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Dell forum: Is my laptop FUBAR?

by: HenryJBVH June 30, 2012 1:00 AM PDT

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Is my laptop FUBAR?

by HenryJBVH - 6/30/12 1:00 AM

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?

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The restore restores the factory image or OS.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 6/30/12 7:26 AM

In Reply to: Is my laptop FUBAR? by HenryJBVH

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 - 6/30/12 10:08 AM

In Reply to: The restore restores the factory image or OS. by R. Proffitt Moderator

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 Moderator - 6/30/12 11:02 AM

In Reply to: okay by HenryJBVH

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 - 6/30/12 1:28 PM

In Reply to: You could but where is that backup copy. by R. Proffitt Moderator

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 - 6/30/12 1:31 PM

In Reply to: Well by HenryJBVH

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


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Re: backup

by Kees_B Moderator - 6/30/12 1:44 PM

In Reply to: Well by HenryJBVH

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 - 6/30/12 2:13 PM

In Reply to: Re: backup by Kees_B Moderator

Thank you very much for your help.


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