How To Restore PC Factory Setting / Configuration
Dec 19, 2007
I recently had to restore my pc to the factory settings after a really bad virus ravaged my machine and am currently trying to configure it the way it was before.However I cant remember how I did a couple things.
1.How do I get larger desktop icons as the ones I have now are tiny , I already selected large icons on the startbar options tab but it doesnt seem to make a difference.
2.My mp3 files used to have an mp3 icon (white background with blue musical note) but now they have an ugly windows media player icon , how do I change this?
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May 29, 2007
I need to revert/reformat (not sure of the correct terminology)my windows xp laptop to the factory settings. I do not want to use the CD's.There is a way to do it by pressing "f" something, or control something while the computer is starting up. But I can't find the correct combination of keys to press.I've been searching for the answer to my question for the past half-hour to no avail.
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Jul 25, 2005
How do I do a restore to factory settings? The only thing I have been able to find is a system restore to an earlier date, could someone help me please?
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Apr 13, 2006
I installed XP Pro and wiped out home... Now I'm having driver issues (they're not working with new OS) and I want to restore my computer to the way it was when I got it. Here's the problem, when I try to use my restore CD's they won't work because I have XP Pro on there .
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Dec 28, 2008
i am trying to restore to factorey set up a compaq presario 7oo to be donated to someone. i found the recovery cd and the quick restore cd 1/2/3 however none of these is the one I need. Am I missing a cd
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Jun 4, 2010
Set this back to factory settings? it came out of a dell and its going into my home rebuild!
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Jun 5, 2006
i am trying to restore my windows xp on an emachine to original factory settings.when i pop the disk in i am getting an error that says cant read R:E17F.GHO. What is that and how can i get this thing working? There is also a message that reads ''Cannot Open GHOSTERR.TXT '' and it also says Floppy Disk(s) fail (40)
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Aug 2, 2008
Spybot Search and Destroy had finished scanning my computer (Dell Dimension e520 running Windows XP service pack 2). I then clicked on it to fix the problems it found, and started doing something else on Tradestation. A short time later, a message popped up on my screen that I had never seen before. It basically said there was a system fault, that my computer was going to reboot in 60 seconds, and that I should save all my work. The only thing I remember about the message was that it said something about "NT" system fault or error fault or something like that and a timer counted down from 60 seconds. There was no way for me to cancel it. A separate message from Spybot also popped up. I don't recall what it said other than it asking me if I wanted it to start automatically before everything loaded up the next time I started my computer because of something it had found or that had occurred. But I wasn't able to click OK before the time ran out because I was too busy trying to figure out why I was getting these messages and save my work at the same time.
My computer then rebooted. However, while Windows was loading, it stopped and gave an error message stating that a particular file (hal.dll) was missing or corrupt. On my computer I have the hard drive partitioned into two drives, C: and E:. Both have Windows on them, but the E: drive is the main drive. When I reboot my computer, it asks me from which drive I want to start Windows. If I don't choose one, it automatically selects the C: drive, which is the one I always choose anyway. When I got the error message above, I inserted my XP CD, rebooted the computer, and booted Windows from the CD so I could try to repair it. I chose the repair option instead of the clean install option because I wanted to replace what I thought was just one missing or corrupt file. The software went through the process of what looked like a clean install, but I didn't think anything of it because I've used the repair option before and I seemed to recall this being the case and everything working out okay after it was done.
However, when my system rebooted automatically after the "repair" was done, and I chose to boot Windows from the C: drive, Windows loaded up as if it was a brand new install. Everything from my normal start up configuration was gone: all of my icons were gone, none of the programs that normally run on start up were executed, only one monitor of my multimonitor set up my four monitor setup was being displayed, etc. In addition, almost all of my devices were labeled as unknown devices in Device Manager. My cable modem wasn't recognized so I had no Internet connection (I'm writing this from my laptop, which has a wireless connection to the modem). When I looked at my directories, they all appeared to be intact along with the files they contained, except all of the files in the My Documents and My Pictures directories were gone. I suspect all of the files in other directories that are created when Windows is installed are probably gone as well. When I compared the Windows directories of the C: drive where the "repaired" install occurred and the E: drive, with which I had done nothing, I realized that I wasn't missing just one file, but several hundred files across multiple directories in the Windows directory on the E: drive. When I rebooted again and tried to start Windows from the E: drive, I got the same error message while Windows was loading that I got before I "repaired" Windows on the C: drive.
