Submit a contribution
Original post : Restore To Factory Settings - Guide for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10.
Name
Email
Description
<strong>Factory Settings</strong> or <strong>Factory Defaults</strong> usually refers to performing a restore or a reset of your computer to its original configuration as it first was when it was purchased. A restore to factory settings is also known as a reset to factory settings or as a restore to factory defaults. Restoring a computer to its factory settings will delete all personal files: music, movies, pictures and any installed software applications or drivers that were not included in the original configuration of that computer. [toc] Your computer can be restored to its factory settings if any of the following are applicable to you: <ul> <li>You have a recovery partition installed on your computer. This partition is usually installed by the PC manufacturer (examples: <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/dell-recovery-partition/">Dell</a> or <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/hp-recovery-disk/">HP</a>) and can be used to restore a computer.</li> <li>You have a set of recovery discs for your computer. These discs usually come with your computer purchase and can be used to perform a restore.</li> <li>You have the original Windows installation disc. This is the original disc that has Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10. You can use this media to reinstall Windows.</li> </ul> If none of the above are applicable to you, you still have these options to restore or repair your computer: <ul> <li>Use System Restore. Windows XP-8 systems have the System Restore feature enabled by default which can be used to restore a PC to an earlier time. If System Restore wasn't enabled, you won't be able to use to restore the PC.</li> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/"><strong>Use Easy Recovery Essentials</strong></a>. Depending on the error your computer is showing, use the <strong>Automated Repair</strong> feature to automatically fix boot errors or its System Restore feature to restore your computer plus other useful features: access and backup your files, web browser, antivirus scanner etc.</li> </ul> <h2>Restore Windows XP to factory settings</h2> If no tools are available from the PC manufacturer, e.g. recovery disc or recovery partition, use the following tools from Windows XP itself to reset a computer to its factory settings: <ul> <li>The System Restore software (read instructions if you can boot into the system or instructions if you don't have a Windows XP CD)</li> <li>The installation CD to perform a Repair Install or a reinstall of the system</li> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> </ul> <h3>Restore with installation CD</h3> If System Restore isn't available for your Windows XP (turned off), use the original installation disc to perform a repair or reinstall Windows XP again. To perform a Repair Install, follow these steps: <ol> <li>Insert the original disc in the disc tray</li> <li>Start the computer</li> <li>Press any key when the computers shows the "Press any key to boot from CD" message</li> <li>Wait for the Windows XP CD to load</li> <li>At the <em>Welcome to Setup</em> screen, press <kbd>Enter</kbd> to access Repair Install. <p class="info">Do not press <kbd>R</kbd>. You don't need access to Recovery Console, but the Repair Install.</p> </li> <li>You must agree to the End-Use License Agreement. Press <kbd>F8</kbd> to agree.</li> <li>At the next screen, make sure that you have the drive where Windows XP is installed highlighted. This is usually presented as: <pre>C:\Windows "Microsoft Windows XP Professional"</pre> </li> <li>Confirm that Setup presents you with these 2 choices: <pre>To repair the selected Windows XP installation, press <kbd>R</kbd>.</pre> and <pre>To continue installing a fresh copy of Windows XP without repairing, press ESC.</pre> If you don't have the "press R" option, you can't perform a Repair Install.</li> <li>Once highlighted, press <kbd>R</kbd></li> <li>Wait for the process to perform Repair Install</li> <li>Windows XP Setup will begin to install the operating system again</li> <li>Continue with the steps of the wizard to setup the system again</li> </ol> For more information about System Restore on Windows XP systems, <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/windows-system-restore/#Restore_Windows_XP">read the Windows System Restore: Windows XP guide</a>. If you can't use the installation CD, you can use Easy Recovery Essentials: <ol> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> <li>Burn the ISO image. Follow these instructions <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/creating-a-bootable-cd-or-dvd/">on how to burn the bootable ISO image</a> very carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/tips-and-tricks/easyre-recovery-usb/">how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive</a>.</li> <li>Boot Easy Recovery Essentials</li> <li>Select Windows XP from the list and click System Restore<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/FoundDrives.png" /></li> <li>Choose a restore point<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestorePoints.png" /></li> <li>Easy Recovery Essentials will now create a backup of your current system configuration and begin restoring the selected snapshot<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestore.png" /></li> <li>Once the process is complete, click Restart</li> <li>Done! Your Windows XP should now start again.