how can i do a system restore back to when I first had my pc a few years a go?

Question

I can only at present set a system restore to 3 months a go, any one know how i can go much further ? i have backed up all my files and want to get my pc back to its original settings

Answer 1

Depending on what kind of computer you have it will come with factory restore cd's. Hopefully this is the case. You should run those, in the beginning it will give you options as to what kind of restroe you want to do. You want to do a full restore. Then it will say everything will be deleted, etc...

If you have a custom built pc it will not be as easy. YOu have to format the drive, reinstall your OS then reinstall all your drivers.

Answer 2

find desructive recovery
system restore

first click on my computer
choose properties
then on system restore
make sure system restore is checked
then shut down
then
1- click start at bottom of screen
2 - then click choose all programs
3 - then click pc help tools or could be in accessory's
4 - then click on system restore
5 - then click on restore to an earlier date or factory settings
6 - choose a date when it was working - or factory settings
7 - let it run it may take a while - follow directions - if any
8 - restart THEN CHECK STATUS
choose destructive recovery as last resort you will have to look hard to find this option
i don"t know your computers options etc
BUT that's what it took to restore mine to get settings i wanted etc
BACK UP IMPORTANT THINGS TO CD NO MATTER WHAT OPTION(S) YOU CHOOSE

after restore you need to make sure you have all windows updates
after that do this

AUTOMATIC UPDATES FIREWALL ETC

go to start (in the blue bar)
control panel
security center
set up options
to do a manual check go here
http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

Answer 3

You have backed up all important files.
Have you backed the drivers for other hardware ?
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

To go back years is not advisable/possible as the OS ( presume XP)
Home or Pro has been updated with SP1 and SP2 and total of about100 security Updates. .
and should be stable now. ( more every month around 13th!)
Para two : Insert the XP CD.
start run sfc /scannow ( note space after sfc)
It will take about an hour to check the integrity of the system.
If you had any specific problem with any other hardware /s
. try Y!A for answers.
Para three : Forget XP and go for Vista. You will start fresh
with the new operating system Load your back up files.
and drivers for other hardware/s.

Answer 4

Cant you reload the operating system via the disc?
That way everything will be as it was new
and if you have made backup copies of your files
just download them into the Operating System
once you have installed it again
[Im assuming the O,S is XP 2 home]

Answer 5

theres a system restore and a system recovery,the later being the method you need
when you bought your p.c it came with a "system recovery cd/dvd",this basically is a windows xp disk and will recover your p.c to its factory state,or the way it was when you first took it out of the box
simply insert the disk in your cd/dvd drive and restart your p.c(make sure your p.c is set to boot from cd,go into bios>then advanced bios settings>change boot order to cd rom first,hard drive 1 second,and floppy third to boot,then remember to save and exit set up
windows will then boot up and you will see a message"press any key to boot from cd/dvd" press the space bar
windows will then start to load,just follow the onscreen prompts and enter your product key if needed
note: its a good idea to back up all your dat before the recovery and also either back up your drivers or download up to date drivers ready for when windows xp has finished loading
theres a excellent program called "driver magician"from http://www.drivermagician.com/index.htm,this backs up all your p.c,s drivers and you can burn these to disk,ready for installing after the system recovery
also after you have finished installing windows you need to activate your copy ,this will pop up as a message on your desktop,have your product key to hand so you can enter this and activate your windows xp
this is how to "recover your p.c"
good luck mate!

Answer 6

what brand?

if its a compaq press f11 when the computer is starting (when you see the bios screen) and it will take you to a recovery part of the hard drive, then do a destructive restore

Answer 7

You have done the hard part in storing your files. Now here is what you need to wipe your drive clean and start fresh.
http://www.wipemydrive.com/ Then you will need to update your OS.
Have fun.

Answer 8

you need a factory restore cd

Answer 9

where's your recovery disk ? call manufacturer for 1.