How to Restore a Dell Computer to its Original Settings

A Dell desktop computer

If your Dell computer has become infected with a virus, or its hard drive is filled with software you don't need anymore, you may want to restore it to its original factory settings. Deleting all the unnecessary data and restoring the computer to its original settings will remove any malicious software and provide a noticeable speed boost to your Dell computer. Dell systems have a restore procedure built directly into their BIOS menu, which you can access by restarting the computer.

Instructions

1. Insert a backup storage device into your Dell computer, such as a USB flash drive or CD-RW. Transfer any files you will need from your hard drive to the external storage device.

2. Remove the storage device from the Dell computer and then disconnect any peripherals such as printers, scanners, or network cables. Restart the computer.

3. Wait for the Dell logo to appear on the screen. Press the F8 key repeatedly until a new set of menu options appear.

4. Use the down arrow key to highlight the "Repair Your Computer" menu option. Press the Enter key. Click the "Language" drop-down menu and select the language you want to use for the installation instructions.

5. Click "Next." Type in your password if you already have one setup on your Dell computer. Click "OK" without entering in any text if you don't have a password.

6. Select the "Dell Factory Image Restore" option. Click "Next." Click "Yes" and then click "Next" to restore your Dell computer to its original factory settings.

7. Click "Finish" to restart the Dell computer.

Tips & Warnings

• All of the data stored on your Dell computer's hard drive will be completely wiped out when you start the restore process.

References

• Restoring a Dell Computer

Resources

• Dell Computer Support