Dell DataSafe Restore and Emergency Backup – Restore Your Dell Pc

UPDATE: 06/04/2018

Dell DataSafe Restore and Emergency Backup has been replaced with Dell Backup and Recovery. You can download Dell Backup and Recovery. This software supports Microsoft Windows 7 and 8.1 operating systems.

You can still use the instructions in this blog post, as a basis point with Dell’s newer backup software.

Today I will show you how to restore a Dell computer using their Dell DataSafe Restore and Emergency Backup tool. This procedure was used to successfully restore a Dell Inspiron 545 back to factory condition. Also, this tool was used to backup user data.

To begin with boot or reboot your computer and then press an F8 key after a Dell bios splash screen displays and windows attempts to boot. At an advanced boot menu, select “Repair Your Computer”. You should see a “Windows is loading files” message.

At a “System Recovery Options” screen select a keyboard input method. If you live in the United States of America you can select a default of “US”. Next, select choose administrator or an account with administrator rights in a username drop down list.

Type a password if applicable. At “Choose a recovery tool” you want to pick “Dell DataSafe Restore and Emergency Backup”. You can select “Restore computer and preserve my new or changed files (recommended)”.

Click Next to scan computer for changed files. In “Emergencey File & Folder Backup” check any file types you do not want backed up and restored. Click Next to proceed.

Select a destination folder for your emergency backup and click Next. A summary of files backed up is listed. Click Next to proceed.

Your data is now being backed up. Your files should be successfully backed up. Click Next to continue.

At “Restore my Computer”, select “Yes, continue” and click Next. A new partition will be formatted automatically for you. Your system backup that you previously created, will be restored.

Dell DataSafe Restore and Emergency Backup

A “Recovery Completed” message should be displayed. Click on “Restart” to restart your computer. Microsoft Windows should now boot.

You may receive a chkdsk message. I recommend you allow a chkdsk scan to run. A “Setup is preparing your computer for first use” should be visible.

Look for a “Setup Windows” message. You can accept defaults and click Next. Type a username for your new installation of Microsoft Windows.

Also, you can change a computer name here instead of an automatically created one. You can set a password here which is highly recommended. You must retype your password a second time if you set a password.

A password hint is also required if you set a password. Click Next to proceed. You must accept both license terms.

Click Next to continue. At select windows updates you can use a default “Use recommended settings”. When it asks you to “Review date and time settings” select your computer’s current location timezone ie. Mountain if you live in Mountain time zone.

Windows will now finalize your settings. You can accept defaults at a Dell Support Software Screen and personalized settings screen. Finally, click finish to completely back up your important files and restore your Dell computer to factory settings.