quoted from sources and re edited if needed based on observations (Will add more posts as new things come up during my use of the venue 8 pro)
Personal testing found 2 3 ways to get to Refresh and Reset the Dell Venue 8 Pro.
1. The first way to Refresh/Reset is posted towards bottom of this first post. Depends on youre computer being not able to boot and the PC trying to fix itself.
2. The second Refresh/Reset method seems to be an easier and better way to get there. Testing and updating Steps as soon as finishing the Reset test. Should be post 8.
3. Another even easier way to to get to Refresh/Reset/and other Options on a Dell Venue 8 Pro from the Windows login screen. Tested and works. Post #27
SecureBoot isn't configured correctly watermark in Windows 8.1
http://support.micro....com/kb/2902864
Update removes the "Windows 8.1 SecureBoot isn't configured correctly" watermark in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2Microsoft Download Center The following files are available for download from the Microsoft Download Center.
Operating system Update All supported x86-based versions of Windows 8.1Download the package now. All supported x64-based versions of Windows 8.1Download the package now. All supported x64-based versions of Windows Server 2012 R2Download the package now.
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Back up recovery partition
http://aurir.wordpre...windows-tablet/
"Here’s how:
NOTE: Make sure you have at least 50% of your battery left for this process. I wouldn’t do this when hitting the lower ends of the battery spectrum.
- Go to All Applications and scroll all the way right to the Dell group. Tap the My Dell application.
- Click Backup, even if it says no backup software is installed.
- Click the Download Local Backup button. This will provide a link to download Dell Backup and Recovery, which you should download and install. Basically, once you click the Download button, select Run and wait for Setup to do its job. This process can take a long time. Even the download appears to be huge. It’s probably downloading the latest recovery data, but that’s just a guess.
- After the software has installed, it will request a restart. So, restart the tablet.
- Go to All Applications and back to the Dell group. Note the new Dell Backup and… option. Tap it.
- Wait a few moments for the cool clock animation to complete, then agree to whatever terms are presented, or not.
- Tap the Reinstall Disks option. This is the equivalent of a Factory Restore partition backup.
- Tap USB Flash Drive, which is probably the only real option you have with this unit. This includes use of the Micro SD card, which is what I used, since I didn’t have a USB adapter handy. If you decide to use an external burner, that’s cool, too. But… why?
- Select your USB drive, or the MicroSD card. I backed up to an 8 GB MicroSD. Dell estimates the backup at 4.03 GB, so 8 GB should suit you just fine.
- Tap Start, then tap Yes when asked if you’re sure about wiping out the USB or MicroSD drive. Of course you’re sure! (right?)
- Wait until it’s done.
- When it’s complete, click OK, and put the backup media in a safe place. I put it in my Venue Pro’s box.
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Dell Venue 8 Pro - Hard reset without being in windows (Factory Reset Dell Venue 8 Pro) (reset, restore dell venue 8 pro to factory)
Update: check post #21 - It will hopefully allow easier boot to "starting automatic system repair"
Way it seem to work when trying it after loop reboots
To Reset to factory setting or do a Refresh without deleting personal files
It seemed to work like this when the venue had rebooted in a loop constanly when making updates
Steps seem to work: did try more then once
Hold Power-Button 10 seconds to shut off Dell Venue 8 Pro
Push and hold Power-Button and then push and hold Windows-Button
-- Dell Logo appear.
Release Power-Button
Release Windows-Button
-- Options appear on the bottom of the screen: F2/Volume-Down = Setup. F12/Volume-Up = Boot option. .
Push Volume-Down-Button = Setup
-- It trys auto repair, but it cant find a fix
Tap on:Advance options
-- Youll get the options to reboot,use a device, trouble shoot,or turn off pc,
Taped on: trouble shoot
Selected to option "Refresh your pc"
When "Refresh your pc" is done, their is a folder Windows.old created with contents from the original Windows before the Refresh
Windows 8: How to delete easily Windows.old folder (Easy and quick, no programs needed to install)
This person shows a very simple way to remove it if you dont want or need any of the old stuff
Original post
http://forum.tabletp...html#post364988
Re: Dell Venue 8 Pro - Stuck in boot in "safe mode" of windows. Screen doesn't react. Please help.I got it!
To reset to factory setting are following steps to go:
Hold Power-Button 10 seconds to shut off Dell V8P
Push and hold Power-Button and then push and hold Windows-Button
-- Dell Logo appear.
Release Power-Button
Release Windows-Button
-- It appear on the bottom of the screen: F12/Volume-Up = Boot option. F2/Volume-Down = Setup.
Push Volume-Up-Button
-- It appear Boot mode is set to UEFI: Secure boot:ON
Tap on: Windows Boot Manager
From there you can choose reset the V8P with completely wipe the hard disk and new installation Windows8. It will take 20-30 minute and your V8P is like new delivered.
However this step is only appear when your V8P is in secure mode. After I recover my V8P to working state, I never can reconstruct this step again.
coco3de