Question for computer experts

I was given a Dell E5520 laptop by my wife's employer. It is a much better computer than what I am currently using as it has Windows 7 on it (mine has Vista) as well as much more memory and faster processing speed. The only problem is it is loaded with a lot of software related to the electrical and pipe fitting businesses. I was starting to delete the software files but there is so much that it is overwhelming and also, there are some programs that I am not sure if they are related to their business or if it was preloaded software that was on the computer when it was new. So, I went online and was looking for ways to restore/reset the computer to it's factory state. I found two or three methods but they all require getting to a screen that lists the option of restoring to or recovering the factory settings. The computer however does not list that option as a choice so I can't proceed any further. Also, I wish I was given one but I don't have a system recovery disk to use and her employer doesn't have one either. So, does anyone know of any other way to do the restore without a recovery disk or is my only option to try and find one?

Dell recovery linky


Dell Backup and Recovery is available on Dell Precision, Latitude, Optiplex and Vostro computers that run Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista operating systems
These procedures can only be done if the recovery partition on your hard drive is still intact
These instructions are for the Windows 7 operating system

This is what I would do, and have done many times with older laptops. Go to microsoft and download the windows 10 media creation tool: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10%20 You'll need a blank 8gb or bigger usb thumb drive.Then go to SCDkey and buy yourself a license https://www.vip-scdkey.com/software/microsoft-pc-10-pro-oem_1227-20.html That one is for 10 pro, they have home too and they are legit. You'll be better off with a fresh install as Dell, HP. etc installs tons of bloatware and BS that most people don't want and just slows the pc down and 10 makes it's own recovery partition. There are lots of youtube videos showing how to do this if you need help.

Computer companies stopped shipping recovery disks with the machines several years ago - around the time they started putting it on a hidden recovery partition. Having that partition deleted by a corp IT dept wouldn't surprise me in the least. I recently jumped an old xp box straight to win10 and I gotta say I like it better - even runs the same box faster than xp did. Mention that because ya can get it for free (missing a few features) and there's nothing like a clean install to clean things up. Been using it for months, don't really miss the missing features.

How do I find out if the recovery partition is still intact?

Open Dell Backup and Recovery by clicking Start, pointing to All programs and clicking Dell Backup and Recovery
Click Restore System

If it's there, it'll work, if not, see above replies. I'd do a fresh install of Win10 if recovery isn't available. Win7 is no longer supported. If however you want to keep Win7, it's cheap enough, worth a shot.

Win7 linky

"Open Dell Backup and Recovery by clicking Start, pointing to All programs and clicking Dell Backup and Recovery
Click Restore System"

The system restore option is there but not available as it is telling me to backup the system first. I will have to get a blank disk to do the backup. Any idea how much memory a disk will have to have to do a backup?

Not enough for the backup it's looking to do, a DVD is 4.7 gig, dual layer is 9 gig.

What I'd do, pick up a USB drive, copy your documents, pictures, video and music folders, downloads and desktop if you want, to the USB drive. Reinstall windows from scratch, copy your backed up data from the USB to the appropriate folders. Just an example, on the computer I'm using right now, those files total 63.9 gig. My total user file is just north of 90 gigs, that number includes stuff like app data you don't need backed up.

I don't have anything of mine on the computer as yet so there are no files I wish to save. I just want to restore the system to the way it was when new before I start putting my files on it.

I neglected to mention, if you want to stay with Win7, your computer should have a COA sticker with the Windows license number on it. Then all you'd need is a Win7 DVD to reinstall from. You can probably snag a DVD from somebody. Worst case, I have several...

Yes, I would like to stay with 7. Is the COA sticker the one on the underside of the computer that has a service tag number and express service code on it? I don't see any other stickers with numbers on them.

IF it has a series of alpha numeric characters in the format xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx you're good to go, it not, you'll need a license key and DVD. OR:

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

You might recover the current key. As long as it's not a volume license key, you should be good to go.

The service tag number has a bar code and a 7 digit alpha-numeric number. The service code is only 11 numbers so I guess I don't have a license key.

You need a Dell branded Windows 7 install CD. The license is in the SLIC table in the BIOS. So as long as you use a Dell CD it won't even ask you for a license key and it's perfectly legit.

Where at in Metro Detroit are you? I can help you out with this. I'm about 30 minutes north of the city.

honestly you might try the windows 10 upgrade, as it is still free for 7 and 8 machines.
you can chose to do a clean install and go with that.

IF you still need to stay with 7, drop me an email and I will throw a disc and code in a padded envelope, since I have a few laying around.

Do you have a really good computer medic in your area? If you do, take it to them & tell them what you want, & just let them handle it. It'll probably cost you $75.00. Why take a chance on screwing something up?

*I just noticed you are in Metro Detroit area. There is a GREAT computer place we've been using for over 10 years now - they are in Hartland & they could do this SO easily & without worry.