How do I restore my Windows XP Dell PC to factory settings? I have already tried F2 and F12. If you can help thanks.

2 Answers

1) SAVE YOUR PERSONAL DATA !!! BEFORE YOU ENTER RECOVERY

2) a. Turn on the computer.

b. When the Dell splash screen appears during the computer startup process, press and hold Ctrl and then press F11. Then, release both keys at the same time.

c. In the Dell PC Restore by Symantec window, click Restore. Alternatively, press Tab to highlight Restore, and then press Enter.

d. When a warning message appears stating that all data will be lost, click Confirm, or press Tab to highlight Confirm and then press Enter.

The Progress window will appear. Once the restore process starts, Dell PC Restore by Symantec usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes to finish.

When the restore process is complete, the following message will appear: The system recovery process was successful.

e. Click Finish or press Tab to highlight Finish and then press Enter to restart the computer.The software is now installed as it was when the computer was first received.

3) Backup your personal data

This Yahoo Answers link mentions the Restore method along with supporting Dell links.

I've included for Windows 7 and Vista as well as for Windows XP

Scroll down this answer for Windows XP

Dell Factory Reset Instructions:

Windows 7 PC Restore
1. Turn on or reboot/restart the computer.
2. As the computer starts, press <F8> on the keyboard until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears on the screen.
3. Press the <Down Arrow> on the keyboard to select Repair Your Computer on the Advanced Boot Options menu, and then press <Enter>.
4. Specify the language settings that you want, and then click Next.
5. Log in as a user who has administrative credentials, and then click OK.
6. Click Dell Factory Image Restore.
7. In the Dell Factory Image Restore window, click Next.
8. Click to select the Yes, reformat hard drive and restore system software to factory condition check box.
9. Click Next and the computer will be restored to the default factory configuration.
10. When the restore operation is completed, click Finish to restart the computer.

• F12 to select boot device <-- yahoo answer says/adds

PC Restore for Windows Vista
1. Turn on or reboot/restart the computer.
2. As the computer starts, press <F8> on the keyboard until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears on the screen.
3. Press the <Down Arrow> on the keyboard to select Repair Your Computer on the Advanced Boot Options menu, and then press <Enter>.
4. Specify the language settings that you want, and then click Next.
5. Log in as a user who has administrative credentials, and then click OK.
6. Click Dell Factory Image Restore.
7. In the Dell Factory Image Restore window, click Next.
8. Click to select the Yes, reformat hard drive and restore system software to factory condition check box.
9. Click Next and the computer will be restored to the default factory configuration.
10. When the restore operation is completed, click Finish to restart the computer.
Dell link for Vista 

PC Restore for Windows XP
1. Turn on or reboot/restart the computer.
2. When the Dell splash screen appears during the computer startup process, press and hold <Ctrl> and then press <F11>. Then, release both keys at the same time.
3. In the Dell PC Restore by Symantec window, click Restore. Alternatively, press <Tab> to highlight Restore, and then press <Enter>.
4. When a warning message appears stating that all data will be lost, click Confirm, or press <Tab> to highlight Confirm and then press <Enter>.
The Progress window will appear. Once the restore process starts, Dell PC Restore by Symantec usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes to finish.
5. Click Finish or press <Tab> to highlight Finish and then press <Enter> to restart the computer.