D.Banks said:
My computer has become corrupted and is getting worse by the hour. I need to
do a complete system restore to default settings but I cannot figure out how.
I am not a comoputer guru and I need help in simple language.
You should start by considering how your user data will be backed up.
While Windows attempts to organize your valuable files for you, some
of the software you use, will also be keeping important files in a
different place.
For example, where is your email database ? Your Firefox or Internet Explorer
bookmarks ? Your contact list. Think of all the valuable tools you use, that
have preferences or settings you'll want to keep.
The "factory restore" capability on some pre-built machines (Dell/HP/Gateway/whatever),
are designed to wipe the entire contents of C: partition , so your user data gets
erased, as well as your OS being fixed up for you. This is why you should
worry about the safety of your data first. And you cannot rely on some
"automated" settings transfer to get all of the important stuff. Having
a backup, at least that means someone computer savvy, could help you
later, if you discover "where did my <valuable thing> go ?".
The user manual for the computer, will detail what key to press at startup,
to restore to factory settings. You'll have plenty of programs to reinstall
after that happens. You'll need to visit Windows Update and get all the
security updates again. Maybe there were some Service Packs that you also
installed. If you have those stored separately on the computer, that will
save you having to download those over again. In addition, you may have
upgraded Internet Explorer (versions 6,7, and 8 exist), or things like
Windows Media Player may need to be updated as well. While the
"restore to factory" will instantly cure some of your problems,
there will also be a mess to clean up, to get you back to what
you had before. Having a photographic memory helps...
This is relatively expensive for the amount of storage space,
but may be big enough to backup your important stuff. You don't need
to use all of the features of this software (like the Protection Tools Try
and Decide feature), but at least make an attempt to make a complete backup.
If you already have backup software you like, then a cheaper product
providing just backup space, may make more sense.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148456
http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/review/seagate-blackarmor-ps-110-external-hard-drive/
Paul
