I have stated before that I always make sure a new PC has the i386 directory from the Windows CD installed onto the hard drive, typically into C:\i386.
You can then easily install the Windows recovery console with the command winnt32 /cmdcons. See How to Install Windows Recovery Console.
But you might find that on Dell Computers, the i386 directory is on the C: drive, but the above command doesn’t work. I’m not exactly sure why, it isn’t worth my time to find out.
But the other day I had that problem on a new Dell Laptop and fixed it by simply re-copying the i386 directory and then running the command above.
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newer dell’s has a flash restore system 1] boot see dell.com 2] hold ctrl button down and tap F-11 same time ! it wipes whole harddrive too also its back like new !