How to Restore Dell Windows Vista to Factory Settings

1. Burn all of your important files to a CD or store them on a memory stick. You will lose each bit of information stored in your computer, including the programs, such as Microsoft Office.
2. Unplug all the devices and drivers from your CPU -- except the keyboard and the mouse -- including your printer, camera and memory stick.
3. Shut off the computer and then turn it on, or simply restart it.
4. Press the 'F8' key repeatedly as soon as you see the Dell logo. Do not stop until you see the Advanced Boot Options screen.
5. Press the down arrow and choose 'Repair your computer.' Hit 'Enter.'
6. Select the keyboard layout 'US' from the drop-down menu and click 'OK.'
7. Log into your account as an administrator. Type in your password. Click 'OK.'
8. Click 'Dell Factory Image Restore' at the bottom of the options.
9. Click 'Next' in the window that opens.
10. Click to check the box next to 'Yes, reformat hard drive and restore system software to factory condition' to confirm and click 'Next.' This will generate an operation that will take about 45 minutes to complete. Click 'Finish' when the process is complete to restart your computer.