Factory restore a custom built PC?

I bought a custom PC from ecollegepc a couple of years ago. I want to do a full factory reset but I can't figure out how.

I press F9 during bootup which brings me to a screen where I can choose to repair my computer. But then it takes me to another screen where it asks me to select a keyboard input method. From this screen, I am not able to type anything or use my mouse. I am using a wireless keyboard and mouse if that makes any difference.

I'm not even sure if this is where I am supposed to be to do a full factory restore. Can someone please help me? I never had this type of problem when I used an HP.

A Custom-built computer should include the disc/s used to install Windows. The OEMs or System Builders create programs that allow the user to do a Factory Restore from the partition on the HDD used just for that purpose.

As for the keyboard, many times the USB or Wireless USB won't work until after the Operating System has loaded, might try a PS/2 device at least to enter the BIOS and set Legacy USB as Enabled to get that support.

MetroBOS said:

I bought a custom PC from ecollegepc a couple of years ago. I want to do a full factory reset but I can't figure out how.

I press F9 during bootup which brings me to a screen where I can choose to repair my computer. But then it takes me to another screen where it asks me to select a keyboard input method. From this screen, I am not able to type anything or use my mouse. I am using a wireless keyboard and mouse if that makes any difference.

I'm not even sure if this is where I am supposed to be to do a full factory restore. Can someone please help me? I never had this type of problem when I used an HP.

This will give you the answer, thanks to Brink's great tuts.
Clean Install Windows 7

OMG, I have no idea what I did. I found the W7 installation disc and chose to reinstall windows.

Now, when I boot up, it gives me two different options to log into Windows 7, so apparently I have it installed twice now.

On top of that, when I choose the first one on the list, it says I have no internet connection. But when I choose the second one, it's the one I've been using all along and I was trying to get rid of.

Why is this so difficult? *pulls out hair in frustration* This is the last time I buy a custom PC.

When I've seen the same situation I boot to a GPARTED disc and delete the partition/s then reboot to the Windows disc to install fresh. The problem seen most likely is Windows deciding a dual-boot scenario is desired. Also, might have to install drivers for various things.

Thanks. Unfortunately this is all way over my head.

MetroBOS said:

I found the W7 installation disc and chose to reinstall windows.


Why is this so difficult? *pulls out hair in frustration* This is the last time I buy a custom PC.

If you have a true Windows installation disk and wanted to do a fresh install, you'd normally boot from that installation disc and delete ALL partitions on the hard drive when you get to the "where do you want to install Windows" screen.

Is that what you did? If not, you could end up with problems.

Was there anything on the hard drive you wanted to keep---pictures, videos, mp3s, any personal data of any type? Installed programs like Office or whatever you use?

I've already backed up my documents, etc. I can always reinstall Office.

Unfortunately I have no idea how to delete a partition. Hell, I don't even know what a partition is.

I think the problem may have been that I installed it to the D drive and it was originally on the C drive. I am guessing that is why I ended up with two copies. But I have no idea how to uninstall them.

Do you know how to force your PC to boot from that installation disc?

ignatzatsonic said:

Do you know how to force your PC to boot from that installation disc?

I believe that is what I did. I had the disc in the tray and when I restarted, it said press any key to boot from the DVD and that's what I did.