I have had my Dell for two years now. Recently, I decided that it was time to reset the computer back to the factory image. I began by using system restore to create the recovery disc using an external Lite-on drive. That went ok, twice. Every resource I reviewed online stated that I should press F8 at the BIOS startup. Well, there is not an F8 on this particular model, just an F2 for boot settings and F12 for advanced settings. So, I tried to boot from my recovery disc created. I received an error stating that a restore point was not found. Really, a restore point for a recovery disc? That was my thought. Then I tried to find a reset in the BIOS settings. No luck there either. Somehow, my computer does not show the recovery partition, but disk manager does. In addition, there is much online content and tech support about Dell Datasafe Local, but my unit uses Dell Datasafe Online. So, that is a waste. I think Dell needs to get there online resources and facts straight for ALL models.
I am at a loss because the next step is to either have someone with specialized knowledge here help me, or pay a premium for tech support, whether or not I can recover my OS (Windows 7 32 bit).
Does anybody know wtf I am not doing correctly?
Btw, that hogwash of not supplying a recovery disc is yet another corporate plan to increase revenue through sales and service. Of course, unless everyone began calling, complaining, or boycotting products without recovery discs, nothing will ever get done. What is everyones thoughts on that?