<img class="size-full wp-image-970" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/windows-xp-boot-screen.png" alt="Windows XP Boot Screen" /></li> </ol> <h3>Restore without installation CD</h3> If you don't have the original Windows XP installation CD, you may be able to use System Restore in Safe Mode if this feature was enabled from the start. To access Safe Mode, follow these steps: <ol> <li>Turn on the computer</li> <li>Press and hold the <kbd>F8</kbd> key right after booting</li> <li>At the <strong>Windows Advanced Options</strong> screen, choose <strong>Safe mode with a Command prompt</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/05/windows-xp-advanced-options-screen.png" /></li> <li>Once the option is highlighted, press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li> <li>Login as Administrator or as any user with administrative rights to your PC</li> <li>When Command Prompt appears, type this command and hit <kbd>Enter</kbd>: <pre>%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe</pre> </li> <li>Follow the next of instructions to continue with System Restore.</li> </ol> If you can't boot into Safe Mode, access System Restore from Easy Recovery Essentials: <ol> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> <li>Burn the ISO image. Follow these instructions <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/creating-a-bootable-cd-or-dvd/">on how to burn the bootable ISO image</a> very carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/tips-and-tricks/easyre-recovery-usb/">how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive</a>.</li> <li>Boot Easy Recovery Essentials</li> <li>Select Windows XP from the list and click System Restore<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/FoundDrives.png" /></li> <li>Choose a restore point<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestorePoints.png" /></li> <li>Easy Recovery Essentials will now create a backup of your current system configuration and begin restoring the selected snapshot<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestore.png" /></li> <li>Once the process is complete, click Restart</li> <li>Done! Your Windows XP should now start again.<img class="size-full wp-image-970" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/windows-xp-boot-screen.png" alt="Windows XP Boot Screen" /></li> </ol> <h3>Other options for restore</h3> <strong>Method #1: </strong> Reinstall Windows XP If <strong>Fix #1 (Repair Install)</strong> explained above doesn't fix the computer, you can also reinstall the system to have a hard reset of your system. <p class="warning">Reinstalling Windows XP will delete all personal files. Use <a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Easy Recovery Essentials</a> to backup your files before you proceed.</p> To do so, follow these steps: <ol> <li>Insert the Windows XP CD in the tray</li> <li>Turn on the system</li> <li>Press any key to boot from the CD, when at the "Press any key to boot from CD" screen</li> <li>Wait for the CD to load the necessary library of files</li> <li>At the <em>Welcome to Setup</em> screen, press <kbd>Enter</kbd> to begin the installation</li> <li>Agree to the End-Use License Agreement. Press <kbd>F8</kbd> to do so.</li> <li>Select where to install Windows XP. You can also use the D and C keys to delete and then create a new partition.</li> <li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd> to install the system on the selected partition (highlighted)</li> <li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd> to continue</li> <li>Choose to format the partition</li> <li>Wait for the process to finish</li> <li>Remove the CD from the disc tray when Setup mentions that your computer will restart</li> <li>Wait for the system to boot into the Windows XP</li> <li>Follow the instructions of the wizard to setup the system again</li> </ol> <strong>Method #2:</strong> Use Easy Recovery Essentials Easy Recovery Essentials (or <strong>EasyRE</strong>) can be used to repair or restore a Windows XP system: <ul> <li>Find and fix errors automatically with Automated Repair</li> <li>Recover your PC from infections with the built-in antivirus</li> <li>Restore your PC to a working state</li> <li>Access and backup your most important data (like documents, pictures, music, videos and so on)</li> </ul> <a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a> <h2>Restore Windows Vista to factory settings</h2> To restore a Windows Vista to factory settings, you can use: <ul> <li>System Restore to restore the computer to an earlier working session</li> <li>An install CD to run System Restore, a Startup Repair or a reinstall to restore the computer</li> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> </ul> If the above aren't available for you, you can also boot into Safe Mode and attempt to run System Restore and Startup Repair. To perform a hard reset of the computer, you need the installation disc to reinstall Windows Vista. <h3>Restore with installation CD/DVD</h3> If you still have the original Windows Vista CD/DVD and the CD has the Startup Repair feature installed, you can use it to either repair your computer or reinstall the system. <strong>Fix #1:</strong> Run Startup Repair Startup Repair won't reset a computer to its original factory settings, but it can attempt to fix various errors. To run Startup Repair follow these instructions: <ol> <li>Boot the computer</li> <li>Insert the Windows Vista CD</li> <li>Press any key at the "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD" screen</li> <li>At the <em>Install Windows</em> window, select your language, time and currency and keyboard method</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Click <strong>Repair Your Computer</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/06/windows-vista-repair-your-computer.png" /></li> <li>Select the operating system from the list</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Wait for Startup Repair to search and fix for any issues it finds</li> <li>At the <em>Restart your computer to complete the repairs</em> screen, click Finish</li> </ol> <strong>Fix #2:</strong> Use Easy Recovery Essentials Easy Recovery Essentials can access System Restore snapshots created on a Windows Vista computer. To do so, follow these steps: <ol> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> <li>Burn the ISO image. Follow these instructions <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/creating-a-bootable-cd-or-dvd/">on how to burn the bootable ISO image</a> very carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/tips-and-tricks/easyre-recovery-usb/">how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive</a>.