resetting windows Vista to factory settings

This is what you used:

As the computer restarts, press the F8 key until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears on the screen.

https://www.dell.com/support/article/au/en/aubsd1/sln130396/restoring-microsoft-windows-vista-to-factory-configuration?lang=en

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

If that did not work:

You can borrow and use a Microsoft Vista DVD (Retail or OEM System Builders License) , that contains the files for the various Vista Editions (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate) to be installed. The Product Key on your Computer / Laptop case determines which Edition is installed.

The COA sticker, which has the Product Key on it, is either on the underside of the Laptop or in the Battery Compartment.

With a Desktop it is either on the side, rear or top of the Computer Case.

Other Manufacturers' Recovery DVDs are not to be used for the above purpose.

And you need to know the "bit" version for Vista, as 32bit and 64bit Editions come on different DVDs.

To access Boot Menu:

https://neosmart.net/wiki/boot-usb-drive/

Here is how to do a clean install of Vista, using a Microsoft Vista DVD:

"How to Do a Clean Install and Setup with a Full Version of Vista"

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/117366-clean-install-full-version-vista.html

And once the Operating System is installed, go to your Computer Manufacturer's website and obtain the latest Drivers for your particular Model Computer or Laptop.

How to activate Windows Vista

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/940315/how-to-activate-windows-vista

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

If you have to use phone activation:

"How to Activate Vista Normally and by Phone Activation"

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/84488-activate-vista-phone.html

Microsoft is the one who says yay or nay for Activation.

You have to go through them, but lately a lot of posters have been referred back to here by them when using phone activation.

If that happens use this method of contacting Microsoft:

Contact support        

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/contact-support

Also: https://partner.support.services.microsoft.com/en-au/contact/menu/software/windows/setup/

Cheers.

Hi ValLengert:

Other Dell Inspiron 1720 users have reported this issue - see gcharles' 2012 Restoring an Inspiron 1720 (Vista) to Factory Settings for one example.  Note that Moderator DELL-Ravi Ch's has warned in Dell Inspiron 1720 Restore to Factory Settings With Original Disks That Came With Laptop ??? that Dell's advanced boot option to "Repair Your Computer" will disappear if you've previously reinstalled your operating system.

Please read the VistaForums FAQ How to Fix Vista SP2 "Checking for Updates..." Hangs and Slow Windows Updates before attempting any factory reset or clean reinstall of your Vista operating system.  As soon as you have manually installed Service Pack 1 (rel. 04-Feb-2008) and Service Pack 2 (rel. 25-May-2009) your Windows Update will start hanging on "Checking for updates..." and Windows Update will be unable to install the ~ 220 security updates released between May 2009 and Vista's end of support on 11-Apr-2017 until you follow the instructions on page 1 of m#l's thread Updates not working, it has been searching for updates for hours.

If you reset your computer back to factory condition you will also have to restore all your personal files from a backup, remove all the outdated third-party software installed at the factory that is no longer supported (e.g., old trial versions of antivirus software like McAfee, Norton, etc.), locate and install the latest Vista-compatible updates for all your hardware drivers and reinstall all desired third-party software.

If you would like to tell us what problems you are currently encountering on you computer we might be able to provide a solution that doesn't require something as drastic as a factory reset or clean reinstall of your operating system. If you require further assistance please start Internet Explorer 9, go to Help | About Internet Explorer, and let us know your current Update Versions (see image below).  If you have Update Versions 9.0.60 / KB4014661 (Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 9: April 11, 2017) that would suggest that Windows Update was working correctly and able to patch your system to 11-Apr-2017 before Vista reached the end of extended support.

-----------
32-bit Vista Home Premium SP2 * Firefox ESR v52.9.0 * Norton Security Deluxe v22.15.2.22
HP Pavilion dv6835ca, Intel Core2Duo T5550 @ 1.83 GHz, 3 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS