How do I bring my laptop with windows vista back to its original factory settings?

Question

I have had a laptop for a year now. Overtime I have added programs and such. The laptop is windows vista. I am wanting to return it to the original factory.

I am also wanting to do this to erase all my history on the computer.... YES I DID LOOK AT PORN and I am wanting that to erase also. So the easiest thing including removing programs is to return it to the factory settings.

I dont know how to do that.

As for the porn..GUILTY AS CHARGE. My wife will kill me.

Answer 1

The key to returning it to factory condition is the restore cd/dvd. If it did not come with one, click "help" and see if there is a restore wizard, it may help you burn one.

If you just want to erase history, and incriminating evidence, use ccleaner:

http://www.ccleaner.com

If you want to entirely erase the disk, (operating system, too) use Darik's Boot & Nuke.

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

Answer 2

bit of work will clean up ALL records AND remove unwanted/unneeded programs

HISTORY FILES

XP & Vista

start
control panel
internet options
history:
delete
set days t keep to 0
temp files:
delete

start
my computer [ computer in Vista ]
local disk drive [c]
windows
prefetch folder
temp folder
file
view
choose select all
press delete key on keyboard

XP :
start
my computer
local disk drive [c]
documents & settings
username
cookies

Firefox web browser:
tools
options
privacy
show cookies
remove ALL cookies


OPERA:
tools
preferences
advanced
cookies
manage cookies

COOKIES/WINDOWS:
Vista:

start
search
enter...appdata
press enter

click local low
click either open or explore
click microsoft
click either open or explore
click CryptnetUrlCache
click either open or explore

these are your cookie files

click both Content and MetaData
click either open or explore
click organize
click select all
press delete button on keyboard

REMOVE PROGRAMS:

XP:
start
all programs:
look for the uninstall file for the program to be removed
click and uninstall

start
my computer
local disk drive [c]
windows
programs
right click program
select delete

start
my documents
downloads
right click program download
select delete

start
control panel
add/remove programs
click change/remove

desktop
right click desktop shortcut
select delete

start
run
if you don't have run on your start page
press windows flag key and letter R

enter regedit in search bar
press enter

hkey_local_machine\software\mi...
right click and select delete

hkey_users\software\microsoft\...
right click and select delete

hkey_current_users\software\mi...
right click and select delete

now some programs will appear after \software and NOT \microsoft\program

VISTA:

start
control panel
default programs
program and features
click uninstall

start
all programs
program
click the uninstall file if present

start
computer
OS [c]
windows
programs
right click program
select delete

start
username
downloads
right click program download
select delete

start
run
if you don't have run on your start page
press windows flag key and letter R

enter regedit in search bar
press enter

[ THIS IS...NOT...FOR THE CHICKEN HEARTED !
AND....YOU ...COULD..DESTROY YOUR PC !! ]

hkey_local_machine\software\microsoft
right click program and select delete

hkey_users\software\microsoft\program name
right click and select delete

hkey_current_users\software\microsoft\program name
right click and select delete

now some programs will appear after \software and NOT \microsoft\program


Task Manager:

XP:
ctrl + delete + alt
click on processes
click image name
click process/program to be removed
click end process

Vista:
ctrl + shift + esc
click on processes
click image name
click process/program to be removed
click end process

Answer 3

only a small addition. I easily have found that utilizing OEM software or software that isn't unique Retail living house windows software might want to be and is a situation to acquire and do a gadget fix. a lot of those pcs are provided with there variety of living house windows software that for my section is more suitable frequently than no longer sub-time-honored. because of this i information Microsoft's living house windows software contained in the Microsoft Packaging that includes the Code Key. Don

Answer 4

Most laptops come with a small partition for D: drive.

When you boot up, press F8 for the boot options.

Most laptops will have an option to 'Restore Factory Settings'

You'll be back at the spot you bought your laptop.

Sarge

Answer 5

put in the original restore cd and restart the computer. when it asks press key to boot from cd and select option to restore factory image.

Answer 6

1.- back-up yr programs
2.- re-format hard drive
3.- re-install windows
AS EASY AS 1-2-3