</li> <li>Boot Easy Recovery Essentials</li> <li>Select Windows Vista from the list and click System Restore<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/FoundDrives.png" /></li> <li>Choose a restore point<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestorePoints.png" /></li> <li>Easy Recovery Essentials will now create a backup of your current system configuration and begin restoring the selected snapshot<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestore.png" /></li> <li>Once the process is complete, click Restart</li> <li>Done! Your Windows Vista should now start again.<img class="size-full wp-image-970" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/windows-vista-boot-screen.gif" alt="Windows Vista Boot Screen" width="640" height="480" /></li> </ol> <h3>Restore without installation CD/DVD</h3> <strong>Fix #1:</strong> Run System Restore from Safe Mode System Restore may also be available via Safe Mode without a need for the original Windows Vista installation CD. <p class="info">System Restore will not work if it has been turned off!</p> To access System Restore via Safe Mode, follow these steps: <ol> <li>Start the PC</li> <li>Press and hold the <kbd>F8</kbd> key before the Windows Vista logo appears on your monitor</li> <li>At the Advanced Boot Options, select <strong>Safe mode with Command Prompt</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/09/Advanced-Boot-Options-menu.png" /></li> <li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li> <li>When Command Prompt is available, type the following command: <pre>rstrui.exe</pre> </li> <li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li> <li>Enter the password for the Administrator and press <kbd>Enter</kbd>, if prompted to do so</li> <li>Follow the wizard instructions to choose a restore point</li> </ol> <strong>Fix #2:</strong> Run Startup Repair from Safe Mode Startup Repair might also be installed on your hard disk. Startup Repair won't reset your computer to its factory settings, but it can attempt to fix various errors. To access it, follow these instructions: <ol> <li>Boot the computer</li> <li>Press <kbd>F8</kbd> and hold until your system boots into Windows Advanced Boot Options</li> <li>Select Repair Cour Computer<img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/02/advanced-boot-options-repair-computer-windows-vista-on-dell.png" /></li> <li>Select a keyboard layout</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Login as an administrative user</li> <li>Click OK</li> <li>At the System Recovery Options window, select <strong>Startup Repair</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/06/windows-vista-system-recovery-options.jpg" /></li> </ol> <strong>Fix #3:</strong> Use Easy Recovery Essentials Easy Recovery Essentials can access the snapshots created by System Restore on a Windows Vista computer. Follow these steps: <ol> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> <li>Burn the ISO image. Follow these instructions <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/creating-a-bootable-cd-or-dvd/">on how to burn the bootable ISO image</a> very carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/tips-and-tricks/easyre-recovery-usb/">how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive</a>.</li> <li>Boot Easy Recovery Essentials</li> <li>Select Windows Vista and click System Restore<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/FoundDrives.png" /></li> <li>Choose a restore point<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestorePoints.png" /></li> <li>Easy Recovery Essentials will now create a backup of your current system configuration and begin restoring the selected snapshot<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestore.png" /></li> <li>Once the process is complete, click Restart</li> <li>Done! Your Windows Vista should now start again.<img class="size-full wp-image-970" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/windows-vista-boot-screen.gif" alt="Windows Vista Boot Screen" width="640" height="480" /></li> </ol> <h3>Other options for restore</h3> <strong>Method #1:</strong> Run System Restore from Windows Vista Windows Vista systems can be restored to an earlier time if System Restore was enabled and was able to create snapshots correctly. If you can access System Restore on your Windows Vista system, follow these steps: <ol> <li>Boot your computer</li> <li>Click <strong>Start</strong></li> <li>Type <code>restore</code> in the search bar</li> <li>Select <strong>Backup and Restore Center</strong> from the search results list<img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/05/windows-vista-backup-and-restore-center.png" /></li> <li>Select either to select a custom date for restore or a recommended date by Windows Vista</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Click Yes, at the warning message<img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/05/windows-vista-system-restore-warning.png" /></li> <li>Wait for process to finish</li> <li>Your computer may restart</li> <li>When your computer boots back, click <strong>Close</strong> when presented with the success message: <em>System Restore completed successfully</em></li> </ol> For more information about System Restore on Windows Vista systems, <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/windows-system-restore/#Restore_Windows_Vista">read the Windows System Restore: Windows Vista guide</a>. <strong>Method #2:</strong> Reinstall Windows Vista To reinstall Windows Vista and perform a hard reset of your computer, follow these steps: <p class="warning">Reinstalling Windows Vista will delete all personal files. Use <a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Easy Recovery Essentials</a> to backup your files before you proceed.