If you hit the F11 key during boot, you may find there is a Dell Recovery Partition. No guarantees...it can vary depending on the model. If it is there, you can restore the computer to it's like-new condition and you will lose everything that was installed after that point in time. Let us know how it goes.

GooGled and found this:
Restart your computer and hold down the Control key and F11 (if you see the Windows logo pop up, than you weren't fast enough). I believe that will restore your computer to factory settings... Hope that works for ya.

If you only show drive C then the previous owner may well have reformatted making one large drive.

All is not lost however. Look on the side or rear for the 25 digit MS activation code if it is there you can re-install Windows by borrowing another copy of Windows. HOWEVER when you enter the code be sure to use the one on your Dell case, that way it is instantly recognised and can be activated and the CD you borrowed is still safe for the owner.

Before you start visit the Dell site and grab all the relevant drivers like the chipset, sound, video and what ever is there. forget the BIOS though, no point in trying to update that unless there is a specific need.

Why can't you contact Dell? Even without a warranty, usually they will answer your questions and help you out. I've used their instant message on their site. Go to Dell.com and click on Support. You get someone very quickly.

I was cleaning my old machine and the fellow I got was very helpful, sending clear directions and diagrams. Despite what is written about Dell support, I've always had luck with them.

Jane

Thanks to all who responded. Had posted on the LandzDown
forum for help in getting rid of the virus which had
resulted in the Dell computer misdirecting links, as
well as not being able to obtain Windows updates. Computer
was locking up as I tried to follow the Landzdown helper's
instructions. After several hours of fits and starts
(and a nap!), have just posted what was requested and
am now awaiting the news. Regardless of the outcome,
I would still like to have the option to do a complete
recovery -- just as I've always been able to do on my
Compaq/HP computers.

Azinoh and Genes -- I had tried those options without
success, but maybe it's because of the computer brand --
don't know. Seems like it should work. Might on somebody
else's computer! LOL

Owbist -- Afraid your instructions were beyond my
capabilites. Don't know of anyone who has another copy
of Windows (but then, my friends know even less than I
do...). Went to the Dell site, started choosing all of
of those relevant things I'd need, and realized I wasn't
sure about half of them. Was going to download them
anyway and hope I'd chosen correctly, but when I tried
to register and was asked for a mandatory account number
(and something else I've forgotten), I chose nothing
after all. Better leave that route for somebody who
knows what they're doing. (Are you available?? Ha)

Jane - Haven't used instant messaging in years and,
frankly, didn't see that on Dell's site. If I were
able to just type out and post the problem like on a
regular forum, I'd be more comfortable. I may do what
you suggest, though, if the virus problem gets healed.
I need to know how to do a recovery! It's always been
a great, though time-consuming, safety net when all else
has failed.

Much appreciation for all of you taking the time and
thought to help.

(The computer was a gift mailed directly
from the Dell Company.)

I'm not getting it. To answer your question you need to press Ctrl and F11 right as the computer starts to access the recovery partition.

You can read more about the process below. You want to read step three.

Here is a link that might be useful: Dell Support Site

Mike - I remember doing that, but frankly, I can't recall
what happened. Maybe because of the computer 'bug' or
my own expectations, I don't think I was offered the
option for Recovery. In any case, if/when that computer
is cured, I will do as you suggest. Have printed out
the instructions from Dell. I do recall looking in the
computer programs to see if Symantec was there -- it
wasn't. Maybe it's only accessible through the Recovery
process. Thank you for your input and link.

Go to this link. On the first row click on 'Chat online with technical support.' You should get some who will help you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Dell Online Support

"To answer your question you need to press Ctrl and F11 right as the computer starts to access the recovery partition. "
"Mike - I remember doing that, but frankly, I can't recall
what happened. Maybe because of the computer 'bug' or
my own expectations, I don't think I was offered the
option for Recovery."
Well, give it a try now and let us know...if it works, it would surely simplify your problem

crabbypatty please please do not do anything else to your pc until the support forum on LzD release you stating you are done, if you start doing things with out their instructing you to do them and they are not aware of what is happening you are jeopardizing your assistance, it is forum policy and etiquette to comply with the rules of that forum which are in the instructions there and staying with that one helper forum is key.
When you are told you are clean then ask there at Lzd and the team there can assist you with installing the recovery console to your pc if that is what you are needing.

Jane and Mike - Thanks for your continued advice.
My son (whom I don't see all that often), came over,
knew what to do, and fixed the darn thing by doing
a recovery. He knew what drivers, etc. it needed
after that process. So far - so good.

Raven - I wasn't going to bail out on Corrine's
expert instructions and had contacted her about
what happened. There is also a note to you in the
post I just did there. I value the advice I've
received here over the years (and recently at
Landzdown) to intentially disrespect anyone.

Although I did want to know how to do a recovery
for the future on that computer, best I leave well
enough alone. I just bought a new HP Windows 7
computer, along with a printer, etc., so I'll be
coming back here probably.

Thank you all again for your time and advice.

Patty now you have a new computer with Windows 7 you need to create a set of recovery disks right off the start. Get your son on his next visit to help perhaps, you will need 3 blank DVDs to complete this task.

Linked below are the very simple instructions to do this very important task.

On your new computer you can leave the Microsoft firewall in place as it is a two way firewall and efficient.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to create a set of recovery disks

Mucho appreciation, Owbist! That link was just what
I needed to give me the info and confidence to unpack
my new toy! I printed out instructions on several
things. Definitely want to have the recovery option.
Don't know why Dell made it so difficult. Maybe I'm
just too used to the Compaq/HP machines. Thanks again.

You are welcome, enjoy your new computer