How to reset the Windows 7 system. Reset your computer to factory settings
If you're tired of fooling around with your computer, you'll find that the best way to improve its performance is to reset it to factory settings. This article will give you instructions on how to restore your computer to factory settings. These are very simple tasks to know how to factory reset your computer. But it takes quite a long time, you can be sure that anyone can do it. Very often the last thing is to try to get your computer to work correctly as before. Keep in mind that while this process works for some, it may not work for others. If it works, then it's good; If that's not the case, then it's time to invest in a new computer instead of bothering with a restore again. This article will give the main reasons and how to do it.
Need to reset
In case of a virus attack on your computer, sometimes the best way to get rid of it is to reset the device to factory settings. Since it cleans the entire disk, it also removes viruses.
The second common reason is that your machine may be too slow or not working properly.
If you want to sell your old PC, then again, you want to keep the factory settings so that the new user gets a blank disk. This is one of the answers to the question of how to clean a computer hard drive.
From CD
If you still have the CD that came with the machine when you purchased it, this task becomes very easy. Here's how to do it - from a CD.
Get a backup of all your important files on a DVD or USB drive or other hard drive. This happens because it is a process of wiping data from your hard drive and you may end up losing very important documents. So, get a backup of all your data first.
Now, insert the CD into the CD drive. The PC will then need to run the CD and it will ask you if you want to restore the computer to factory settings.
Click 'Yes', and be patient as the reboot begins. The process may take a few hours, but once it's finished, your car will be as good as new.
Without CD
If your computer is really old, then chances are that you probably have the wrong CD. Don't worry because this process can be done without a CD.
Back up all files as indicated in step one in the previous paragraph.
Restart your computer and press the F1 key several times once a blank screen appears. The blank screen appears only when you turn on the PC.
By pressing the F1 button, you will be presented with a setup mode that allows you to change the settings.
In the menu, you will find an option to reset your PC to factory settings. Select this option.
As in the previous case, this process may take several hours.
Setting up Windows after recovery
After the machine restarts, in “Customize Windows Display”, click “Next”.
On the 'Please read the terms of the license agreement' screen, select 'I accept the license terms' for each item, and then click the 'Next' button.
In the ‘Select username’ window, enter your details and click ‘Next’.
Enter the computer name, and select the desktop screen background, and then click the ‘Next’ button.
In the 'Help protect Windows automatically' window, click 'Use recommended settings'.
Setting the time and date in the window. Click 'Next'.
In the “Select your current computer location” field on the screen, click the Home button.
On the "Thank you" screen, click the Start button.
Windows will now check your machine's performance. This may take a few minutes.
Windows will be ready after preparing the desktop and completing the recovery process.
Once the repair process is complete, Windows will show the desktop. This is how you have to restore a computer without a CD. The appliances vary among different brands such as Asus, HP, Toshiba, Dell, Acer, etc.
Things to do post-recovery
Driver update.
Download and install security software.
Copy saved files.
Download programs such as Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, Adobe Shockwave, Java, etc.
Reinstall all other necessary programs.
Nowadays, laptops are equipped with a "Factory Reset" button, so the job becomes even easier as you can do it with the click of a single button! This is a fairly simple job and only takes a little time. But at the end of it, you will have your car as good as new!
(No ratings yet)Windows 10, like any operating system, may not work correctly. When the number of errors exceeds all acceptable standards, and the computer begins to slow down, there is a logical desire to reset Windows 10 to factory settings. Fortunately, you don’t have to reinstall the system to do this – you can simply use a special recovery tool.
Attention. Some site users wrote in the comments that when performing the reset procedure they encountered errors and the system stopped loading.
I tested the factory reset tool several times on test systems and came to the conclusion that this problem occurs on certain builds of Windows 10. For example, I got similar errors when testing build 10240, and on build 10586 everything worked without problems. You can check the build version by running the command winver through the Run window (Windows key combination + R).
Rollback to original state
After upgrading to Windows 10 within 31 days, you can quickly roll back to the previous version. If a month has already passed, or you performed a clean installation with partition formatting after the update, then the quick rollback function will disappear, since the Windows.old folder (the files of the old system are stored in it) will be deleted.
