 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Not always, The system disk is your hard drive disk, the restore disk will take your computer back to the day you purchased your computer. But if your hard drive is bad, then system recovery won't do any good either. You will have to get another hard drive.
Answered by Rob - Sun Jan 18 01:03:28 2009
Q. My computer, Sony Vaio PCV-RS410 recently crashed down because it couldn't load the "system disk" or something like that, if I get a restore disk, will this fix the problem?
Asked by donuthead7 - Sun Jan 18 00:45:47 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Not always, The system disk is your hard drive disk, the restore disk will take your computer back to the day you purchased your computer. But if your hard drive is bad, then system recovery won't do any good either. You will have to get another hard drive.
Answered by Rob - Sun Jan 18 01:03:28 2009
Approximately how much space in GB or MB is required to make a restore disk for Windows 7?
Q. Approximately how much space in GB or MB is required to make a restore disk for Windows 7? Can it be made on a flash drive?
Asked by breadbox - Tue Mar 9 08:31:05 2010 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments
A. You'd probably need a 16 or 32 GB flash drive but whether the USB would work is a question. DVD's are recommended because that drive will work. I needed 3 DVD's for the Factory Restore and another 2 for the system/program restore.
Answered by Robin B - Tue Mar 9 08:41:04 2010
Q. Approximately how much space in GB or MB is required to make a restore disk for Windows 7? Can it be made on a flash drive?
Asked by breadbox - Tue Mar 9 08:31:05 2010 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments
A. You'd probably need a 16 or 32 GB flash drive but whether the USB would work is a question. DVD's are recommended because that drive will work. I needed 3 DVD's for the Factory Restore and another 2 for the system/program restore.
Answered by Robin B - Tue Mar 9 08:41:04 2010
Can you delete the OS on a computer and then use a restore disk to get it back?How do you use the restore disk
Q. I need to delete and reinstall the OS on my computer and my grandpa says I only need the restore disk. Is he right, and if he is how do I do it. Does anyone have any suggestion for sites for me to get vaIid information like this? Thanks for your help!
Asked by Tatty Cat - Mon Apr 14 17:03:45 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments
A. When the computer is first switched on press DEL or F2 or F1 to enter the BIOS. (may be somethng different, watch the screen, it should say) Set the boot order to CD then HDD as second. Save the settings. Put the restore CD in the drive and reset the PC. The computer will now boot from the restore cd, just follow the onscreen instructions to restore the system.
Answered by Acka - Mon Apr 14 17:12:37 2008
Q. I need to delete and reinstall the OS on my computer and my grandpa says I only need the restore disk. Is he right, and if he is how do I do it. Does anyone have any suggestion for sites for me to get vaIid information like this? Thanks for your help!
Asked by Tatty Cat - Mon Apr 14 17:03:45 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments
A. When the computer is first switched on press DEL or F2 or F1 to enter the BIOS. (may be somethng different, watch the screen, it should say) Set the boot order to CD then HDD as second. Save the settings. Put the restore CD in the drive and reset the PC. The computer will now boot from the restore cd, just follow the onscreen instructions to restore the system.
Answered by Acka - Mon Apr 14 17:12:37 2008
Is there a way to restore a computer without a system restore disk or a back-up disk?
Q. I recently got my computer back which is like a year old. But after my brothers junked it up with games and what not. I want to wipe everything off the computer so I can get it running like new again but I guess with newer computers they don't give you a system restore disk anymore, you have to call this company and pay a certain amount of money and then they send the disks to you. I don't understand why they do it like that now but they do. Waste of time in my book.
Asked by JT - Mon Jul 23 16:42:01 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Do you have your Windows OS disc? If not, does your computer have the sticker on it with the Windows serial number? If so, you can borrow anyones copy of the same OS, ie XP Home, XP Pro etc.. and load it using YOUR serial number.
Answered by siriusdoggy - Mon Jul 23 16:47:38 2007
Q. I recently got my computer back which is like a year old. But after my brothers junked it up with games and what not. I want to wipe everything off the computer so I can get it running like new again but I guess with newer computers they don't give you a system restore disk anymore, you have to call this company and pay a certain amount of money and then they send the disks to you. I don't understand why they do it like that now but they do. Waste of time in my book.
Asked by JT - Mon Jul 23 16:42:01 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Do you have your Windows OS disc? If not, does your computer have the sticker on it with the Windows serial number? If so, you can borrow anyones copy of the same OS, ie XP Home, XP Pro etc.. and load it using YOUR serial number.
Answered by siriusdoggy - Mon Jul 23 16:47:38 2007
How do I create a Restore Disk?
Q. what program do I need to have to make a restore disk which will bring my computer back to today's setting if I will ever need to use it? Please help! Thanks!
