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Resolved Question

Is my laptop FUBAR?

by Jun 29, 2012 6:00PM PDT

I have a Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop and it has Windows Vista Home Premium. The problem started as a phantom internet connection that wouldn't load any pages. As I tried to cleanup my computers processes, I ended up restarting and trying to execute a system restore. But I don't think I had any restore points, for when I restarted, I tried to connect to the internet, but I was faced with, " the dependency group failed to start", even in safe mode with networking. I can't access any backup and restore options either. Is a Dell factory image restore going to delete the operating system too? because I can't let that happen, for I do not have the installation disc. Is there any way that I can return this PC to a functioning computer again?

Discussion is locked

HenryJBVH has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
7 Posts
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Best Answer

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The restore restores the factory image or OS.
by Forum moderator Jun 30, 2012 12:26AM PDT

So it doesn't delete the OS, it replaces it.

The only downside is that if you forgot to backup your stuff, your stuff is going away.
Bob

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okay
by HenryJBVH Jun 30, 2012 3:08AM PDT

So could I concievably transfer my stuff to an external hard drive, perform the factory reset, then transfer all my stuff back?

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You could but where is that backup copy.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 30, 2012 4:02AM PDT

Let's say you do that. And along the way something happens. The drive is dropped, accidentally is erased or other event. Where's the stuff you can't lose?

Your reply sounds as if you don't backup at all and HOPE nothing goes wrong.
Bob

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Well
by HenryJBVH Jun 30, 2012 6:28AM PDT

The only things I don't want to lose whatsoever are movies that excruciatingly long to download, and the ones I want to keep are only about 15 GB.
And yes I did not back up, I haven't really had time to.
Might compressing my important things into a folder, perform the reset, then unzip the file and return my things? Also, will Microsoft Office Programs such as word, etc. be erased if I do the factory reset?

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I meant compressing it into a zip file and then
by HenryJBVH Jun 30, 2012 6:31AM PDT

Transferring it to a smaller storage unit, such as a cd.

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Re: backup
by Kees_B Forum moderator Jun 30, 2012 6:44AM PDT

15 GB is about 22 CD's, and it can't be compressed. Not very practical.

Buying a 32 GB USB flash drive for 25 dollar or so seems much better, especially since you can reuse it for other purposes. Maybe even two, or a 64 GB flash drive? Or even an external hard disk of 500 GB or 1 TB. Not so very expensive either: a 1 TB drive is some 100 to 120 USD.

Factory reset will reset the machine to what it was when it left the factory. If it had MS Word then, it will still have it. But if it was a trial version, you will have to reactivate it with the license key you got when you bought the full program.

Kees

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Grea
by HenryJBVH Jun 30, 2012 7:13AM PDT

Thank you very much for your help.

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