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Factory reset on dell Inspiron laptop

Anonymous
2016-03-30T09:18:00+00:00

When pressing F8 and the option to REPAIR YOUR COMPUTER appears it will not let me go any further. When ENTER is pressed a message appears saying WINDOWS FAILED TO START. With 3 instructions. Installation discs, language settings and "repair your computer"

This does not work. Windows does not start. No matter what I do. Discs in drive don't make any difference. 

The screen then appears saying LAUNCH START UP REPAIR or START UP WINDOWS NORMALLY. Neither of these options work as it keeps going back to WINDOWS FAILED TO START (please see first part of message above). This is an endless loop.

But I can access the computer in SAFE MODE. But I would just like to reset the computer back to factory settings and start afresh. These problems began when I attempted to install Windows 10. My computer crashed so I attempted to go back to Windows 7. It crashed again. Any help would be appreciated.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-03-30T14:49:14+00:00

    On startup as soon as you see the Dell, hold down the Ctrl key and repeatedly press the F11 key about once a second.  If you get the timing right, that will initiate the factory restore process.

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  2. Anonymous
    2016-03-30T14:57:54+00:00

    Another important thing....  There has been a serious problem with Windows Updates taking forever, particularly in the situation you are about to have.  A rather strange strategy has been developed that works very well to solve this problem.

    The important thing is to make certain your computer is not connected to the internet until just the right time.  If you use an Ethernet cable remove it.  Do not make the wireless connection until the right time -- read below to get that answer when.

    Windows Update fix (new)

    The following procedure applies in the case of install (re-install) of Windows 7.  It does not apply to usual, normal updating.

    1. BEFORE you start the re-install, download (32 or 64 bit) KB3083710 and KB3102810 in advance, and store on a USB stick
    2. Start and complete the re-install of Windows 7 SP1
    3. BEFORE the newly installed system can go online for the first time, disconnectthe computer from the Internet.  This timing is critical.
    4. Manually install KB3083710 and restart.
    5. Manually install KB3102810 and restart.
    6. Restore the Internet connection and launch Windows Update as normal.
    7. After a few minutes, you should have plenty of updates to download and install.

    Thanks to Ken Morely

    5 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2016-03-30T14:26:00+00:00

    Please provide your computer manufacturer:  Dell, etc.

    I will then give you specific instructions.....

    4 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2016-03-30T14:43:37+00:00

    It's a Dell Inspiron Laptop

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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