</p> <ol> <li>Insert the install CD</li> <li>Restart the computer</li> <li>Press any key to boot from the CD when prompted to do so</li> <li>At the <em>Install Windows</em> window, select a language, time and keyboard method</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Click <strong>Install Now</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/06/windows-vista-repair-your-computer.png" /></li> <li>Follow the wizard instructions to install Windows Vista on your computer</li> </ol> <strong>Method #3:</strong> Use Easy Recovery Essentials Easy Recovery Essentials (or <strong>EasyRE</strong>) can be used to repair or restore a Windows Vista system: <ul> <li>Find and fix errors automatically with Automated Repair</li> <li>Recover your PC from infections with the built-in antivirus</li> <li>Restore your PC to a working state</li> <li>Access and backup your most important data (like documents, pictures, music, videos and so on)</li> </ul> <a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a> <h2>Restore Windows 7 to factory settings</h2> Windows 7 systems can be restored to factory settings (or factory defaults) if you have the installation disc available to perform a reinstall or a complete new installation of Windows 7. If a disc isn't available, you can use System Restore or Startup Repair to either restore the computer to an earlier working time or to potentially repair errors. You can also use <a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Easy Recovery Essentials</a>. <h3>Restore with installation CD/DVD</h3> If you have the Windows 7 installation disc available, you can use it to perform a repair of your computer (and attempt to fix potential issues), a restore if System Restore is enabled, or to reinstall Windows 7. <strong>Fix #1:</strong> Run Startup Repair or System Restore from the disc The steps are: <ol> <li>Start the computer</li> <li>Press and hold the <kbd>F8</kbd> key</li> <li>At Advanced Boot Options, choose <strong>Repair Your Computer</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/09/Windows-7-Advanced-Boot-Options.png" /></li> <li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li> <li>Select a keyboard language and click Next</li> <li>If prompted, login with an administrative account</li> <li>At the System Recovery Options, choose <strong>System Restore</strong> or <strong>Startup Repair</strong> (if this is available)</li> <li>Follow the wizard instructions to continue with any of the above</li> </ol> System Restore can restore your computer to an earlier date if it has been enabled and ran correctly, while Startup Repair can attempt to fix any found errors that may prevent you from starting Windows 7 <strong>Fix #2:</strong> Use Easy Recovery Essentials Easy Recovery Essentials can access System Restore snapshots: <ol> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> <li>Burn the ISO image. Follow these instructions <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/creating-a-bootable-cd-or-dvd/">on how to burn the bootable ISO image</a> very carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/tips-and-tricks/easyre-recovery-usb/">how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive</a>.</li> <li>Boot Easy Recovery Essentials</li> <li>Select Windows 7 and click System Restore<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/FoundDrives.png" /></li> <li>Choose a restore point<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestorePoints.png" /></li> <li>Easy Recovery Essentials will now create a backup of your current system configuration and begin restoring the selected snapshot<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestore.png" /></li> <li>Once the process is complete, click Restart</li> <li>Done! Your Windows 7 should now start again.<img class="size-full wp-image-970" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/windows-7-boot-screen.png" alt="Windows 7 Boot Screen" /></li> </ol> <h3>Restore without installation CD/DVD</h3> If no install CD or DVD is available, you can boot into Safe Mode and run System Restore. <strong>Fix #1:</strong> Run System Restore from Safe Mode Before you begin, note that you can't undo a restore if you run it from Safe Mode. The instructions are: <ol> <li>Turn on the computer</li> <li>Press and hold the <kbd>F8</kbd> key</li> <li>At the Advanced Boot Options screen, choose <strong>Safe Mode with Command Prompt</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/09/Windows-7-Advanced-Boot-Options.png" /></li> <li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li> <li>Log in as Administrator</li> <li>When Command Prompt appears, type this command: <pre>rstrui.exe</pre> </li> <li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li> <li>Follow the wizard instructions to continue with System Restore</li> </ol> Or, you can run System Restore via the System Recovery Options menu: <ol> <li>Turn the computer and press the <kbd>F8</kbd> key as above</li> <li>When you are at the Advanced Boot Options screen, choose <strong>Repair Your Computer</strong></li> <li>Choose a keyboard layout</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>At the System Recovery Options window, choose <strong>System