where to find a FREE factory reset disk iso?

Your dell 1501 might a have a factory image set aside on the hard drive that you can't access (it's protected.) I would go to dell.com web page. As of today the web page changed into two halves. The left half is for home (which is what you'll use.) and the other is for business (you won't use.) Now look at the 'Home' side of the page and select 'Desktop and All in Ones.' Once you click on your selection you'll be taken to another page. On this page select 'Support' and click. The support page will have selections to choose from. Select 'Drivers and Downloads. Again it will change the page and the new page will say, 'Product Selection.' Here it will ask you to input your dell information. Once you input the info it will show your system and you'll be shown your operating system info., along with the various drivers, etc. On that page will show you how to reset your system to factory default.

If not here it is : How to Restore to a Factory Dell Inspiron 1501 Without a Disc

1. Turn your computer on. As soon as you see the Dell logo appear on the screen, press and hold "CTRL" and "F11." This starts the Dell PC Restore by Symantec application.

2. Click "Restore" on the first screen that appears.

3. Click "Confirm" when asked to confirm whether you are sure you want to restore your computer to factory settings. The process takes about 6 to 10 minutes to restore your Dell

4. Click "Finish" after the Dell has been completely restored.

5. Click "Yes" and then "Next" when prompted and the computer will restart. After the restart, click "OK." You have now restored your Dell inspiron 1501 to factory settings without using a disc.

I hope your system came with the factory image on it. Or it wasn't erased on a prior install. If it was then you'll need to install the window operating system on it. The problem is that you didn't mention what operating system you had on it. Such as Windows XP Home Ediition or XP Pro. I prefer XP Pro. Another problem is that Dell is proprietary software and unless you have a valid registration number you'll get a nagging registration/validation request for about 30 days I think and then it locks on you and won't let you log onto windows.