Factory setup

Question

I bought a new Inspiron 15 3530 three months ago .  Its a long story but I need to find out the correct way to bring it back the way it was when I bought it.

user_ea69d9 · Accepted Answer

Hi tdark. To restore your Dell Inspiron 15 3530 back to the way it was when you first bought it, you can use Windows Reset or Dell Support tools. ✅ Option 1: Use Windows 'Reset this PC' Click Start → Settings → System → Recovery Under Recovery options, click Reset this PC Choose Remove everything (for a full factory reset) Then select Local reinstall (faster) or Cloud download (downloads a fresh Windows copy) Follow the on-screen instructions — this will reinstall Windows and remove all personal files, apps, and settings. ✅ Option 2: Use Dell SupportAssist (Factory Image Restore) If your Dell recovery partition is still intact: Restart your laptop. As soon as you see the Dell logo, press F12 repeatedly. Choose SupportAssist OS Recovery from the boot menu. Select Restore System → Reset to Factory State and follow the prompts. ⚠️ Note: Back up your files first — everything will be erased. Keep your laptop plugged in during the process.

richardkerry · Accepted Answer

@tdark​ Yes many methods that rely on Microsoft 365 apps can also work using web-based versions (like Office.com) or open-source alternatives such as LibreOffice or Google Workspace. Some APIs or scripts can interact with files (like Excel or Word) directly without needing the full Microsoft 365 suite installed.

tdark · Answer

@user_ea69d9​ Thanks. Would there be a way using these methods and not have Microsoft 365 installed?

richardkerry · Answer

@tdark​ Yes, most of these methods will still work without Microsoft 365 installed. You can use the free web versions of Word, Excel, and other Office apps through office.com with a Microsoft account. Some features might be limited, but for basic editing and access, you don’t need the full Microsoft 365 installation.

tdark · Answer

I got it back going. I used a windows 11 USB boot disk I made after downloading the ISO from Microsoft .  I deleted all the partitions except the recovery partition in case its needed later.  I installed a clean install of windows 11 thus leaving off all the junk that came preloaded on this laptop. I opted out of using a Microsoft account and set it up as a local account.  I had bought MS Office 2021 and installed it and now all is working great.  I am not and never will buy Office 365 and pay $100 a year as I only use word and this 2021 version will serve me just fine.

tdark · Answer

@user_ea69d9​  Thank you for these instructions.

tdark · Answer

@richardkerry​  thanks.  I don't normally sign in with a Microsoft Account but I appreciate the tips .

Inspiron

Factory setup

✅ Option 1: Use Windows “Reset this PC”

✅ Option 2: Use Dell SupportAssist (Factory Image Restore)

⚠️ Note:

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