How to return the computer to its original state in this case? Use the special Windows 10 Settings feature:
- Expand the Start menu and launch Settings.
- Go to the Update & Security tab.
- Open the "Recovery" section.
The "Recovery" section has two functions - returning the computer to its original state and launching special boot options. The first tool you need is a factory reset tool.
When reverting to the original state, bootable media is not required. The procedure involves files that are stored on a special partition (its size is about 500 MB).
To begin the rollback, click “Start.” A window for selecting the return to original files mode will appear. There are two options:
- Save files. All applications and settings will be deleted, but user files will remain.
- Delete everything. All information will be erased from the hard drive, including your files.
To avoid the hassle of overwriting information to other media, choose a rollback with saving files. The device preparation will begin.
After preparation is completed, a complete list of programs that will be uninstalled as a result of a system rollback will be displayed. The list will include all applications that you have installed (browsers, games, graphic editors, etc.). If you agree, click Next.
On the next screen of the reset wizard, carefully read about the progress of the rollback procedure and its consequences. If you are satisfied with everything, click the “Reset” button.
After starting the rollback procedure, the computer will reboot. Your participation will no longer be required, since the machine will perform all the necessary actions on its own. After the reset is successfully completed, you will receive a new system without unnecessary programs and settings, but with your files. 
If you specified the complete data deletion mode, then when completing the rollback procedure you need to specify the system operating parameters and also create an account. After the rollback is complete, you will have a completely clean system.
System won't boot
We've figured out how to roll back settings in Windows, but how can we reset the settings if the system won't boot? In this case, you will have to use bootable media with the Windows 10 distribution.
Factory reset on laptop
The laptop has an additional built-in reset tool that allows you to quickly and without unnecessary settings roll back the system to its original state.
Important: for the system rollback tool to work, you need a partition with backup files. If you deleted it by formatting the disk during installation, you will not be able to return to its original state.
Depending on the laptop manufacturer, the reset tool is launched in different ways:
- ASUS – Press the F9 key when starting your computer until the recovery program window appears.
- HP - F11 key until the Recovery Manager utility appears (the program can be run in a Windows environment).
- Acer – Alt+F10. The password to launch the recovery utility is 000000 (six zeros). Additionally, eRecovery Management runs in a Windows environment.
- Samsung - F4 key on boot.
Since Windows 10 installation automatically turns on Fast Startup mode, you'll need to disable it in your BIOS before pressing the above keys. On the “Boot” tab there is a “Boot Booster” option - set it to “Disabled” and save the configuration. 
An alternative method is to turn on the laptop and then restart it. After the reboot, start pressing the desired key, the reset utility should launch. There is nothing complicated in working with it: usually the interface is completely translated into Russian and contains only one function - reset to original settings.
Sometimes a computer owner is faced with the need to clean the system of various bugs that interfere with normal operation. This can be done by reinstalling the operating system, or using special utilities. But there is a method that has several undeniable advantages over them.
Resetting the settings to factory defaults will help restore the device to functionality in most cases, even if you cannot start the OS. This method is especially relevant for those who do not want to waste time reinstalling the OS.
When restoring factory settings, the OS will be reinstalled automatically. You will not need to enter the OS activation code again. The version of Windows that came with the laptop when purchased will be restored.
By rolling back the BIOS, you will eliminate the problems listed above. In this article we will look at how to return a laptop to factory settings and restore its functionality. There are several methods, which we will take a closer look at.
The option to reset settings may be needed if:
What are the factory settings?
Factory settings are set by the manufacturer for a specific computer or laptop model. They store BIOS settings and computer configuration parameters. This information is located in the device's dynamic memory, which is called CMOS.
All factory settings take up very little space and are separately powered - from a small battery located on the motherboard.
You can reset the laptop parameters without access to the BIOS. To do this, simply remove the battery, wait 30-40 seconds, and insert it again.
After the process of resetting the BIOS settings is completed and the OS is reinstalled, you will receive the laptop in the same condition in which you bought it in the store.
