You cannot use the factory recovery partition once you have upgraded to a new version of Windows (this includes Windows 8.1 from Windows 8.0). Dell do not ship reinstallation DVDs with systems and Microsoft do not provide a .iso to download for Windows 8.0 or Windows 8.1 for OEM installations. If you have not completed the bootable USB from Dell Backup and Recovery in advance before installing Windows 8.1 then your only option may be to install from actual installation media i.e. a Reinstallation DVD or USB. If you reside in the US you can fill out this form here: [URL] Unfortunately if you reside outside the US the only option you are left with is to call Dell Technical Support to request one. Edit you may also try downloading the latest version of Dell Backup and Recovery: [URL]
Dear Sir/Madam, I upgraded my laptop to Windows 8.1 yesterday and it had compatibility problem with some applications. I want to restore it to before upgrading but cannot, then I run Dell Backup/ Recovery to set to factory setting but did not success (The interface at startup is also difference from previous running of the recovery). I tried to run recovery from startup but pressing F8 cannot direct to the recovery interface. Could you please advise how can I restore my laptop? I need to run my old application for my works. Thanks & Regards, LM Hoang.
I cannot set my Dell Inspiron 5423 back to factory setting after upgrading to 
Windows 8.1