Most user-friendly way to return 64-bit system to factory settings

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  1. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #11

    Yes for a clean install do this
    Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7
    Use the Product key located on the COA sticker like this one
    Most user-friendly way to return 64-bit system to factory settings-coa-sticker.jpg
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  2. Posts : 2,240
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit
       #12

    this might work....




    sorry...just couldn't resist...
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 11
    w 7 home 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #13

    cool, thanks, SIW2. Here's another question: should I be burning some sort of recovery DVD? It seems there is more than one kind of option for the recovery stuff you can burn.
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  4. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #14

    You have to be careful with a 'clean install'. It may not fit all environments. Very often the manufacturer provided programs (often referred to as junkware) are required to operate the PC.

    I give you an example. I had a Sony Vaio with a backlit keyboard. The settings for the backlighting could only be made with a Sony provided program.

    But some manufacturers exaggerate with what they provide - Toshiba is one of the culprits.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 16,131
    7 X64
       #15

    There should an option to run off the manufacturer dvd's. Those are a copy of what is on the recovery partition. You need those if you can't access the recovery partition - very important.

    There is also a windows 7 repair disc you can run off - it is just for repairing - you can't reinstall with it - but it does fit on one cd or a small flash.

    Alternatively, you can download the entire MS installation .iso from digital river - use it with your product key off the sticker if you are doing clean reinstall.

    As whs says - it is possible you may have a specific keyboard or nic driver for your machine.

    You can download those free from the manufacturer website before you try reinstalling and pop them on cd in case you need them in future.

    I
      My Computers

  6.   My Computers


  7. Posts : 11
    w 7 home 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #17

    cool. Thanks, guys, for all the useful and speedy responses!
      My Computer


  8. mjf
    Posts : 5,969
    Windows 7x64 Home Premium SP1
       #18

    bassfisher6522 said:
    this might work....




    sorry...just couldn't resist...
    Well you've got me
    MS will provide most of the drivers you need. If that fails you obviously go to the manufacturer's website and download them. Or go into the recovery partition and save the drivers/utilities before doing a clean install.
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