How to revert to factory settings?

[legocitytruck]

I have a 4 year old laptop running Windows XP which has been running more and more sluggish over the years as more and more software titles are installed on it. I would like to revert it to it's original factory settings in an attempt to speed it up. What is the best way to do this? I have everything backed up so I am not concerned about losing the data on the computer.

 

[CalvinHobbes]

Format and re-install XP assuming you have the CD. Take good notes about the hardware and drivers that are installed so you can re-install them after installing XP.

 

[0roo0roo]

depends on make.
there maybe a hidden partition

 

[legocitytruck]

The computer is a Dell Inspiron 9300. I have an operating system CD and application CDs for the computer. How can I check for a hidden partition?

 

[her209]

Usually the manufacturer includes a Restore Disk. But since this is a Dell, you would just reinstall the computer with the Windows XP CD and then reinstall the drivers from the Drivers CD.

 

[Gooberlx2]

When you boot, is there an option to use some sort of "recovery" mode?

 

[tomt4535]

http://support.dell.com/suppor...ns9300/en/om/om_en.pdf

This is the user manual for the Inspiron 9300. Look at the section that says "Restoring Your Operating System." The 2 methods you can try are: first the "Using Dell PC Restore by Symantec" method, and if that doesn't work, use the "Using the Operating System CD" method. Don't worry about the XP System Restore option, its not going to do what you want.

 

[legocitytruck]

Thanks for the help guys!