The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Dell Factory Restore Image gone o.O

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by or1onz, Oct 5, 2011.

  1. or1onz

    or1onz Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    30
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Hi all,

    my m14x is feeling kinda slow after a few months of usage (probably too many junkies) and I opt to restore my laptop like I always did with Dell Studio 15.

    Anyway, I startup --> F8 --> Repair my computer --> Recovery and the problem is there. It prompted " No Image Found".

    I check and recheck and only Windows restore is available. Factory Image Restore is gone. [Meanwhile I am exchanging e-mail with Dell]

    Let says they couldn't help me on the image and I am forced to do a full format + Windows installation. It is possible for me to save my own Restore Image so I can restore my image with ease if anything goes wrong without resorting to a full format?

    Thanks!
     
  2. CGSDR

    CGSDR Alien Master Race

    Reputations:
    285
    Messages:
    1,477
    Likes Received:
    10
    Trophy Points:
    56
    If you had did a backup when you receive the laptop, then you can do it when that recovery disc.

    You can save those files in your C Drive by installing the new Windows on the same drive (C is default) then, Windows will move the old files of your on C and rename it to Windows.Old folder, then you wont be losing as files on your "Document, Program Files or Program Files x86 etc..." Because it will be saved into the Windows.Old folder.
     
  3. or1onz

    or1onz Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    30
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Thanks for the reply.

    I don't have a backup disc with me. A Windows 7 cd and some other softwares.

    I may have express wrongly. What I have in mind (for now), is to do a full format. The reason I am doing a full format is because Factory Image is not available and I don't have a backup with me. This is usually Dell have Factory Restore Image. Have to blame myself that I didn't check.

    So now:
    1) I don't have a backup nor recovery image available.
    2) Wants to do a full format on C drive:
    3) Want to create Recovery Image after format+install.

    I am wondering how do I do the third part?
     
  4. CGSDR

    CGSDR Alien Master Race

    Reputations:
    285
    Messages:
    1,477
    Likes Received:
    10
    Trophy Points:
    56
    For the third part, I can only think of using the Windows's Backup and Restore feature to back up the files you had, or 2nd is to use the Windows's "Create a System Image" option to burn a DVD of your system image, to restore it back later when you have did the clean install. (Click Here for how)

    And after u did the clean install you can also do This for Restore the Alienware 'Look and Feel' after a clean install of Windows 7. And here is the how to Install (Driver Install Order) Guide for Alienware Systems.
     
  5. or1onz

    or1onz Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    30
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Ahh. Thanks for all the links. I understand it clearly now!
    Even if I have alien respawn, it won't work for me as initially I don't even have the Factory Image store in my laptop.

    Sadly enough I have no choice but to use third party Backup and Restore features, such as Acronis which I see is a pretty good options from forumers.