It is worth noting that to successfully return the device to factory settings, in addition to CMOS, you need a Recover partition, which stores installation files and other necessary system information.
Video: Laptop factory settings
A hidden partition on the hard drive that stores all the files needed to restore the system is called Recovery. It is created by default on all laptops, and is deleted or damaged in most cases as a result of incorrect user actions.
You can see where the hidden section is located:
There you can see the size that Recovery occupies on the HDD. Typically this is 20-25 GB of system information and installation files.
If you have a Toshiba laptop, then you have probably already noticed that on drive D there is a system folder called HDD Recovery. It also stores the information necessary to reset the system, so it cannot be deleted.
Activating Recovery starts the process of resetting user BIOS changes, restoring factory settings, and reinstalling the OS and system programs and drivers.
To activate Recovery, press a specific hotkey combination. This will allow you to enter the system menu, where you can select several system recovery options. It should be remembered that each manufacturer has its own combination of hot keys; below we will look at the most popular ones.
Restoring settings using hotkeys
In order to return your laptop to factory settings, you should remember several hotkey combinations. When the system boots, you should press hot keys to access the BIOS Setup menu, from where you can start the process of restoring parameters.
Depending on the computer manufacturer, hot keys and their combinations differ:
- Toshiba - depending on the model F8, or 0, or Fn+0;
- Sony - F10;
- Acer – Alt and F10 at the same time;
- HP, LG and Lenovo – F11;
- Samsung – F4;
- Fujitsu - F8;
- ASUS – F9;
- Dell - both Ctrl and F11, but in some models F8;
- Packard Bell - F10. If you have Windows 8 installed, you can use the power button when you log in. You should hold down Shift and at the same time select the “Reboot” menu item;
- MSI – F3, and on some models F11.
How to reset a laptop to factory settings via BIOS
Using hot keys, you can roll back custom system changes and return the BIOS to factory settings.
On the black screen that appears, select sequentially:
- option "Running the recovery center" for Sony, or "Troubleshooting your computer" for Toshiba, or "System Recovery" for HP;
- menu item "Load Defaults BIOS".
Depending on the manufacturer, the option name may vary: "Load BIOS Setup Defaults", "Load Safe-Fail Defaults", but the words "Load" and "Default" will definitely be present.
Preparation
Prepare for a factory reset:
After you start the process of resetting the settings, the process of collecting information and preparing system files will begin. This may take some time, so don't worry.
Recovery process
Once you start the recovery process, all actions will be performed automatically, without your participation. The computer may reboot if required by the installed software. During the process of resetting the settings, device drivers will be restored and standard system programs will be installed.
It is worth mentioning that it is not always possible to successfully reset the settings on a laptop. This is possible if:
What can you do if you deleted the hidden Recovery partition from your hard drive? You will have to look for a bootable settings disk or an image of a hidden partition for your laptop. They can be found on the Internet, and sometimes manufacturers offer to buy such disks for system recovery on official websites.
If there are no ready-made images for your laptop, you can ask the owners of a similar model on computer forums to create such an image for you.
And to avoid this situation, you can create a bootable USB flash drive or DVD for your laptop yourself, which you can keep on hand and use when necessary.
Every PC user has encountered a problem when the operating system starts to malfunction and reboots frequently. This happens due to the loss of system files, a large number of viruses or technical problems with the equipment.
It is especially unpleasant to find yourself in a situation where Windows stops loading. This may result in the loss of data: valuable documents, music and photos.
Basic system recovery methods
- In most cases, you can reset your system to factory settings or restore Windows to work with working system files on your computer. To do this, it is not necessary to have special education or deep knowledge of software. Just use the tips below. The following methods are considered the most effective:
- Loading the last known good configuration; Built-in function "»;
- Windows System Restore
In different situations, one of the above methods will help to return to the previous state. Each user should be able to debug the system, so we will dwell on the methods of restoring Windows in more detail.
