The Dell DataSafe Local Backup recovery program pre-installed on Dell Inspiron computers gives you a lot of recovery options. The programs let you create recovery discs, backups, or restore the machine to its original factory settings. The recovery program is set up on a small partition on the computer's hard drive and can be accessed from the "Start" menu.
Create Backup
Click the "Start" icon in the lower-left corner of the Windows 7 home screen. Click "All Programs," "Dell DataSafe" and then "Dell DataSafe Local Backup." Click "Backup" in the upper-left corner of the program window. Select "Full System Backup" and then click "Backup Now." Select the location where the backup should be saved from the list of possible destinations appearing on the screen, and then click "Next." Click "Next" to back up the Dell Inspiron.
Recover From Backup
Click the "Start" icon in the lower-left corner of the Windows 7 home screen. Click "All Programs," "Dell DataSafe" and then "Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0." Click "Restore" in the upper-left corner of the program window. Select "Restore your entire system to a previous date" to restore your system files and settings as of a certain date.Select "Restore specific files and folders from a System Backup," or select "Restore individual files from File & Folder Backups." The first option doesn't require a previous backup, but the other two options do. Click "Next" after making your choice. If you elected to restore your system to its settings as of a previous date, click "Restart" and select a date. If you selected either of the other two options, select the specific files or folders you want to restore and then click "Finish" to restart the computer.
Create Recovery Discs
Click the "Start" icon in the lower-left corner of the Windows 7 home screen. Click "All Programs," "Dell DataSafe" and then "Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0." Click "Backup" in the upper-left corner of the program window and then click "Create Recovery Media" on the left side of the program window. Click "Discs," then "Next" and then click "Next" again. Insert a blank, writable disc in the optical drive and then click "Next." The computer will detect the type of disc you're using and will tell you how many of these discs are required to create the recovery disc set for your machine. Click "Next" to initiate creating the recovery discs. Remove and insert discs as prompted.
Factory Recovery
Click the "Start" icon in the lower-left corner of the Windows 7 home screen. Click "All Programs," "Dell DataSafe" and then "Dell DataSafe Local Backup 2.0." Click "Restore on the left side of the "Dell DataSafe" program window. Click "Restore entire system to a previous date or to the factory state." Click "Factory Image" and then click "Next." Click "Restart" to verify you're aware all information will be erased. The computer boots up to the "Restore my Computer" program window. Select "Restore without preserving new or changed files" and then click "Next." Select "Yes" and click "Next" again to verify that all of your personal information will be erased. The recovery process will begin. Click "Restart" in the lower-right corner of the recovery window to restart the computer, which boots up to the Windows 7 setup screen where you can begin personalizing the operating system.