Asked by Maksim378 - Fri Sep 25 15:20:47 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
Q. what program do I need to have to make a restore disk which will bring my computer back to today's setting if I will ever need to use it? Please help! Thanks!
Asked by Maksim378 - Fri Sep 25 15:20:47 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
How can I get a restore disk or something?
Q. I don't think my six-year-old Dell came with a Windows XP restore disk, and now my computer is starting to break down. What do I do!?
Asked by maciac13 - Sun Jan 25 18:39:09 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
Q. I don't think my six-year-old Dell came with a Windows XP restore disk, and now my computer is starting to break down. What do I do!?
Asked by maciac13 - Sun Jan 25 18:39:09 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
How can I install an acer aspire 3500 audio controller when the restore disk does not work, not in recyle bin?
Q. I deleted this accidentlally. It is not in the recycle bin and the restore disk for audio controller is not working. The D drive reads the music titles but I get no sound and the error message indicates the item is not installed. I was not able to find it on the Acer downloads site.
Asked by JD M - Tue May 15 23:19:19 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments
A. From the Windows Desktop press ALT and F10 this will start up the eRecovery. You want to reinstall drivers and applications. I can't think off the top of my head which series of selections will get you there. Just look through all the options till you find the options to install just drivers and applications. Then choose Install and then on the left side click on Windows XP (or Vista whichever you have) I think it should be pretty self explanatory from here. Make you choices and if you choose correctly you should be given the file to install. You can also try the System Restore located in Accessories. This will roll back the system to a time before this change was made.
Answered by locustbugsu - Wed May 16 21:40:53 2007
Q. I deleted this accidentlally. It is not in the recycle bin and the restore disk for audio controller is not working. The D drive reads the music titles but I get no sound and the error message indicates the item is not installed. I was not able to find it on the Acer downloads site.
Asked by JD M - Tue May 15 23:19:19 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments
A. From the Windows Desktop press ALT and F10 this will start up the eRecovery. You want to reinstall drivers and applications. I can't think off the top of my head which series of selections will get you there. Just look through all the options till you find the options to install just drivers and applications. Then choose Install and then on the left side click on Windows XP (or Vista whichever you have) I think it should be pretty self explanatory from here. Make you choices and if you choose correctly you should be given the file to install. You can also try the System Restore located in Accessories. This will roll back the system to a time before this change was made.
Answered by locustbugsu - Wed May 16 21:40:53 2007
Does the Dell Inspiron 1525 come with a restore/recovery disk?
Q. I brought my laptop about a year and a half ago. Do any of you guys have one of these laptops and can you tell me if it came with a restore disk? And if so, could you tell me how long ago you brought the laptop? Thanks!
Asked by Danielle C - Thu Jul 15 14:25:16 2010 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Yes! I have same model. Got mine over two years a go and it is flawless BTW. I not only got set of disks but there is a factory restore option accessed by pressing F8 on start up. Also you can get second set of CDs for free or small fee at if that is what you are looking for.
Answered by Cooter - Thu Jul 15 22:42:34 2010
Q. I brought my laptop about a year and a half ago. Do any of you guys have one of these laptops and can you tell me if it came with a restore disk? And if so, could you tell me how long ago you brought the laptop? Thanks!
Asked by Danielle C - Thu Jul 15 14:25:16 2010 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Yes! I have same model. Got mine over two years a go and it is flawless BTW. I not only got set of disks but there is a factory restore option accessed by pressing F8 on start up. Also you can get second set of CDs for free or small fee at if that is what you are looking for.
Answered by Cooter - Thu Jul 15 22:42:34 2010
How do I create a System Restore Disk for Windows XP?
Q. My computer is a Windows XP Home Edition based Sony Vaio. It did not come with a System Restore Disk, so I was told by a tech that I should create one in case my system crashes. How do I make a system restore disk?
Asked by Alex - Thu Jan 4 04:00:02 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Your PC has a utility from Sony that accesses a hidden partition on the hard drive. This partition contains the restore CD image. Please look through your Start Menu programs or call Sony for specifics. regards, Philip T
Answered by Philip T - Thu Jan 4 04:19:58 2007
Q. My computer is a Windows XP Home Edition based Sony Vaio. It did not come with a System Restore Disk, so I was told by a tech that I should create one in case my system crashes. How do I make a system restore disk?
Asked by Alex - Thu Jan 4 04:00:02 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Your PC has a utility from Sony that accesses a hidden partition on the hard drive. This partition contains the restore CD image. Please look through your Start Menu programs or call Sony for specifics. regards, Philip T
Answered by Philip T - Thu Jan 4 04:19:58 2007
Can I use my windows xp system restore disk on my friends Laptop?
