Putting pc back to factory settings...?

Question

I've forgotten the password for my pc, there's nothing on it so I don't mind wiping it back to factory settings, but I don't have a disc (didn't come with one)...does anyone know how to do this?

Answer 1

Wrong, wrong, wrong. Reinstalling Windows it the last thing you want to do.



There are two password possibilities, and you haven't said which one is needed. The first is a BIOS power-on password that pops up when you first turn on the power. If you don't know that one, you cannot even get to a Windows login screen. You can (usually) briefly remove the button-cell "coin" battery on the motherboard to erase that one (as long as it's in a plastic carrier and not soldered in). Lucky you have a desktop -- some laptops can be very difficult. Reinstalling Windows will be impossible if you cannot get past this password.



If you've forgotten your Windows login password, and have another account that has Admin authority, login to the second account and change or delete it in User Settings.



If you forgot your Windows password and you have other Limited accounts, use one of them to do a Google search to download software to delete the forgotten password. Some of them involve running Linux from a CD you've created and using Linux commands. Again, Google search. And next time, don't get so clever with passwords. 9 is a perfectly good Windows password. You could add Admin or Limited accounts anyway so someone else can use your PC, and those won't necessarily need a password.



If you have only one account, you'll need to download and burn a Linux CD or a USB drive boot/password tool on another PC. Or call Best Buy GeekSquad or similar and find out how much they charge, since they already have the tools (online vendors used to charge $500 for various password unlock tools; today they're free).

Answer 2

Depends what PC you have and which operating system it is running on, but for a Dell running on Windows 7, you can do a system restore to the original factory state by doing the following:

1. Press F8 several times at boot up to open the Advanced Boot Options menu

2. Use the Arrow keys to select Repair Your Computer and then press Enter

3. On the System Recovery Options menu, select a keyboard layout and click Next

4. On the next screen you can log in as a local user or the Administrator

5. Depending on your configuration, you may need to select Dell Factory Tools and then Dell Factory Image Restore

6. Click Next to open the Confirm Data Deletion menu

7. Select the Yes, reformat hard drive and restore system software to factory condition check box and click Next

8. After the restore operation is complete, click Finish to restart the computer

Answer 3

If there was no installation disk provided with the computer, then it probably has a hidden partition on the disk that contains an image of the original factory installation. That image is typically access by pressing one of the 'F' keys during boot. Exactly which key varies by manufacturer. Best bet is to go to the manufacturers web site and look up instructions on how to reset to factory conditions.

Answer 4

If you use Windows 8 or later, you’re in luck. Microsoft implemented its own functions for “refreshing” and “resetting” your computer, which make a factory reset quicker and easier. These options allow you to reset your computer based on what you want.

“Refreshing” means that you get to keep your personal data as well as installed Metro apps, but it’ll delete all other applications.

“Resetting,” which Windows called “Remove everything and reinstall Windows,” means that you lose everything, including your Metro apps, personal data, and other applications and return to a fresh copy of Windows. In other words, there’s no need to completely reinstall Windows 8 if there are any issues.

“Resetting” your computer is also a great way to prepare it for sale to another person, so that Windows remains installed, but all of your personal files and programs are erased.

Answer 5

No Need to put Factory settings



pls find the CD of Hiran boot cd

boot from mini xp

go to menu tools

find passwords menu

get a tool and try to reset the password

Answer 6

Jacky, Tell us the make and model of your PC. Then we can find the manual for you PC and check how to reset to Factory settings.

Answer 7

Every Windows OS since Vista has come with a "Recovery" partition on the hard drive. You need to tell us the brand of computer and OS so we can guide you to that Recovery partition. ( It's the same as a set of Windows

installation disks. You really do need to make a copy of the Windows OS in case the hard drive should fail. No hard drive...no Recovery partition. And remember to backup all personal files as the hard drive is completely formatted during the Recovery process.

Answer 8

If you give your make and model then we can help. The entry to factory reset is different between manufacturers.

The method will also be in your user manual

Answer 9

I know, but I don't know how to actually restore it without my password to get into windows and without a disc

Answer 10

Call the company directly such as HP, DELL or SAMSUNG, ETC... and then call that company and tell them what you need and they will ship you the cds, I had to do that last year. the price was 20 dollars with shipping being free.