I called Dell tech support, but the person I got said he couldn't help me because Windows XP wasn't installed on the computer when I bought it. He seemed to imply that he knew the solution to my problem, but wasn't willing to help me at all because it was coporate policy, even after I pleaded with him that I was desperate. Oh, he was more than willing to help me if I had a problem with DOS, since that's the OS that came with the computer. After I begged him to help me, he actually had the nerve to snicker while he repeated like a corporate bot that he was very willing to help me with any DOS problems, as if this was a laughing matter. After that, I tried calling Microsoft, but they were closed. Is there any way I can restore my system to the way it was before all this happened? It will take me forever to figure out how to reestablish my Internet connection, reinstall all of my hardware (I didn't even get any "found new hardware" messages when Windows booted after my "repair") and software and then reinstall any upgrades to those. I am in dire straits here.
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May 5, 2006
Suddenly, and without my doing, suddenly whatever program I open shows up on my bottom taskbar illegibly. It used to be that each program had a nice 1.5 inches or so all lined up along the taskbar below, from left to right.. Now, all the programs operate 1cm at the far right of my toolbar, between my language setting and the small-icon taskbar. They are all piled up on top of one another, regardless of application, with 2 small up and down arrow buttons. I can't even tell you how uncomfortable it is to switch from window to window or program to program.How can I switch this back?My computer is not restoring for some reason so I have to do this manually.
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Sep 27, 2010
First off, my Default Margins are: Top 1" Bottom 1" Left 1:25" Right 1.25" from the "Page Setup" Menu But when I try to paste into a new doc [right click>New>Microsoft Word Document]the margins, and other settings, I'm sure, can be way off. I finally realized that when I open a new doc, these settings reflect the last saved document's settings, even tho the default settings are as above. This makes for a mess sometimes when trying to paste forms, etc that rely on default settings/spacings. Office XP is too complex for me, but I'm hoping someone knows where/if there is a setting to over-ride and ALWAYS open a new doc with ALL default settings, as if in a new install.
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Oct 5, 2008
I just finished a complete reinstall of Windows XP. Before the re-installation, I partitioned the hard drive. I want the basic Windows XP system files and drivers on my "C" drive and then I want to accumulate data files (word processing, spreadsheets, photos, music files, etc.) on the new partition which in this case has been labeled the "G" drive. The difficulty I am having is getting getting the "Documents and Settings" to move over to the "G" drive. So that when I want to load photographs from my camera to the computer it goes for C:Documents and SettingsMy NameMy DocumentsMy Pictures. Instead I would like it to go to G:Documents and SettingsMy NameMy DocumentsMy Pictures. Using Windows Explorer I changed the file name of "My Documents" to 'Windows XP old path My Documents" and then I was going to set up a new path to the "G" drive through Control Panel>Administrative Tools>Computer Managment>Disk Management.
However I noticed that when I clicked on Start in the bottom left hand corner and it puts up that little window that "My Documents" which was listed now had the new title 'Windows XP old path My Documents' which I believe means I haven't gotten to the proper place to change the main configuration for Documents and Settings. Long way of saying how do I change the basic configuration for where Document and Settings are stored to a new location.
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May 7, 2009
We just got a couple new Dell Optiplex 360 w/ XP and we need one to run SP2, not SP3. However, because we didn't update the machine--SP3 came w/the factory install--all the instructions I've found for uninstalling SP3 here and elsewhere don't apply as far as I can tell.1) Add/Remove w/ updates checked shows no service pack updates, SP2 or SP3 2) Windows Update history likewise shows no service pack updates 3) System info shows SP3.
