Create Media For Dell DataSafe Restore

You can create recovery media using the DataSafe Local Backup utility. You can use either DVDs or a USB stick with 8GB or more of space to create your Dell DataSafe Restore media. The system recovery media can be used to restore your Dell to the condition it was on a previous date without having to worry about the loss of data. To create the System Recovery media, turn on the computer and let it boot up. Insert the blank DVD (cannot be a re-writable disk) or USB stick and then go to Start>Programs>Dell DataSafe Local Backup and then click the Create Recovery Media option.

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the creation of the Dell DataSafe Restore media. Once done, store the media in a safe place for future use.

Dell DataSafe Restore Or System Restore

You have several options to get your Dell back up and running again. Try the following in order, as they are organized as easiest to hardest:

System Restore – A system restore is a feature built into Windows that allows you to go back to a previous state in the event a system file or hardware driver has been damaged. To perform a System Restore, go to Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore.

Click through the restore options and go back to a date when you know the computer was working properly. Your personal data should be safe using this method.

Dell DataSafe Local Backup – You can use this method if the System Restore does not work properly. You will need the USB key or DVD you created from the instructions above. Restart the computer. When you see the Dell logo, tap the F8 key until you access the Advanced Boot Options. Select Repair Your Computer from the list. Next, select Dell DataSafe Restore and Emergency Backup from the System recovery Options and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the recovery process.

System Recovery Media – Use this method to perform a System Recovery in the event you cannot boot into Windows or if you have replaced your hard drive. To use the System Recovery Media you created above, put the USB stick or DVD into the computer and restart the machine. As the machine begins to boot, tap the F12. Select the boot device (either the USB or DVD) and then follow the instructions to perform recovery using the media you created.

Dell Factory Image Restore – This final method will destroy any data or programs you have added since you bought the computer. If you are still able to backup, backup any important photos, documents or other data before attempting this process. When ready, reboot and tap F8 until you see the Advanced Boot Options.

Select Repair Your Computer.

Select Dell Factory Image Restore. The image resides on a separate partition of your Dell’s hard drive. When the factory image restore has completed, your Dell will be the same as it was when you brought it home.

As you can see there are several different recovery options for your Dell; some are easy, some are drastic. Choose the one that is best for you. Be sure to create the recovery media as soon as you can and always perform routine backups of your important data. If you have questions about Dell DataSafe Restore or other recovery options, please refer to our other Dell tutorials.

Run the BIST Test On Your Dell Laptop

To begin the BIST test, you should hold down the FN key and press the power button. Release them both, and this should begin the BIST test. You should see two colored bars appear on the screen, then text asking if you saw them. Select NO to begin the test. You will see several different screens displayed along with beeping and an error screen at the end. The error message is normal. During the test, you should be looking for the same symptoms you’re getting within Windows, such as lines on the LCD screen, poor color, etc.

If you do not see these problems, then the issue is likely with a bad Windows driver. You should visit the Dell support site and get the latest driver for your graphics card and update the system’s BIOS.

If you did see the same issues you experience within Windows, then you have a physical problem with the LCD screen and it will likely need to be replaced.

Dell Laptop Power Adapter Troubleshooting

1. Unplug the power adapter from both the laptop and the wall and leave it unplugged for a couple of minutes.
2. Remove the laptop battery. The battery compartment is on the bottom of the laptop case.
3. Plug the adapter back in to the wall and the laptop.

Other Dell Laptop Power Adapter Tips

If you continue to receive that error message, try a different outlet in the house. If you are still having issues after you have tried all of that, you can try updating the Dell laptop’s BIOS. To download a new BIOS for you Dell, go to the Dell support website and look up your computer’s model or enter the service tag number. You can find all driver downloads–including a new BIOS–for your computer at the Dell Drivers and Downloads site.

If you continue to receive that error message, or if your Dell laptop develops other power issues, you should consider replacing the Dell laptop power adapter or take the laptop in for service.

Before You Order Dell Recovery Disks

There are a couple of things you’ll need to do before you order Dell recovery disks depending on the age of your computer. If you get the recovery disks, you might want to go to the Dell Drivers and Downloads page to make sure you have the very latest drivers for your computer, as the recovery disks you get might not contain the latest updates.

Where To Order Dell Recovery Disks

To order Dell recovery disks you’ll need to have your service tag number (located on the back of your computer) ready and proceed to the Dell Recovery Disk order page and fill out the request form.

What Dell Power Button Lights Mean

A solid green light means the computer is operating normally.

A solid yellow light indicates the power supply is operating normally but the computer is not processing data. This could mean there is a problem with the CPu or another component on the motherboard.

A blinking yellow light indicates the power supply is receiving power from the wall, but not functioning properly. This generally means the power supply itself is bad and should be tested or replaced.

A blinking green light means the computer is in standby mode.

Dell Power Button Lights Conclusion

So use the LED power light codes if your Dell computer has them. Also pay attention to any unusual beeps or sounds coming from the computer. Then join us in our free computer tech support forums and we’ll try and help you solve your PC problem. Sometimes, however, a service call to Dell will be required.

If your system is still under warranty, you should always just call them first, as tampering with your computer may void your warranty.

If you have other questions regarding your Dell power button lights, be sure and join our free forums and ask. Or read more Dell computer help articles here.