Loading Last Known Good Configuration
This option is considered the simplest; it allows you to quickly return the system to working condition. First you need to go to Safe Mode. To do this, while Windows is loading, press the F8 key and select " Last Known Good Configuration" After which the system will restore the previous working settings and system files, then the download will begin again.
In different laptop models, entering safe mode to further reset or restore the system is done using system utilities. Below are the combinations to run some of them:
- ASUS - F9;
- Dell XPS-F8;
- Lenovo ThinkPad - F11;
- Lenovo IdeaPad - dedicated OneKey Rescue key;
- Toshiba - F8 or 0;
- Sony VAIO - F10 or ASSIST key;
- HP Pavilion - F11;
- LG-F11;
- Rover - Alt (hold);
- Samsung - F4.
On recent UEFI PCs, entering Safe Mode will require you to change the defaults when selecting your OS. More detailed information can be found in the technical documentation.
Using Last Known Good Configuration, you can roll back the latest versions of drivers that you may have installed incorrectly. Or return working system files that were affected by malicious software. This method of returning to the previous configuration will help with minor bugs and freezes that appeared with the latest changes to the system. In case of more serious damage, it may turn out to be useless and you will need to try other methods to get the files back.
Windows System Restore
It is usually used after a previous method that did not produce results. The operating system has the ability to make several restore points that record the state of all programs at a certain point. You can make such points yourself or configure the frequency of autosaves.
Before creating a restore point manually, it is better to close running programs. Let's go to " Control Panel" and select the item " System" Next, go to the menu “ System protection", in the window that opens, select " Creating a restore point" and indicate its name. After the procedure is completed, a system message will be displayed - “The recovery point was created successfully.”
To start the recovery procedure, go to the menu “ Start", click on " Control Panel", go to the item " Recovery- Starting system recovery." In the window that opens, you can select the last point or view all available ones. By clicking " Find affected programs", you will see the entire list of applications that will be changed. Usually it is enough to choose a point 3-4 days before malfunctions and failures occur. After selecting a restore point and confirming it, the computer will restart.
In the same menu, you can restore using an image made in advance. It is first saved to a DVD, flash drive or external hard drive. Today, parameters are most often restored from an image via a USB connection - it’s fast and convenient.
For inexperienced users, it is better to leave all the proposed settings as default; after several transitions, we confirm the reset process by clicking Finish. It is worth noting that if you created a backup with errors or the media with the image was damaged, then the system startup may be interrupted. In this case, it is better to install a new environment on the computer and first format the hard drive.
Using the system boot disk
If Windows is seriously malfunctioning or is heavily exposed to viruses, you may need a boot disk. With it, you can reset the system or roll it back to a working state and the desired settings. In safe mode, select " Troubleshooting your computer", then insert the disc into the DVD drive and in the window that opens, click on the "" button.
The program offers us a choice of several ways to set default parameters:
- Startup repair - finding the main problems that prevent Windows from starting;
- System Restore – search for a restore point with working settings to reset;
- Restoring a system image - using a previously made backup;
- Windows Memory Diagnostic – check system memory;
- Command line – working with files via a text line.
The recovery process is the same as with the built-in application. But by working with the disk, you eliminate the possibility of viruses and other third-party software having a harmful effect on the operation.
Full reset to factory settings
If the recovery methods described above do not produce results, you can try a full reset to factory settings. To do this, some laptop and PC models have a hidden system partition with a copy of Windows in its basic state.
Manufacturers offer users special utilities that will make the reset process simple and straightforward. The operating principle of such programs is similar and even inexperienced users can understand them. You can start the utility using a special key or through safe mode while the computer is booting. If such a utility is provided by the developer, its name will be displayed at the end of the list of recovery options.
In the window that opens, we need to select the first item – “ Restore to condition at the time of purchase" After finishing the work, the computer will be rebooted and a rollback to factory settings will occur (you will need to select the default language again and create an account).
It is worth noting that all files that were previously on the hard drive will be deleted permanently. Therefore, we recommend saving everything you need on a flash drive or other storage device in advance.
