Factory restore a custom built PC?

[MetroBOS]

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.

 

[Berton]

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.

 

[PSCO2007]

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.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[MetroBOS]

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.

 

[Berton]

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.

 

[MetroBOS]

Thanks. Unfortunately this is all way over my head.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

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?

 

[MetroBOS]

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.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

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

 

[MetroBOS]

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.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

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.

OK.

Can you currently get the thing to start and boot from the hard drive as you would normally? If yes, we'd like to see a screen shot of Windows Disk Management---unless you are absolutely positive there is nothing on that hard drive you need or care about.

Do you have a "Certificate Of Authenticity" sticker on the PC that contains a 25 character "Product Key" in this format: xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx?

Does the version of Windows named on that sticker exactly match the version of Windows named on your installation disc?

Are you sure you want to do a clean install rather than try to recover to some factory state (if that's possible--maybe it isn't)?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

On second thought---I think the best thing you can do is contact ecollegepc.com support. I looked at their web site and the online support is minimal, but maybe they can help through email or phone.

I say that because:

1: I don't know if you in fact have a legitimate Windows installation disc. Maybe you have something special cooked up by ecollegepc that is more of a repair or recovery disc.

2: You may still have a way to do a factory restore (if there ever was a way), but that's not clear yet.

3: If you do a clean install, I am a bit concerned about you having an immediately working Internet connection. The Internet (NIC) driver is normally installed by Windows, but I'd feel better if you could download it directly from ecollegepc.

 

[MetroBOS]

Thanks. I've sent an email to eCollegePC. I don't know if they can help me do a restore, but I'm hoping they can at least help me uninstall the 2nd copy of Windows 7 that I installed.

 

[MetroBOS]

Okay, so I heard back from eCollege PC and they said to boot from my windows DVD and when I get to where it shows the drives click options and then delete everything listed. Then click next and the install will start.

I then asked them about why I was unable to connect to the internet and use my wireless keyboard/mouse. Their response said that after I install windows I should run the motherboard disk to install the drives for those components.

Could someone please tell me how I run the motherboard disk and install the drives? I am in way over my head with this one.

 

[MetroBOS]

Nevermind, just realized how stupid that question was.

I found the motherboard disk and tried to run the setup exe file, but it said something about not being the right volume.

I think I'm just going to give up before I screw up my computer even more than I already have.

I always thought I was pretty computer savvy, but this whole experience has been a reality check. People like me have no business buying custom rigs. I learned that the hard way.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Their instructions about how to install Windows are about right---you get to the "where do you want to install Windows" screen, choose "advanced drive options", then delete ALL partitions and continue. Windows will install, creating the necessary new C partition.

You need a "driver" to establish an Internet connection. That drive MAY be installed by the Windows installation. If not, they are telling you that there is such a driver somewhere on that "motherboard" disc.

It's probably pretty simple to do, but I could understand your reluctance.

If the thing won't run properly now, you don't have a lot to lose by trying.