How do I reset my computer back to factory settings (the same way it was when I purchased it)?

Question

I need to set my computer back to ist original shape. I have an application and driver recovery DVD, as well as an operating system CD withe the Microsoft Windows XP home edition service pack 2. Unfortunatly I dont know the process of how to go about solving the problem.

Answer 1

Call technical support at the company from which you purchased the PC.

Usually there is a command...restore factory settings.

Answer 2

First, you will want to make sure you have all of your important data saved, as this will completely destroy all of your data you currently have on the C drive.

When you're ready, insert the operating systems disc and restart your computer. Before it boots to windows it should give you the option to boot from cd, so do so (if it does not give you this option, go to your Bios to see if your computer's boot order. Make sure that the CD drive is first, then save and exit, and repeat the preceeding instructions).

Once the menu appears, you will need to delete the C drive partition, following the commands on screen, and then create a new partition on the C drive. This process is usually very quick. Then tell it to install windows on the new partition. You can use the quick format option or not, but be prepared to wait on your computer, as this entire process takes several hours to complete.

Once you have gone through the steps of installing windows, following the instructions given on screen along the way, you should be back to basics with a very fresh operating system. Now take your drivers disc and install your various drivers that came with the computer. This will enable things such as motherboard functions, USB ports, better graphics drivers, Sound drivers, etc...

Answer 3

I don't want to do the step by step on this one so I'll try and answer assuming you have a basic knowledge of Windows. IF YOU DON'T OR YOU ARE NERVOUS, SKIP TO THE END. This way is also the way I do it on computers without searching for the program.

Under your start menu, click on
Type "msconfig". Click
Click on
This action will open a Wizard.
BEFORE YOU GO ANY FURTHER, I SUGGEST YOU CREATE A "RESTORE POINT" RIGHT AWAY!!!!

To do so:
Click on
Go through the wizard.

Once done with the creation of a restore point. Go back and:

Click on
Go through the steps.

I am hoping you had "System Restore" turned on as it is a default setting to have it on on most new computers. There are other ways to go back to factory settings. What I have laid out for you here is the least dangerous(i hope). Other ways include a complete reinstall using your factory provided system restore software. I am against a complete factory reinstall as a first step since this will usually erase all data and everything you had on your computer.

IF YOU FEEL ANYTHIING IN WHAT I HAVE LAID OUT FOR YOU IS SCARY OR YOU CAN'T STOMACH THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES, CALL A GEEK (or your computer manufacturer, there are geeks there too.)

Answer 4

One of those DVD or CD most likely has a restore option. Put the DVD or CD in and shut your computer down. When you turn it back on, you should have an option to boot from CD. If you boot from CD and you have the right one in the drive, you should get an option to restore from CD. Pick that option and sit back and relax while your computer is restored. If you don't get the restore option, try the same process with the other media.

Answer 5

Reboot the Computer to the operating system CD withe the Microsoft Windows XP home edition SP2. It should take you from there.

Answer 6

You will need to reformat, that takes a little more than the space for an answer here. There are companies that will come to your door, if there is any in your area! It will cost about $80. depending on the Country you are in, but it's probably the safest thing to do is have a professional do the formatting.

Answer 7

Reformat your HD.