Restore</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/05/windows-7-system-recovery-options-screen.jpg" /></li> <li>Follow the instructions to start the restore process</li> </ol> <strong>Fix #2:</strong> Run Startup Repair Startup Repair can be included on your computer. You can run Startup Repair to perform a scan and fix potential issues. Startup Repair doesn't restore a computer to its factory settings, but it can potentially fix errors that prevent you from booting into the system. The steps to access Startup Repair are: <ol> <li>Start the computer</li> <li>Press the <kbd>F8</kbd> key before the Windows 7 logo appears</li> <li>At Advanced Boot Options, choose <strong>Repair Your Computer</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/09/Windows-7-Advanced-Boot-Options.png" /></li> <li>Press <kbd>Enter</kbd></li> <li>At the System Recovery Options window, choose <strong>Startup Repair</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/05/windows-7-system-recovery-options-screen.jpg" /></li> <li>Follow the instructions to start the repair process</li> </ol> <strong>Fix #3:</strong> Use Easy Recovery Essentials Easy Recovery Essentials can access the snapshots created by Windows 7 System Restore. Follow these steps to access your computer's restore snapshots: <ol> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> <li>Burn the ISO image. Follow these instructions <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/creating-a-bootable-cd-or-dvd/">on how to burn the bootable ISO image</a> very carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/tips-and-tricks/easyre-recovery-usb/">how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive</a>.</li> <li>Boot Easy Recovery Essentials</li> <li>Select Windows 7 and click System Restore<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/FoundDrives.png" /></li> <li>Choose a restore point<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestorePoints.png" /></li> <li>Easy Recovery Essentials will now create a backup of your current system configuration and begin restoring the selected snapshot<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestore.png" /></li> <li>Once the process is complete, click Restart</li> <li>Done! Your Windows 7 should now start again.<img class="size-full wp-image-970" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/windows-7-boot-screen.png" alt="Windows 7 Boot Screen" /></li> </ol> <h3>Other options for restore</h3> <strong>Method #1:</strong> Access System Restore from Windows 7 If you can access and boot into your Windows 7 system, you can use System Restore by following these steps: <ol> <li>Boot the computer</li> <li>Click Start</li> <li>Type <code>system restore</code> in the search bar</li> <li>Select <strong>System Restore</strong> from the search result lists</li> <li>Type the password of an administrator, if prompted to do so</li> <li>Click Next<img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/05/windows-7-system-restore-screen.png" /></li> <li>Select <strong>Choose a different restore point</strong></li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Select a restore point from the list</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Click Finish</li> <li>Click <strong>Yes</strong> to confirm the process</li> <li>The process will now start</li> <li>Your computer may reboot</li> <li>Click <strong>Close</strong> when the <em>System Restore completed successfully</em> message appears</li> </ol> For more information about System Restore on Windows 7 system, <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/windows-system-restore/#Restore_Windows_7">read the Windows System Restore: Windows 7 guide</a>. <strong>Method #2:</strong> Install Windows 7 again To perform a hard reset of your computer, you can install Windows 7 again on your computer. <p class="warning">This procedure erases everything on your computer. Backup your files before you continue! Use the Browse/Backup Files feature from <a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Easy Recovery Essentials</a> to backup your files. It works even if you can't boot into Windows.</p> The steps to install Windows 7 are: <ol> <li>Insert the CD or DVD in the disc tray</li> <li>Boot the computer</li> <li>At the <em>Install Windows</em> screen, select a language, time and keyboard</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Click <strong>Install Now</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/10/Install-Now-Windows-7.jpg" /></li> <li>Accept the license terms by clicking the "<strong>I accept the license terms</strong>" checkbox</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Select <strong>Custom (advanced)</strong> at the "Which type of installation do you want?" question screen</li> <li>Follow the instructions to install Windows 7</li> </ol> <strong>Method #3:</strong> Use Easy Recovery Essentials Easy Recovery Essentials (or <strong>EasyRE</strong>) can be used to repair or restore a Windows 7 system: <ul> <li>Find and fix errors automatically with Automated Repair</li> <li>Recover your PC from infections with the built-in antivirus</li> <li>Restore your PC to a working state</li> <li>Access and backup your most important data (like documents, pictures, music, videos and so on)</li> </ul> <a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a> <h2>Restore Windows 8, 8.1 to factory settings</h2> Windows 8 can be restored to factory settings by either performing a "refresh" of your PC (without affecting your files) or by performing a "reset" (this removes personal files). Other options include a system restore if System Restore wasn't turned off or <a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">using Easy Recovery Essentials</a>. <h3>Refresh Windows 8</h3> Before you perform a "refresh" of your Windows 8, read the following notes: <ul> <li>If your current version is 8.1, upgraded from 8.0, the refresh operation will restore Windows 8.0 back. After the restore you need to upgrade to Windows 8.1.