System Restore...Factory Default

[Caroline]

I would like to know how to do a complete system restore on my computer (To
factory default). I am running Windows XP. When I start the restore wizard
, the only option I have is to restore to an earler date, but that isn't what
I want to do.
I know there is a place to select "factory default" restore.

Help!

 

[Leonard Grey]

There are two ways to restore your computer to the way it was when it
arrived at your doorstep.

WARNING: Either of these methods will completely and permanently erase
your hard disk.

The first method uses one or more recovery CDs or DVDs. The second
method uses a recovery partition that was placed on your hard disk. Your
OEM (computer assembler) provided you with at least one of these
methods, and the instructions on how to use them.

If you no longer have the instructions, or if they were written in a way
that you have to be a PhD to understand, contact your OEM and ask for
help. The instructions vary from OEM to OEM (and sometimes from model to
model.)

Remember to make a backup copy of any files you don't want to lose.
---
Leonard Grey
Errare humanum est

"A Day in the Life of a Web 2.0 Hacker" - PC Magazine
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2330952,00.asp

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I would like to know how to do a complete system restore on my computer (To
factory default). I am running Windows XP. When I start the restore wizard
, the only option I have is to restore to an earler date, but that isn't what
I want to do.
I know there is a place to select "factory default" restore.

If you're trying to put everything back to the condition it was in
when you first got the computer, no, there is *not* such a place
within Windows. However, if your computer was bought from a major OEM
vendor, the OEM very likely built such an option into the machine or
the disks he provided you.

This has nothing to do with the Windows System Restore feature. How to
do this is not standard, but depends on your OEM, and you need to read
your documentation or contact the OEM to find out how.

 

[Daave]

I would like to know how to do a complete system restore on my computer
(To
factory default). I am running Windows XP. When I start the restore
wizard
, the only option I have is to restore to an earler date, but that
isn't what
I want to do.
I know there is a place to select "factory default" restore.

Like many others, it seems you are understandably confusing Windows
System Restore with the idea of restoring your PC to its original state
the day it left the factory. Windows System Restore is to be used in
situtations when Windows itself (often, certain registry settings) has
changed to the point where you experience certain problems. Generally,
only Windows settings are affected -- not programs and data.

If you want to restore your PC to its original condition, that all
depends on the make and model of your PC and the method for "restoring"
that the PC manufacturer provided to you. It would be one of the
following methods:

a. Installation CD (Dell calls these "Reinstallation CD"s): this allows
you to perform a clean install of XP. However, if this is the method,
you will need to track down and install the drivers (motherboard
chipset, video/graphics card, network card, printer, etc.) on your own.
This is done by either using disks you already have or by visiting the
manufacturers' Web sites and downloading the drivers directly.

b. Recovery or Restore CD: this allows you to return your PC to the
status when it was fresh from the factory. Drivers are included.
However, so are potentially unwanted trial programs.

c. Recovery or Restore method using a hidden partition on your hard
drive (usually accessed by pressing one of the "F" keys as you are
booting up): similar to "b", but there is no CD. And if your hard drive
is shot, this method will no longer work!

Hopefully, the information is in your documentation. If not, you can use
Google or post back here with make, model, and model number of your PC.

 

[M@rt1n]

I want to use the "c" method but i dont know which "f" key is the one to
press when rebooting my computer????????? my computer is Windows XP

 

[Olórin]

I want to use the "c" method but i dont know which "f" key is the one to
press when rebooting my computer????????? my computer is Windows XP

As has been said: "Hopefully, the information is in your documentation. If
not, you can use Google or post back here with make, model, and model number
of your PC."

 

[Daave]

As has been said: "Hopefully, the information is in your
documentation. If not, you can use Google or post back here with make,
model, and model
number of your PC."

I'm glad someone is paying attention.

 

[Barbara]

I'm glad someone is paying attention.

 

[Barbara]

Daave,

I also want to do a System Restore to factory settings pressing one of the F
keys while rebooting. My computer is a Dell Dimension 5100. I couldn't find
anything in the documentation that came with the computer and it did not come
with a disk. I hope you can help.

Thanks,

Barbara

 

[Daave]

Daave,

I also want to do a System Restore to factory settings pressing one of
the F
keys while rebooting. My computer is a Dell Dimension 5100. I couldn't
find
anything in the documentation that came with the computer and it did
not come
with a disk. I hope you can help.

First, remember that System Restore is a function of Windows. See:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx

and/or

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial56.html

If you want to determine which method you need to use to return your
Dell to its original condition (since you say you could not find this is
in the documentation), try Dell's support site:

http://support.dell.com/

If I find the method, I'll post back. Or perhaps you or someone else may
beat me to it.

 

[Daave]

First, remember that System Restore is a function of Windows. See:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx

and/or

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial56.html

If you want to determine which method you need to use to return your
Dell to its original condition (since you say you could not find this
is in the documentation), try Dell's support site:

http://support.dell.com/

If I find the method, I'll post back. Or perhaps you or someone else
may beat me to it.

According to the Owner's Manual (pp. 49 - 52), you would use "Dell PC
Restore by Symantec."

<quote>

To use PC Restore:

1. Turn on the computer and watch the keyboard status lights.

2. Immediately upon seeing the lights flash, press <Ctrl><F11>.
If you do not press <Ctrl><F11> in time, let the computer finish
restarting, and then restart the computer again.

NOTICE: If you do not want to proceed with PC Restore, click Reboot in
the following step.

3. On the next screen that appears, click Restore.

4. On the next screen, click Confirm.

The restore process takes approximately 6-10 minutes to complete.

5. When prompted, click Finish to reboot the computer.

NOTE: Do not manually shut down the computer. Click Finish and let the
computer completely reboot.

6. When prompted, click Yes.

The computer restarts. Because the computer is restored to its original
operating state, the screens that appear, such as the End User License
Agreement, are the same ones that appeared the first time the computer
was turned on.

7. Click Next.

The System Restore screen appears and the computer restarts.

8. After the computer restarts, click OK.

</quote>

Be sure you have already saved *all* your data (photos, e-mails, music,
browser favorites, office documents, etc.) first. You will also need to
have the installation media for your programs so that you may reinstall
them.