How can I revert my computer back to the factory state?

Question

I want to clear everything off my hard drive except for the neccesary Windows program files and such. I know about system restore, but I want to do a little bit more than that. Does anyone know of like a program that I can purchase or download that will wipe the hard drive, or if I reinstall Windows, will that do the trick?

Answer 1

To return the hardware buttons to the factory default settings, follow these steps:
1.Click Start, and then click Settings.
2.Click the Button icon, click Restore Defaults, and then click OK.
3.Click Start, and then click Settings.
4.Click the System tab, and then click Memory.
5.Click the Running Programs tab, click Stop All, and then click OK.

or

format your hard drive and reinstall Windows - assuming you have backed up wanted files, of course.

Answer 2

Most programs have an icon at the bottom that says return to default settings.

Answer 3

If you have the original disks that came with the computer from the manufacturer, that's the best way.