Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop/Vista/Crash.- help wanted.

This laptop crashed last week after using it for 15 years, alongside a Windows 7 (Dell) which I also use.
Re the Inspiron 1545 I have back ups using both Macrium Reflect, and Lazesoft, on CDs; a USB stick; and also on a Seagate external drive. But when trying to use those backups in trying to "engage" F12- Boot options, I cannot access F12.
Does anyone have any suggestions re this problem ? If not, then see the following :
I have all the DVDs supplied with the 1545 when bought new.
No.1 :Operating system, Reinstallation DVD; No.2: Drivers and Utilities.(i.e. for reinstalling computer software) No.3: Application- for reinstalling Dell Webcam Central Software. No.4: Application - for reinstalling Cyberlink Power DVD software for DVD Playback. No.5 if Microsoft Works 9 which I am not interested in.
I have copied many files, photos, etc. from the 1545 onto other USBs, etc. I realise that by using the reinstallation discs such items will be removed from its hard drive. So what is there to lose ?
Should I go ahead and use those reinstallation discs, or will there be any problems ?

 

Still looking for help re this, anyone out there have suggestions ?