The reason for the back up is the Cannon IR1310 printer attached to the machine locks the computer for 20-30 seconds before each print job. Updating drivers has not helped and we had the same issue with the last machine in that office--we had to back that up to SP2 after installing SP3 for the same reasons. No problems with network printers, just the local one and I think it is a printer-incompatability problem when using SP3.
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Jan 14, 2009
I want it to return to its �factory-condition�. I know this is possible, but I don�t know if I can do it myself. Can I?
I have a dell computer and my operating system is Windows XP.
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Jul 30, 2007
Currently I am running off of a Windows XP Home Edition. When I first plugged it in I had just resolution problems and windows opening up off of the available screen space. I even changed resolutions, etc. after fishing out the Display Settings window from the abyss. I tried rebooting and going into safe mode but once I got to the Settings screen, my arrow keys would not let me travel there.I figured since I really don't have anything but the Internet and messengers on this computer that I'd just restore the computer to factory settings. The problem? I don't know how. I am pretty sure I have all of the CDs, but if someone could give me a step-by-step that would be excellent. I could read it off of the laptop as I work on it. Try and make it as clear as possible
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Feb 11, 2009
Imedia 3034.my problems started on 20th jan,when my 8 yr old son try to download ie8,since then cannot connect to the internet,system restore not working.i,ve tried everything that people have told still no joy.took pc in to repair shop they say it has to cleaned and restored,they say it's because of ie8 plus it had viruses.i could not find any viruses.it only got cleaned one week before christmas at a cost ?60 now they want another ?60.how can i get it back to factory settings.what recoverer disc do i need all so what drivers do i need please help .safest site to download them.how do i restore windows will it still be on when i get back to factory settings?
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Dec 28, 2006
how do i do a master reset?I saw on one website to press ctrl and f11 but that brings me up the screen where you choose safe mode, i dont have a reboot disk my last option is factory reset.
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Dec 26, 2009
My computer showed it had a virus and I hit F-11 at startup to put the computer into Safe Mode, but during the process I ended up resetting my computer to the factory settings. The reset said that it would save all my current files into My Backup but I can not find them. I need to reverse the reset and bring my computer hard drive back to the current settings. How can I do this? I heard that the information is still on the hard drive, but I don't know how to retrieve it.
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Jul 12, 2005
hi folks, my problem is this, one of my home pcs a packard bell 1.5 p4 shows as having an invalid product key and wont let me update "ok" and when i try to install a fresh xp on top of it(legal) it will only get so far and then i get a stop screen come up and i have to shut it down and reopen using the allready installed xp, i dont have a recovery disc to return it to factory settings which leaves me stuck on the dodgy xp. My ? is this, is there some way i can enter the key without installing a fresh xp and if not how do i get past the stop screen and install. Any help and suggestions/advice will be greatly appreciated and i will supply any further info that may be necessary.
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Oct 25, 2007
Run the xp recovery cd and number 3 says no user image found and number 4 says no factory image found. I can't reboot my computer and start from scratch and have no idea on what to do lol, I did look all over the internet but didn't find any info.
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Aug 11, 2009
A BIG MISTAKE I found out later. Dell has a "PC Restore for Window XP" that I found out later.
Here's the link:http://support.dell.com/support/topi...docid=181316#1
Basically, "When the Dell splash screen appears during the computer startup process, press and hold <Ctrl> and then press <F11>. Then, release both keys at the same time.
NOTE: Some systems like Inspiron Mini 9 (910) do not support System Restore as they do not have <F11> nor any substitute."
In the Dell PC Restore by Symantec window, click Restore. Alternatively, press <Tab> to highlight Restore, and then press <Enter>.
I right clicked on "My Computer" icon to the "Microsoft's Management Console" window and I have 3 portion's.
The first one is a "Healthy EISA Configuration" that is FAT 31MBs., the 2nd one is "healthy Unknown Partition" that is a FAT32 3.49 GB's. And the 3rd is a healthy System
79.97 GB's. ( I have a 80 GB HD..
I wanted to restore my system to the factory settings ( I have all important file, music,pictures backup.
