How do I reset my computer?

[wumbatron]

I have a problem with my computer and it doesn't seem like its going away. I want to get rid of everything on my computer so that its as if I had just bought it. Anyone know how to do that? Also, are there any downsides of doing it?

Edit: I heard you may have to have a CD with Windows 7 on it or something to reinstall Windows 7?

 

[Brink]

Hello Wumbatron,

Did your computer come with Windows preinstalled?

If so, what brand and model number is it, and we'll see if we can find the factory recovery instructions for it.

 

[wumbatron]

Hello Wumbatron,

Did your computer come with Windows preinstalled?

If so, what brand and model number is it, and we'll see if we can find the factory recovery instructions for it.

I'm not really sure. Maybe because theres a sticker on the tower that says Windows 7...

Its a CyberpowerPC for gaming that I bought on Amazon. I cant find my model number because when I right click on "Computer" and hit properties, the folder opens for a split second and then closes and all my desktop icons and taskbar flash. Thats a part of the problem. I cant open certain files or the computer will do that. Also, it does that every few minutes and if I'm in a video game, it will go to the desktop. If I'm watching netflix or youtube in full screen, it will minimize the screen. Its so annoying I just want my computer back to how it was when I first got it and then just reinstall my games and what not later.

 

[Brink]

In that case, you can use the method in the tutorial below to perform a clean install on your OEM computer. Be sure that you get the product key number from your COA sticker before starting the clean install. You must have it to be able to activate your Windows.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[wumbatron]

Okay thanks. Yep, I still have the COA on the side of my computer.

 

[wumbatron]

Wait a second, I have to download something and put it on a flashdrive?

 

[wumbatron]

I don't think those instructions actually said how to clean reinstall in a steb-by-step process, too.

 

[Brink]

Once you download the 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium ISO file, you would create a bootable DVD/USB from the ISO. This will be your installation media.

The tutorial basically walks you through getting prepared to do a clean install at step 8, and what to do afterwards. The link in step 8 shows you how to do the actual clean install.

 

[wumbatron]

Once you download the 64-bit Windows 7 Home Premium ISO file, you would create a bootable DVD/USB from the ISO. This will be your installation media.

The tutorial basically walks you through getting prepared to do a clean install at step 8, and what to do afterwards. The link in step 8 shows you how to do the actual clean install.

is the download optional? i thought that i already have windows 7?

edit- do you know how to tell if my computer is x64 or x86?

 

[Brink]

Unless you already have a Windows 7 installation DVD or USB, then yeah you'll need to download the ISO to be able to create an installation DVD/USB for your edition.

Be sure to check out the links within the steps of the tutorial above as well. They include all the needed information.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/515-system-type-32-bit-x86-64-bit-x64.html

 

[wumbatron]

i have windows home premium x64. i tried downloading:

"Windows 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 U (media refresh) X17-58997.iso"

from Windows 7 Direct Download Links, Official Disk Images from Digital River

but it won't work...

Edit: I'm trying to find my Windows key through Bel Arc advisor. Once I do that, I won't need to do all of this, right?

Edit again: Ok, I found the Windows 7 key through Bel Arc and it turns out its the same key that'ts on the side of my computer. I should be able to just clean install my computer now, right?

 

[gregrocker]

Use the key on the COA sticker. This is stated clearly in the tutorial and even provides an illustration of the sticker with Key. Shawn asked you if you had this sticker and you said yes. The key from Belarc will not be the same.

What is the problem with downloading Win7 Home Premium x64 SP1 English Official ISO download
and then burning a new DVD or writing the 4gb+ flash stick to make it bootable, proceed with the install.

Read over the steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 and ask back questions until you are clear on each one. If you stick with those steps you will get and keep a perfect install.

 

[wumbatron]

I guess there was nothing wrong with the ISO download, my internet is just slow and it took like 5 minutes to get to 0.1. I guess I will go ask a friend for a flash drive.

 

[gregrocker]

Let us know how it goes.

Be sure to format the flash stick first. Back up any files on it you need to keep.

 

[wumbatron]

Let us know how it goes.

Be sure to format the flash stick first. Back up any files on it you need to keep.

what do you mean by format the flash stick?

 

[Brink]

To actually format the USB flash drive before using the ISO file to make a bootable USB.

This would be to right click on the USB flash drive in your Computer window, and click on Format.

 

[wumbatron]

To actually format the USB flash drive before using the ISO file to make a bootable USB.

This would be to right click on the USB flash drive in your Computer window, and click on Format.

would that delete everything on the USB?

 

[AddRAM]

It`s best to read the tutorial 1st, then ask any questions you have.

1) Yes you have to download the iso file, it`s 3.09 GB

2) Then you have to burn the file to dvd ( a dvd is the easiest way to install windows )

3) Yes it will format the flash drive, you need an empty 4 GB flash drive. ( a flash drive can be very difficult for a novice to use )


http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

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

Using the recovery partition on your computer ( if it has one ) would be the easiest way for you to reinstall windows. It takes your pc back to day 1.

Post a shot of disk management for us and we`ll take a look.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/274797-disk-management-post-screen-capture-image.html

Rufus or Wintobootic are 2 great programs to burn the iso file to usb stick.

http://bootableusb.net/wintobootic-bootable-usb-drive-windows-vista78/

http://rufus.akeo.ie/

 

[wumbatron]

Here it is:

 

[AddRAM]

No recovery partition there, so when you get the iso on the dvd or flash drive let us know.

Do you have a dvd burner on that machine ?