The following from Dell Scott via a prior post by John. Note that the message you got regarding an invalid dump indicates that ZZTOP will no longer work on your system. It really is only good for a short time, after which the file invariably gets corrupted.

From Dell Moderator Scott:


About ZZTOP


Due to new processes used in our factory download process, you may be able to run an auto-restore program named ZZTOP . Please be advised that if you choose to run the ZZTOP auto-restore program you will lose any unsaved data on the hard drive. This simply means that you should first be sure to back up all data (your files) and make sure that you have the necessary media to reload any applications you have installed to the system since you received it.

Once you run the ZZTOP program, the system will be restored - completely - to the exact condition it was in when it was shipped from the factory. This includes Operating System, all pre-loaded software and all drivers. (The process is actually quite simple and efficient.)

NOTE: Please be sure to remove any hardware you have added to the system before running this program. (This includes external devices such as printers or scanners.)

Here is how to run the ZZTOP program:

1) Click Start | Shut Down | Restart in MS-DOS mode

2) When your system restarts, you will see either a C:\Windows> or a C:>.

3) Type "CD\" and press ENTER (do NOT use the "" symbols)

4) Type ZZTOP and press ENTER

5) Follow the instructions on the screen. Further, on in the process you will be asked if you want to "Proceed with the partition load?" Choose YES and the process will begin.

If for some reason you receive the message, "Invalid dump file", ZZTOP will not be possible on your system. (It may have been corrupted by a software application or utility.) In this case, it may be necessary to reinstall Windows manually.



Note: If you are running the FAT-32 file system, it may be necessary to create a DOS 7.0 bootable diskette, and then boot to the disk to access the ZZTOP program. Use one of the following procedures to create a bootable diskette:

DOS Method

* From the command prompt, type CD
* C:\windows\command [Enter].
* Type sys a: [Enter].


Windows Method


* Insert a blank formatted diskette in the floppy drive.
* Double-click on My Computer.
* Right-click on 3-½ floppy drive and choose "Format" from the menu.
* Click the radio button next to Copy system files only.
* Click on Start to begin.

After booting to the floppy diskette, type CD C: [Enter] to switch to the hard drive. ZZTOP can then be run by typing ZZTOP.




Message Edited on 05/25/02 10:06PM by lespes

If you need to , just ask and we can tell you/point how to do a clean install IF you have all your disks.