Is their any way to do this. I have tried the "system restore" , but I can't get back that far. I can only got back to May 4 2009.
Is there a "registry crack" I could do. Yes, I know the registry vert well.
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Mar 6, 2008
drivers from acer web site but the laptop needs factory resetting does anyone know where i can download the recovery cd
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Dec 27, 2008
I am preparing my computer for doing a full pc recovery process. I have had viruses and spyware in the past and still continuing windows errors. I want to wipe my hard drive and recover my pc back to factory HP state. I do not have any recovery discs for it. The recovery disc creator does not work and my laptop has been discontinued and they don't offer any support for it. So I will be using the recovery console partition HP has put on the computer. All of my important data is backed up to an external hard drive. Is this risky at all? Could the process error at all? I don't know if the partition could have been tampered with from all the malware and cleanups I have done to the computer. I am a little worried if something happens,
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Jun 28, 2005
I deleted my microsoft word program and can't retrieve it. I tried restoring the computer to an earlier time but that didn't work either. Whenever I try to access the word program I get a prompt that tells me to install the disk. I do not have the disk because the program were on the hp pc when I bought it. how I can reinstall the program (legally)?
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Aug 16, 2007
My sony vaio came with a recovery option basically its a small partition on my drive that i can access if i press f7 before i boot.it basically restores my PC to "factory Settings" as if were right out of the store with all drivers and preinstaled software.i want to make a similar disc for my desktop. i want to have it on a disc though and not a partition. dont care if its dvd or cdr .anyone know of a 'how to guide'
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Jan 24, 2007
I've been working on trying to restore my girlfriends Dell and I'm having no luck.
It's a pre June 2004 computer so the Ctrl F11 startup trick doens't work and i don't have a restore disk.
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Jul 29, 2005
I recently downloaded some drivers as I was trying to install a new printer who's software would'nt load. This did'nt solve the problem. I decided to get a printer that I had had before, Brother DCP-110C as I knew this had worked well. I tried to install yesterday (28th July) but could'nt and my PC keeps switching itself off near the end of the installation. I then thought I would use System restore to go back to a happier time when I had the first Brother printer. previous saved point wont let me to restore
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Jun 24, 2006
My computer started acting up the other day. It would teboot on its own. Then today, something sparked and smoked. I turned it off hard. Then after a while I turned it back on, but it said restarting set up and asked for the installation CD. I put it in and Windows installed, but my documents was all gone to about four months worth.
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Jun 24, 2005
I am using VNC behind a router - can anyone advise me as to how I configure VNC for remote working?
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Sep 15, 2006
I was messing around with CCleaner and deleted something to do with an old version of McAfee (which isn't even on my computer anymore) from the registry. Yes, it was stupid to mess with the registry I guess because I failed to make the backup and now my computer won't boot. I get the blue screen that says there was an error 0x0000008e, or something like that.
I have tried using F8 and choosing the last known good configuration but it doesn't work. Also, I can boot into safe mode and I tried running a system restore but after it finished and I rebooted, it said that I couldn't restore from that point.I haven't really tried another restore because I am a little afraid to do anything. I don't want to risk losing access in safe mode because I need to be able to back up some of my files if in case I have to do a reformat.
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Nov 4, 2006
My computer had a turn yesterday and kept giving me the blue screen error on start-up, so using my windows disk I managed to run chkdsk. So I can get on now, but certain things won't run, like Media Centre, Firefox has forgotten my settings and also my iriver doesn't get acknowledged when I plug it into a USB port.So I am trying to run System restore to go back a couple of days.I can get into restore, and go through everything up to the point where you click 'next' in order to restore it.I click on next but nothing happens, it just stays there.
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Feb 13, 2005
I am unable to acess any of my or XP's restore points. When I went to restore to an earlier date. All appeared to be going as it should. However, when I got to my profile a message window came up that said unable to restore to (chosen date/time) etc. I chose 3 other restore points over the last month, thinking it might be some recent problem, still a no go. Any help would be greatly appreciated? Is there a utility to use to check and see if there is something corrupted?
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