Video on the topic
By following the advice in this guide, every user will be able to perform a full OS rollback without difficulties or obstacles. Here are the most current and actually working reset methods. Windows that you won't find anywhere else. Tips information was collected by specialists in repairing and configuring Windows systems.
Computer owners are often faced with the need to roll back their operating system to factory settings. Windows with complete erasure of all data. Performing such actions may be required in several cases:
- Computer sales.
- System software failure.
- Installation of incorrect drivers and programs.
- Lost productivity.
- Contamination with remnants of previously installed applications.
- System failure caused by a virus.
Only probable causes of system rollback are listed Windows 7 to factory settings. There are other reasons for doing this. To execute reset Windows 7 settings, follow the instructions in this manual, and the process will be much faster and more productive.
If you decide to reset your computer, you need to take care of your data stored on the hard drive that has been accumulated while using the Windows system. This is very important to do, because in addition to files, the system stores program data and passwords, so simply formatting the hard drive is not enough. In addition to personal data, videos, photos and music, you must separately save additional program files, without which the software will not be able to function. A striking example of this is the program Keeper from Web Money, which will be impossible to launch without a special file, which will result in loss of access to your wallets with all the funds in them. Therefore, resetting the settings must be carried out thoroughly prepared.
Returns using integrated capabilities
IN Microsoft We took care of performing a full system rollback to factory settings, which anyone, even an inexperienced user, can do. The method is very simple. First you will need to restart your computer, during which you need to press the key F9 or keyboard shortcut Alt And F10. The button combination may vary depending on the PC device. If after the first reboot you were unable to enter the menu, you need to try another key combination and, using a trial method, call the necessary system function that will restore Windows 7. This is a fairly simple and effective way to return the system to its original state, but what if the backup partition was damaged or was erased to free up hard drive space?Additional manipulations
Similar situations with partitions happen quite often, so don’t worry if you couldn’t return the configuration to its original state in the normal way. You can restore data without reinstalling the system using a flash drive or other media on which the Windows installation package is unpacked. The removable drive must first be prepared and formatted in Fat 32. The creation of a recovery card must be done through a previously downloaded system image, which, using the program Nero or deployed to media. Now you need to insert the card into the USB connector and restart the computer. When rebooting, you need to boot the system from the memory card, not from the hard drive.To do this, you will need to press the key several times in a row. F8 until a small menu appears offering to boot available systems on media connected to the system unit. If you cannot call the boot menu and specify the initial boot from USB. Thus, the next startup will start not from the hard drive, but from removable media. Instead of reinstalling, you need to choose recovery mode, which will return Windows to factory settings. This method may not delete all data, so if it fails, the installation memory card can be used later for reinstallation, but more on that later in the article.
Resetting the system through the control panel
Almost all Windows are designed with a factory reset option in the utilities menu in the control panel. You must select a bookmark from the list of options "System Restore". In the further dialog that opens, you should select a previously saved rollback point with the desired configuration. The disadvantage of this return is that if the configuration has not been saved before, then the possibility of resetting is excluded.Erase Windows data with third-party applications
Some developers have created utilities to roll back system configuration, but this option also depends on a previously prepared restore point. To perform a system reset in this way, after first installing or purchasing a PC, you need to save it to a separate OS duplicate media, for example, on a disk, and then use it if necessary. With such a disk you can restore the functionality of the OS even in the most severe cases, such as a “blue screen”.Laptops
Resetting parameters and system resources on laptops is carried out almost like on a PC. The only difference is the combination of keys that must be pressed to open the menu during a reboot. Most models use Ctrl + F12, F8, F9, F10, depending on the manufacturer and model.This ensures a complete return to the factory configuration. If the system remains incompletely cleaned, you can perform a reinstallation. To do this, you need a pre-prepared installation card or Windows distribution disk. You can use an assembly or a license, the process is identical in both cases.
First, you will need to download the finished image and copy the contents to a card or hard drive, depending on how you created the rollback point. If you cannot find or create a similar installer among your friends, you can contact other people on the Internet who can provide a pre-created point for resetting the resources of the installed operating system. Fortunately, the capabilities of the network make it possible to perform the procedure very simply using a file hosting service.