Ensure you install the latest version of Dell Backup and Recovery which has a multitude of fixes/enhancements over Dell DataSafe Local Backupe: [URL] Then make a 16 GB USB flash drive and restore from it.
I have Studio XPS 9100 (bought Jan 2011). It's been acting up due to years of video editing. I'm trying to clean it up and reinstall Windows 7. I've followed some instructions I could find online, no success whatsoever... - Restart, F8, repair your computer...but it doesn't go into recovery process. It just restarts as normal. - Made a recovery USB using Dell DataSafe Local Backup, restart, F12, boot from USB...but it asks for an installation disk (which didn't come with the system) - Same as above, but using DVD instead of USB, same result. - Uninstall the pre-installed Dell DataSafe Local Backup and install the latest version of "Dell Backup and Recovery". Error message shows up and it doesn't even let me install properly. Now I have no recovery software on my computer. - Checked Disk Manager, RECOVERY partition is there. I tried to assign drive letter to it, but the drive letter will be gone every time I reboot the computer. And when I think I should give up and order a installation disk from Dell. It won't let me do it online. I'm very frustrated right now. Please tell me how to turn this piece of junk back to its factory default setting. You can call me idiot or stupid, it's ok (not a computer geek myself), as long as you are willing to shed some light and give me hand on the issue. I just wanna make it work.
XPS 9100 - REINSTALL/RECOVERY WINDOWS 7