Hi Folks! I have an XPS 8500 which was running a fully updated version of Windows 8.1. Using Dell Backup and Recovery 1.6.1.1 (free edition) I created a Factory Backup of Recovery Media to DVD. So far so good.
So now the hard drive failed and I've installed its replacement. I boot off the Recovery Media but there are NO OPTIONS to recover that actually work. On the initial screen I get: Troubleshoot or Turn off your PC.
So I choose Troubleshoot. I'm then presented with: Refresh, Reset, Advanced Options, and Command Prompt. Refresh says the drive is locked and to unlock it first (huh?). If I choose a "Reset" I'm presented with a seemingly related issue, "Unable to Reset your PC. A required drive partition is missing."
Why isn't there a "Press this stupid button and we'll reinstall everything off the Recovery Media you created"? This seems totally absurd. Am I losing my mind?
Thanks in advance!!