Q. Her windows is corrupted and won't start correctly, She has windows xp too but she lost her system restore disk so I was wondering if I could use mine on hers or will that mess things up even more?
Asked by Becca - Thu Jan 17 18:42:07 2008 - - 0 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Sorry!! yar...no chance for it...ask her to reinstall the OS
Answered by Balaji P - Thu Jan 17 18:47:28 2008
Q. Her windows is corrupted and won't start correctly, She has windows xp too but she lost her system restore disk so I was wondering if I could use mine on hers or will that mess things up even more?
Asked by Becca - Thu Jan 17 18:42:07 2008 - - 0 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Sorry!! yar...no chance for it...ask her to reinstall the OS
Answered by Balaji P - Thu Jan 17 18:47:28 2008
How do I make a restore disk for Windows 7?
Q. I just bought a new computer but unfortunately this thing doesn't come with a restore disk for stuff like drivers and other important stuff that windows needs after a crash. So can I make one myself? My computer is an hp
Asked by Johnny - Mon Mar 1 09:57:42 2010 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments
A. it is very good to hear someone realizes this is important! many people I help never bother to do this! this differs depending on what company made your computer- dell, acer, gateway, emachines, whatever all have their own methods... usually one of the first windows that pops up asks you to make the dvd set... look in the programs list- click start click programs (i have an ACER) so at this point I click maintenance then backup and restore center i also have vista, but you get the idea... poke around on the programs menu, you should be able to find a program that allows you to make a recover DVD set... read carefully, on my laptop, it had two sections, one only made a drivers CD, not the entire OS! I am guessing you should expect to… [cont.]
Answered by dexelflot - Mon Mar 1 10:06:14 2010
Q. I just bought a new computer but unfortunately this thing doesn't come with a restore disk for stuff like drivers and other important stuff that windows needs after a crash. So can I make one myself? My computer is an hp
Asked by Johnny - Mon Mar 1 09:57:42 2010 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments
A. it is very good to hear someone realizes this is important! many people I help never bother to do this! this differs depending on what company made your computer- dell, acer, gateway, emachines, whatever all have their own methods... usually one of the first windows that pops up asks you to make the dvd set... look in the programs list- click start click programs (i have an ACER) so at this point I click maintenance then backup and restore center i also have vista, but you get the idea... poke around on the programs menu, you should be able to find a program that allows you to make a recover DVD set... read carefully, on my laptop, it had two sections, one only made a drivers CD, not the entire OS! I am guessing you should expect to… [cont.]
Answered by dexelflot - Mon Mar 1 10:06:14 2010
Install a new motherboard with a system restore disk?
Q. Hey I'm getting a new mother board and processor for my computer and was wondering if I could use the system restore disk that came with the computer to install the OS on the new motherboard. The restore disk does say it reinstalls the operating system, so I'm assuming it could install it on a new motherboard.
Asked by dhcman5454 - Thu Nov 19 18:35:11 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Your system should start up with the new motherboard and the old hard drive. Once it's going you can install the drivers that came with the new motherboard to get everything working right. The system restore disk won't work all that well anymore since it was made for the old motherboard.
Answered by Nomadd - Thu Nov 19 18:53:01 2009
Q. Hey I'm getting a new mother board and processor for my computer and was wondering if I could use the system restore disk that came with the computer to install the OS on the new motherboard. The restore disk does say it reinstalls the operating system, so I'm assuming it could install it on a new motherboard.
Asked by dhcman5454 - Thu Nov 19 18:35:11 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Your system should start up with the new motherboard and the old hard drive. Once it's going you can install the drivers that came with the new motherboard to get everything working right. The system restore disk won't work all that well anymore since it was made for the old motherboard.
Answered by Nomadd - Thu Nov 19 18:53:01 2009
Does the Dell Inspiron 1525 come with a restore/Recovery disk?
Q. I brought my laptop about a year and a half ago. Do any of you guys have one of these laptops and can you tell me if it came with a restore disk? Thanks!
Asked by Danielle C - Thu Jul 15 14:02:50 2010 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments
Q. I brought my laptop about a year and a half ago. Do any of you guys have one of these laptops and can you tell me if it came with a restore disk? Thanks!
Asked by Danielle C - Thu Jul 15 14:02:50 2010 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments
How to reboot laptop with out a restore / OS disk?
Q. I want to completely restart my comp. as new. Deleting anything that has been added.I have do not have a restore disk. I want to restart this HP laptop as new, any ideas? Thanks
Asked by brice - Mon Jul 27 17:03:43 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. A reboot is an on off cycle. Check with your OEM on how to do a reinstall.
Answered by vulcan - Mon Jul 27 17:08:17 2009
Q. I want to completely restart my comp. as new. Deleting anything that has been added.I have do not have a restore disk. I want to restart this HP laptop as new, any ideas? Thanks
Asked by brice - Mon Jul 27 17:03:43 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. A reboot is an on off cycle. Check with your OEM on how to do a reinstall.
Answered by vulcan - Mon Jul 27 17:08:17 2009
Using restore disk from a different computer?
Q. I have a presario 6027 us windows xp and my daughter has a preserio 5451 windows 98. My question is can I use the 6027 XP restore disks on her computer so it will run on the XP platform?
Asked by Just me again - Sat Sep 1 14:42:09 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. no...it sounds like you want to upgrade her machine to xp..to do that you need to use the xp installation disk..you can't restore xp if it isn't already there.. also give some thought to whether or not xp is the right choice..her machine may run too slow if you install xp...perhaps M e or 2000 would be a better choice and give you most of the features that are in xp..
Answered by BillParkhurst - Sat Sep 1 14:53:56 2007
Q. I have a presario 6027 us windows xp and my daughter has a preserio 5451 windows 98. My question is can I use the 6027 XP restore disks on her computer so it will run on the XP platform?
Asked by Just me again - Sat Sep 1 14:42:09 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. no...it sounds like you want to upgrade her machine to xp..to do that you need to use the xp installation disk..you can't restore xp if it isn't already there.. also give some thought to whether or not xp is the right choice..her machine may run too slow if you install xp...perhaps M e or 2000 would be a better choice and give you most of the features that are in xp..
Answered by BillParkhurst - Sat Sep 1 14:53:56 2007
can I make my own system restore disk?
Q. I have updated my computer O.S many times and when I have had to do a full system restore I have had to go through the whole Microsoft update routine right to the start and finnish. Is it possible to to make my own restore disk to include the new updated system. X P home version.
Asked by WILLIAM G - Tue Jan 5 14:24:08 2010 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Yes, you can use HFSLIP or nLite for example, which are both free of charge. HFSLIP offers better control, but nLite is easier to use for most people. I have written a script for HFSLIP which speeds up the installation of Windows XP as well. You can find it on the HFSLIP section on the MSFN forum.
Answered by Arie - Tue Jan 5 14:29:07 2010
Q. I have updated my computer O.S many times and when I have had to do a full system restore I have had to go through the whole Microsoft update routine right to the start and finnish. Is it possible to to make my own restore disk to include the new updated system. X P home version.
Asked by WILLIAM G - Tue Jan 5 14:24:08 2010 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments
A. Yes, you can use HFSLIP or nLite for example, which are both free of charge. HFSLIP offers better control, but nLite is easier to use for most people. I have written a script for HFSLIP which speeds up the installation of Windows XP as well. You can find it on the HFSLIP section on the MSFN forum.
Answered by Arie - Tue Jan 5 14:29:07 2010
Can you create a restore disk on one computer and use it on another?
Q. I need to create a restore disk to get my computer working again. However, my computer doesnt work so obviously i cant make one. Can I make one on my roomate's computer then use it on mine so i can reformat?? thankss thanksss!!!111 THANKZZZ!!!1
Asked by Austin - Thu Dec 10 11:56:05 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. I want to not only answer your question, but help you get your system working, so please bear with me. :-) For the sake of an example, let's say your computer is from HP. According to the HP (Hewlett-Packard) support site, if they no longer sell restore CD-roms, you can do what you're talking about: use another person's pc restore disk. HOWEVER, that only works if the person has the exact same computer model, parts and original software package that you bought. And then the other person will no longer be able to use the disk for THEIR computer. Because the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) environment has Windows pre-activated and now you both have the same one. So although HP tells you to do this, that doesn't mean your Windows… [cont.]
Answered by packrat1michigan - Thu Dec 10 14:22:53 2009
Q. I need to create a restore disk to get my computer working again. However, my computer doesnt work so obviously i cant make one. Can I make one on my roomate's computer then use it on mine so i can reformat?? thankss thanksss!!!111 THANKZZZ!!!1
Asked by Austin - Thu Dec 10 11:56:05 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments
A. I want to not only answer your question, but help you get your system working, so please bear with me. :-) For the sake of an example, let's say your computer is from HP. According to the HP (Hewlett-Packard) support site, if they no longer sell restore CD-roms, you can do what you're talking about: use another person's pc restore disk. HOWEVER, that only works if the person has the exact same computer model, parts and original software package that you bought. And then the other person will no longer be able to use the disk for THEIR computer. Because the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) environment has Windows pre-activated and now you both have the same one. So although HP tells you to do this, that doesn't mean your Windows… [cont.]
Answered by packrat1michigan - Thu Dec 10 14:22:53 2009
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