</li> <li>Applications installed will be removed and a backup folder will be created for them. Applications that were originally installed with Windows 8 will be reinstalled.</li> </ul> To refresh Windows 8, follow these steps: <ol> <li>Start Windows 8</li> <li>Go to <strong>Settings</strong> either by swiping in from the right edge of the screen or by pointing the mouse in the upper-right corner of the screen</li> <li>Click <strong>Change PC Settings</strong></li> <li>Click <strong>Update and recovery</strong></li> <li>Click <strong>Recovery</strong></li> <li>At the <em>Refresh your PC without affecting your files</em>, click <strong>Get started</strong></li> <li>Follow the instructions on the screen</li> </ol> If you can't boot into Windows 8 to perform a Refresh, use the Automated Repair feature from Easy Recovery Essentials to fix any potential boot errors on your computer: <ol> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> <li>Burn the ISO image. Follow these instructions <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/creating-a-bootable-cd-or-dvd/">on how to burn the bootable ISO image</a> very carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/tips-and-tricks/easyre-recovery-usb/">how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive</a>.</li> <li>Boot Easy Recovery Essentials</li> <li>Choose Automated Repair and click Continue</li> <li>Choose your Windows installation drive's letter (usually C:\) and click Automated Repair</li> <li>Easy Recovery Essentials will now begin to fix errors automatically</li> <li>Once the process is complete, click Restart</li> <li>Done! Your Windows 8 should now start again.<img class="size-full wp-image-970" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/windows-8-boot-screen.png" alt="Windows 8 Boot Screen" /></li> </ol> <h3>Reset Windows 8</h3> <p class="warning">A "reset" of Windows 8 removes all personal files from your computer.</p> Similar to a refresh of the system, if you upgraded from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, the reset will restore Windows 8.0. You will need to upgrade to Windows 8.1 afterwards. The steps are: <ol> <li>Start Windows 8</li> <li>Go to Settings either by swiping in from the right edge of the screen or by pointing the mouse in the upper-right corner of the screen</li> <li>Click <strong>Change PC Settings</strong></li> <li>Click <strong>Update and recovery</strong></li> <li>Click <strong>Recovery</strong></li> <li>Under the <em>Remove everything and reinstall Windows</em> section, click <strong>Get started</strong></li> <li>Follow the instructions on the screen</li> </ol> If you can't boot into Windows 8 to perform the Reset, use the Easy Recovery Essentials and run Automated Repair to fix any potential boot errors: <ol> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> <li>Burn the ISO image. Follow these instructions <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/creating-a-bootable-cd-or-dvd/">on how to burn the bootable ISO image</a> very carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/tips-and-tricks/easyre-recovery-usb/">how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive</a>.</li> <li>Boot Easy Recovery Essentials</li> <li>Choose Automated Repair and click Continue</li> <li>Choose your Windows installation drive's letter (usually C:\) and click Automated Repair</li> <li>Easy Recovery Essentials will now begin to fix errors automatically</li> <li>Once the process is complete, click Restart</li> <li>Done! Your Windows 8 should now start again.<img class="size-full wp-image-970" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/windows-8-boot-screen.png" alt="Windows XP Boot Screen" /></li> </ol> <h3>Restore with System Restore</h3> System Restore can restore your Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 to a working condition. To access any of System Restore's created snapshots, you must load the utility by any of these methods: <ul> <li>Access it from within Windows 8, if you can boot into Windows 8</li> <li>Access it using the original Windows 8 installation DVD or Windows 8.1 installation USB</li> <li>Access the snapshots created by System Restore with <a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> </ul> <strong>Method #1:</strong> Access System Restore from within Windows 8/8.1 <ol> <li>Open Windows 8</li> <li>Type <code>system restore</code> in the search bar</li> <li>Select <strong>Create a restore point</strong> from the search results list<img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/05/windows-8-create-a-restore-point.png" /></li> <li>Click <strong>System Restore</strong> from the System Protection tab</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Select any of the restore points available</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Confirm the action by clicking <strong>Yes</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/05/windows-8-system-restore-warning-message.png" /></li> <li>Your computer will restart</li> <li>Continue with the restore process instructions by logging back and going to Desktop. A success message should appear: <em>System Restore completed successfully.