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Question

Reformatted Windows 8, now no internet

by Sep 30, 2012 1:58AM PDT

Hello,
I just bought a Mac and moved all my files over there and my Dell Inspiron 1440 was just a mess, so I decided to reformat it.

When I bought this computer, it came with Windows Vista. I upgraded to Windows 7, and then to the Windows 8 release preview.

I tried to reformat my computer, and apparently there is no F8-at-startup option on Windows 8, and you have to only reformat when Windows 8 is running. Okay, but when I did that, it reformatted and brought Windows 8 Release Preview along with it. I want it back to the computers factory settings. Is there a way to do this?

Also, another fix I would like quickly is when I reformatted, I had the internet for about a day, and now the internet is not working on the Windows machine.
Connection Status - Unknown.
I tried to run the troubleshooter, and all I get is 'an error occured while troubleshooting - A problem is preventing the troubleshooter from starting.'

So if you know a solution to either of these problems, fire away! Thanks

Discussion is locked

3 Posts
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Answer
Why not use a supported OS?
by Former Forum moderator Sep 30, 2012 2:05AM PDT

Windows 8 is still not out. That means you might not find drivers and the all important Dell Quickset app for your machine.

Do you remember why Dell Quickset matters?
Bob

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But how do you go back to the factory settings...
by angelmvazquez Sep 30, 2012 11:18AM PDT

This didn't answer my question at all.


I had Windows 8 on here for several months now and had no problems.

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Yes it did.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Sep 30, 2012 12:56PM PDT

Since you didn't know what Dell Quickset does it answers why it doesn't work.

Now, back to Dell and ask them which WiFi driver and which version of QuickSet to install. There are thousands of Dells and since I don't see a Windows 8 driver when I looked it's up to you to call them.

I asked you the question to see if you remembered why this is needed. It's a shame that after decades it looks like we'll still be hunting for drivers and apps.
Bob

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