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Question

Unable to reset, restore, or troubleshoot Windows 10

Mar 24, 2016 2:28PM PDT

I tried turning on my computer (Dell Inspiron N5040 and Windows 10 told me I have a startup problem and offered me ways to fix it, none of which have worked-resetting PC has stalled and has failed to complete. I can give commands but I'm not sure how to do this. I'm not amazing at computers and I want to know how to get into my computer. Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Tell more.
Mar 24, 2016 2:49PM PDT

How did you get Win 10 and did you make the recovery media?
Dafydd.

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No recovery
Mar 24, 2016 3:17PM PDT

I don't have any backup CDs or anything. I installed Windows 10 when it was advertised for free a couple months ago.

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So you upgraded?
Mar 24, 2016 3:29PM PDT

If so, tell how.

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Yes
Mar 24, 2016 3:35PM PDT

I believe it was from Windows 7. I just remember getting bombarded with ads telling me to upgrade to Windows 10.

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Do you have the Win 7 restore media?
Mar 24, 2016 3:44PM PDT

That is, did you make the restore discs in Win 7?
Dafydd.

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Don't think so
Mar 24, 2016 3:59PM PDT

so far I have only found the "Drivers and Utilities" disk along with my product key.
Another person in my family has an operating system disk for a Dell Inspiron 1525, but I don't think I have the same disk for mine. If it makes any difference I also have a Dell MediaDirect disk for the Inspiron 1525.

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Another disc won't work because of OEM.
Mar 24, 2016 4:16PM PDT

You can order a disc from Dell to take it back to Win 7 , or there's likely a recovery partion on your drive that will reinstall factory settings. Be aware you will lose all your files.
Dafydd.

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Try it
Mar 24, 2016 7:16PM PDT

It just might work. Some of those restore discs cover a multitude of models. You might be lucky.