</em></li> </ol> <strong>Method #2:</strong> Access System Restore at boot using the installation media. [setupcd] To access the snapshots, you need the installation media: original Windows 8 DVD or original Windows 8.1 USB drive. It's the media you used to install Windows. The steps are: <ol> <li>Insert the Windows 8/8.1 installation media</li> <li>Restart the computer</li> <li>At the <em>Install</em> screen, click <strong>Repair your computer</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/06/windows-8-repair-your-computer-screen.png" alt="Install Screen on Windows 8" /></li> <li>Click <strong>Troubleshoot</strong></li> <li>At the <em>Advanced Options</em> screen, click <strong>System Restore</strong></li> <li>Login as Administrator</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Make sure that the <strong>Choose a different restore point</strong> option is selected</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Select a restore point</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Click Next again, at the <em>Confirm your restore point</em> screen</li> <li>Click <strong>Yes</strong> at the warning message to confirm the procedure</li> <li>Wait for the process to finish</li> <li>The PC may restart</li> <li>Login back and go to Desktop</li> <li>The success message should now appear: <em>System Restore completed successfully.</em></li> </ol> <strong>Method #3:</strong> Access the snapshots with Easy Recovery Essentials Easy Recovery Essentials can access the snapshots created by System Restore and restore your computer. To do so, follow these steps: <ol> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> <li>Burn the ISO image. Follow these instructions <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/creating-a-bootable-cd-or-dvd/">on how to burn the bootable ISO image</a> very carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/tips-and-tricks/easyre-recovery-usb/">how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive</a>.</li> <li>Boot Easy Recovery Essentials</li> <li>Select Windows 8 and click System Restore<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/FoundDrives.png" /></li> <li>Choose a restore point<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestorePoints.png" /></li> <li>Easy Recovery Essentials will now create a backup of your current system configuration and begin restoring the selected snapshot<img src="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/images/screenshots/SystemRestore.png" /></li> <li>Once the process is complete, click Restart</li> <li>Done! Your Windows 8 should now start again.<img class="size-full wp-image-970" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/windows-8-boot-screen.png" alt="Windows 8 Boot Screen" /></li> </ol> <h2>Restore Windows 10 to factory settings</h2> Windows 10 can be restored to factory settings by either performing a "refresh" of your PC (without affecting your files) or by performing a "reset" (this removes personal files). Other options include a system restore if System Restore wasn't turned off or <a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">using Easy Recovery Essentials</a>. <h3>Refresh Windows 10</h3> To refresh Windows 10, follow these steps: <ol> <li>Start Windows 10</li> <li>Open the <strong>Start Menu, </strong>type <strong>Recovery</strong> and press <strong>Enter</strong></li> <li>On the <strong>Recovery</strong> screen, click on the <b>Get started</b> button on the right side under <b>Reset this PC</b></li> <li>If prompted to <b>Insert Media</b>, you will need to insert your Windows 10 <b>installation media </b>to continue</li> <li>Click on <b>Keep my files</b></li> <li>If you have any apps that will be removed, then review the list, and click on <b>Next</b> when ready</li> <li>Click on <b>Reset</b> to begin.</li> </ol> If you can't boot into Windows 10 to perform a Refresh, use the Automated Repair feature from Easy Recovery Essentials to fix any potential boot errors on your computer: <ol> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> <li>Burn the ISO image. Follow these instructions <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/creating-a-bootable-cd-or-dvd/">on how to burn the bootable ISO image</a> very carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/tips-and-tricks/easyre-recovery-usb/">how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive</a>.</li> <li>Boot Easy Recovery Essentials</li> <li>Choose Automated Repair and click Continue</li> <li>Choose your Windows installation drive's letter (usually C:\) and click Automated Repair</li> <li>Easy Recovery Essentials will now begin to fix errors automatically</li> <li>Once the process is complete, click Restart</li> <li>Done! Your Windows 10 should now start again.<img class="size-full wp-image-970" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/windows-8-boot-screen.png" alt="Windows 8 Boot Screen" /></li> </ol> Alternatively, you may also try to refresh your PC by booting into the <strong>Advanced Startup </strong>option, clicking <strong>Troubleshoot</strong> -> <strong>Reset this PC </strong>and then following the instructions on the screen. <h3>Reset Windows 10</h3> <p class="warning">A "reset" of Windows 10 removes all personal files from your computer.</p> The steps are: <ol> <li>Start Windows 10</li> <li>Open the <strong>Start Menu, </strong>type <strong>Recovery</strong> and press <strong>Enter</strong></li> <li>On the <strong>Recovery</strong> screen, click on the <b>Get started</b> button on the right side under <b>Reset this PC</b></li> <li>If prompted to <b>Insert Media</b>, you will need to insert your Windows 10 <b>installation media </b>to continue</li> <li>Click on <b>Remove everything</b></li> <li>If your PC has more than one drive (partition) on the Windows 10 disk, then select to remove all files (delete) from only the <b>Windows drive</b> or from <b>all drives</b>. (see screenshots below)</li> <li>Click on either <b>Just remove my files</b> or <b>Fully clean the drive</b> for how you want to clean your drive.</li> <li>Click on <b>Reset</b> to begin.