Someone help please :)

tomparker95 · 15 Sep 2013 at 14:47

Hi, got a laptop im selling with Windows Vista on it and I was wondering how I can clear it back to factory settings/delete everything, but keep the operating system on it. I would prefer not to reinstall the OS. Any help please?

Thanks

DaleTheWhale · 15 Sep 2013 at 14:55

The only way to get it back to fresh is to re-install the OS?
When it boots up it should have a factory reset option, maybe F10 or one of the F keys.

tomparker95 · 15 Sep 2013 at 14:56

Yeah it does, but when I press it it doesn't do anything :S

oceaness · 15 Sep 2013 at 14:58

Maybe recovery partition has been wiped?

Unlikely, but did it come with any recovery media? Did you make any recovery media?

tomparker95 · 15 Sep 2013 at 15:00

It has been wiped :-(

Not sure what other options I have really

DaleTheWhale · 15 Sep 2013 at 15:11

Re-install windows? - Have you got the OS disc still?

oceaness · 15 Sep 2013 at 15:13

I'd see if I could get some Windows installation media that matches the license on the bottom.

And then I'd either remove the drive and connect it to another PC or live boot Linux from USB and erase the drive securely, if you're worried about anything that might be on it.

Drivers should be available on the manufacturers website.

It wont be factory but it should work fine and it'll be clean of all the rubbish OEM's insist on installing :rolleyes:

tomparker95 · 15 Sep 2013 at 15:24

ThaReaperGuy said:
Re-install windows? - Have you got the OS disc still?

I'm gonna have to! Out of interest, where abouts in Birmingham are you from/live?