Re: How do I Install the Factory.WIM when the PC Restore Does not work?
My problem:
1- I Copied the RECOVERY partition into DVD. (All the files)
2- I Deleted the two main Partitions. (C & D).
3- I Installed Windows XP.
4- Wanted to restore factory setting into my laptop after few months.
How to restore it:
first of all i had the 160 Gb HD installed in my laptop.
I had 2.4GB partition 4 for Media Direct.
Another hidden partition 1 for diagnostic tools.
those two partitions i didn't touch. but i dont think it will affect u if u missed with them.
what i wanted to do is to restore it like it was when i first bought it. 4 partitions.. and i succeeded..
or consider urself want to have at least two partitions (including recovery partition)
so here is what u have to do,
boot the vista DVD.
go on with the installation untill u reach HD utility.
first delete all the partitions u don't want..
then make the recovery partition. (size doesn't matter) in my case i made it (10300 kbytes)
note (it should be before the main partition)
then make ur second (main) partition where u want to recover ur windows on. in my case (139656 kbytes)
then format both of them.
now u have (C:\ & D:\) where C:\ is the RECOVERY partition (it is important)
and D:\ is the Main partition which will be C:\ in the future. u just got to believe it.
then exit the installation window by clicking at the top right X buttom.
now.. go to repair my windows---> click continue or next ---> then go to DOS prompt..
eject the Vista DVD and insert ur RECOVERY DVD... which include factory.wim image. in my case this DVD contain all the files belong the the old RECOVERY partition when i first bought my laptop.
there is an important tool in (tools) folder which is (imagex.exe)
so in the DOS prompt. type:
----------
e:
cd tools
imagex /apply e:\dell\image\factory.wim 1 d:\
----------
then u will see the prosess, wait 11 minuts untill it finishes.. and the program will return (success)
then type:
exit
to close the DOS window.
then press:
repair startup
and continue untill it gives u finish... then the laptop will reboot..
ENJOY... U restored ur LAPTOP into factory setting....
the only thing u have to do next is to try to copy all the files in RECOVERY DVD into D:\ which is RECOVERY partition.