</li> </ol> If you can't boot into Windows 10 to perform the Reset, use the Easy Recovery Essentials and run Automated Repair to fix any potential boot errors: <ol> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> <li>Burn the ISO image. Follow these instructions <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/creating-a-bootable-cd-or-dvd/">on how to burn the bootable ISO image</a> very carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/tips-and-tricks/easyre-recovery-usb/">how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive</a>.</li> <li>Boot Easy Recovery Essentials</li> <li>Choose Automated Repair and click Continue</li> <li>Choose your Windows installation drive's letter (usually C:\) and click Automated Repair</li> <li>Easy Recovery Essentials will now begin to fix errors automatically</li> <li>Once the process is complete, click Restart</li> <li>Done! Your Windows 8 should now start again.<img class="size-full wp-image-970" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/windows-8-boot-screen.png" alt="Windows XP Boot Screen" /></li> </ol> Alternatively, you may also try to reset your PC by booting into the <strong>Advanced Startup </strong>option, clicking <strong>Troubleshoot</strong> -> <strong>Reset this PC </strong>and then following the instructions on the screen. <h3>Restore with System Restore</h3> System Restore can restore your Windows 10 to a working condition. To access any of System Restore's created snapshots, you must load the utility by any of these methods: <ul> <li>Access it from within Windows 10, if you can boot into Windows 10</li> <li>Access it using the original Windows 10 installation DVD or Windows 10 installation USB</li> <li>Access the snapshots created by System Restore with <a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> </ul> <strong>Method #1:</strong> Access System Restore from within Windows 10 <ol> <li>Open <strong>Windows 10</strong></li> <li>Open the <strong>Control Panel</strong></li> <li>Type <code>recovery</code> in the search bar and press <strong>Enter<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4976" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/08/Win10_recovery1.png" alt="win10_recovery" width="369" height="623" /></strong></li> <li>Click <strong>Open System Restore</strong> from the Recovery screen</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Select any of the restore points available</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Confirm the action by clicking <strong>Yes</strong><img src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/05/windows-8-system-restore-warning-message.png" /></li> <li>Your computer will restart</li> <li>Continue with the restore process instructions by logging back and going to Desktop. A success message should appear: <em>System Restore completed successfully.</em></li> </ol> <strong>Method #2:</strong> Access System Restore at boot using the installation media. [setupcd] To access the snapshots, you need the original Windows 10 installation media. It's the media you used to install Windows. The steps are: <ol> <li>Insert the Windows 10 installation media</li> <li>Restart the computer</li> <li>At the <em>Install</em> screen, click <strong>Repair your computer<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4977" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/08/Win10_setup.png" alt="win10_setup" width="603" height="419" /></strong></li> <li>Click <strong>Troubleshoot</strong></li> <li>At the <em>Advanced Options</em> screen, click <strong>System Restore</strong></li> <li>Choose the Operating System you want to restore</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Choose the <strong>Restore Point</strong> you want to use</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Click Next</li> <li>Click <strong>Yes</strong> at the warning message to confirm the procedure</li> <li>Wait for the process to finish</li> <li>The PC may restart</li> <li>Login back and go to Desktop</li> <li>The success message should now appear: <em>System Restore completed successfully.</em></li> </ol> <strong>Method #3:</strong> Access the snapshots with Easy Recovery Essentials Easy Recovery Essentials can access the snapshots created by System Restore and restore your computer. To do so, follow these steps: <ol> <li><a href="https://neosmart.net/EasyRE/">Download Easy Recovery Essentials</a></li> <li>Burn the ISO image. Follow these instructions <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/creating-a-bootable-cd-or-dvd/">on how to burn the bootable ISO image</a> very carefully, as making a bootable CD can be tricky! Alternatively, these instructions explain <a href="https://neosmart.net/wiki/easybcd/tips-and-tricks/easyre-recovery-usb/">how to create a bootable EasyRE recovery USB stick/drive</a>.</li> <li>Boot Easy Recovery Essentials</li> <li>Select Windows 10 and click System Restore<img class="alignnone wp-image-4980" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/08/W10_restore_drives1.png" alt="w10_restore_drives" width="1520" height="1040" /></li> <li>Choose a restore point<img class="alignnone wp-image-4981" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/08/W10_restore_points.png" alt="w10_restore_points" width="1520" height="1040" /></li> <li>Easy Recovery Essentials will now create a backup of your current system configuration and begin restoring the selected snapshot<img class="alignnone wp-image-4982" src="https://neosmart.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2014/08/W10_restore_success.png" alt="w10_restore_success" width="1520" height="1040" /></li> <li>Once the process is complete, click Restart</li> <li>Done! Your Windows 10 should now start again.<img class="size-full wp-image-970" src="/wiki/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2013/08/windows-8-boot-screen.png" alt="Windows 8 Boot Screen" /></li> </ol> <h2>More Information</h2> [partial name="partial_moreinfo" versions="xp,vista,7,8,10,server2003,server2008,server2012"]