Before You Do A Dell System Restore

Back up your data.

First and foremost, it is absolutely necessary to backup any data you want to save.  Usually, reformatting and recovering a Dell system will result in the complete loss of any data added to the hard drive after it shipped from the factory.  The usual place for personal data to reside in the My Documents folder. You can burn this info to CD/RW, or if you’re on a LAN network, you can transfer the data from the Dell PC to another computer nearby.  Do not forget to backup your Favorites folder and your Outlook or Outlook Express files–otherwise your address book and contacts will be lost.

Locate the Recovery Media

Most Dell computers will also have shipped with a software box that contains several types of media. This is the Windows CD and the various application CDs you will use to revert the system.  If you cannot find these CDs, you’ll need to visit the Dell website and navigate to the support section. Drivers are normally stored on their online database for quick recovery.

Installing XP on a Dell System

When you reboot with the Dell XP CD in the drive, you will come to this screen.  It gives you the option to repair the installation or continue reinstalling a fresh copy of the Operating System.  The repair will generally preserve your data and attempt to fix any corrupt or missing data.  If you decide to proceed with reinstalling the Operating System, all data will be wiped from the drive.

To perform the repair, simply press R and the system will attempt to replace those corrupt files.

To install a fresh copy of Windows on your Dell computer, press the ESC key.

Once the install is complete, you will need to add the the driver disks one at a time until all hardware has been successfully installed.

You will then need to use the application CDs to recover any applications that came pre-installed on the system–such as MS Works, MM Office, Quicken, etc…

If you need further assistance in recovering your Dell System, please visit us at our computer message boards here.

Related Dell Links:

Dell’s Driver’s Page

Finding Dell Drivers for your PC

What are Device Drivers? A driver is a piece of software that controls hardware, such as a printer, sound card, network adapter, etc.  When you receive your new Dell, you probably received a couple of disks.  One would contain the Operating System and the other would contain the Applications and Drivers. Some newer model Dells may have their recovery software on a hidden partition on the hard drive.

Roll Back a Driver

Occasionally, you may need to roll-back a Dell driver if you install updates to the current driver and you suddenly have problems with your computer.

If you continue to have problems with your drivers, you’ll need to either use your Dell driver disk or go to the dell website and download the drivers for your specific computer.
If you need more help with your Dell Drivers, visit us at http://www.pctechbytes.net/forums/

Before you reformat your PC, or if you realize you have misplaced the the Dell driver disk that came with your computer, you should visit Dell’s website and download the software driver disk.

Visit The Dell Support Page Here. You will be asked to input your system’s model number or serial number.  You will then be taken to a page where you will have access to the device drivers for all of the hardware located on the PC.  Download these files and burn them to a disk or flash thumb drive so you can access them easily when you need them.

Installing Dell Drivers

If you have formatted the disk, you may realize that nothing is working the way it should.  While Windows will do its best to located and install a suitable driver to match up with the hardware, usually Windows will give up and classify the hardware as an Unknown Device in the Device Manager.  The Device Manager is located in the Control Panel under the System icon.

You should install the drivers you have downloaded, then remove those unknown devices from the Device Manager.  Once done you can reboot the computer.  Upon reboot, Windows will find the new hardware and then immediately load the driver for it.

Remember to keep your drivers and other software from Dell in a safe place.  You will eventually need to reinstall these drivers due to a reinstall or spyware or virus infection.

If you need more help with Dell Recovery, visit our Dell Recovery page.

Dell Computer Error Codes

In addition to a beep code, your Dell PC might have diagnostic lights on the front panel, lights in the rear labeled A,B,C and D and even a power supply LED. These advanced tools can generally point to the problem part if you know what you’re looking for.

Front Panel Lights Dell Computer Error Codes

These lights are located on the front panel. They will change color and blink depending on the issue:

1. A solid green light means the computer is powered on and functioning normally.
2. A blinking green light means the computer is in stand-by.
3. A solid yellow light means there is a device on the motherboard that may not be seated properly.
4. A blinking yellow light means there is likely a problem with the motherboard or the power supply.

If you have a solid green light but are still not booting, be sure to check your monitor connection, listen for beeps or check the rear of the PC for additional lights.

Rear Lights Dell Computer Error Codes

Rear LEDS are labled A through D and can change from green to yellow. Some typical LED reading might be:

A – yellow, B – yellow, C – green, D – green <—— Indicates a problem with the RAM.

A – yellow, B – green,  C – yellow, D – green <—– Indicates a problem with the video card.

Refer to the Dell website for your specific model, as these lights can vary from model to model.

Dell BIOS Beep Codes

Beeps codes are audible beeps issued by the motherboard BIOS that help diagnose problems with hardware. Refer to the Dell website for your specific model. Some typical Dell BIOS beeps codes are:

3-3-4 is a video test failure.

4-2-2 is a shutdown failure.

3-2-4 is a keyboard controller test failure.

You can download PDF manuals that describe what each Dell computer error codes means for your model computer and it is recommended that you visit the Dell website to make sure the Dell diagnostic code you are hearing matches the explanation we gave above. For addition help, be sure to visit our computer chat room or our computer forums or refer to our other Dell computer tutorials.