UPDATE: 06/04/2018
Dell DataSafe restore and emergency backup computer software program has been replaced with Dell Backup and Recovery. You can download Dell backup and recovery software program onto your computer. This software supports Microsoft Windows seven and eight operating systems.
You can still use the instructions in this blog post, as a basis point with Dell’s newer backup and recovery software program.
Today, I will show you how to restore a Dell computer using their Dell DataSafe restore and emergency backup software program tool. This procedure was used to successfully restore a Dell Inspiron model 545 computer back to factory condition. Also, this tool was used to backup this individual's user data.
To begin you will want to with boot or reboot your computer and then press your F8 function key after the Dell basic input output system splash screen displays and Microsfot Windows operating system attempts to boot. At an advanced boot menu, you will want to select “Repair Your Computer”. You should see a Microsoft “Windows is loading files” message displayed on screen.
At a “System Recovery Options” screen, you can select a keyboard input method. If you live in the United States of America you can select that default of “US”. Then you will want to choose "Next". Now you will need to choose and administrator account or an account with administrator rights in that username drop down list.
You will need to type in a password if applicable. At the “Choose a recovery tool” option you will want to pick “Dell DataSafe Restore and Emergency Backup”. You can then select “Restore computer and preserve my new or changed files (recommended)”.
You can then click "Next" in order to scan your computer for changed files. In that “Emergencey File & Folder Backup” option, you can check any file types you do not want backed up and restored. Then you need to click "Next" in order to proceed.
Now you will want to select a destination folder for your emergency backup and then click "Next". A summary of files that were backed up is listed on screen. You can then click "Next" in order to proceed.
Your data is now being backed up onto your computer. Your files should be successfully backed up. You can click "Next" in order to continue.
At a “Restore my Computer” screen, you will want to select “Yes, continue” and then click "Next". A new partition will be formatted automatically for you. Your system backup that you previously created, will then become restored.
A “Recovery Completed” message should be displayed on screen. You can then click on “Restart” in order to restart your computer. Microsoft Windows operating system should now restart and boot.
You may actually receive a chkdsk message. You may want to allow a chkdsk scan to run. Then you will see a “Setup is preparing your computer for first use” message that should be visible.
You will want to look for a “Setup Windows” message. You can accept the defaults and then click "Next". You will want to type in a username for your new installation of Microsoft Windows operating system.
Also, you can change the computer name here instead of the automatically generated one. You can set your password here which is highly productive. You must retype your password a second time if you set an initial password.
A password hint is also required if you set an initial password. You will then click "Next" in order to proceed. You must accept both license terms that are visible on screen.
Then you can click "Next" in order to continue. At the select windows updates option, you can choose the default “Use recommended settings”. When you are asked to “Review date and time settings”, you can select your computer’s current location timezone for example Mountain time zone if you live in the Mountain time zone.
Microsoft Windows operating system will now finalize your settings. You can accept those defaults at a Dell support software screen and personalized settings screen. Finally, you will want to click "Finish" in order to completely back up your important files and restore your Dell computer to factory settings.