Need to know how to do a factory reset in windows 7?

[Nate435]

I haven't done a wipe and reload of my OS in a long time and just a week or so ago i heard someone say something about a factory reset and heard all about it but didnt hear much about how to do it so how is it done . I googled/youtube searched it and it gave me nothing about it all it came up is restoring your computer and recovery options so is there an easy way of doing so any help would be appreciated.




Sorry for my bad spelling and grammar errors.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

It's doable through tutorials on this site IF your PC has the capability. Some do, some don't.

But a few questions:

Have you made one or more "recovery" discs, by burning to a CD or DVD?

If you have not made recovery disks, your PC may or may not have a recovery partition that will allow you to restore to the state in which the PC left the factory.

Are you familiar with Windows Disk Management?

Does your PC have a sticker on it with a 25 character "Product Key"? If it does, you should be able to do a fresh install of Windows that you may prefer to a "factory reset", depending on your preferences. Many people don't like the configuration from the factory and would prefer a custom setup. Maybe you would. Maybe not.

 

[whs]

This is your best bet: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[Nate435]

Thanks guys for responding so quickly some forums take forever to reply no i have a custom built pc with very modern parts if that helps no i haven't done a recovery disk are you referring to Creating a Windows 7 System Repair Disc if so no i haven't and if thats the things i need to do to do a factory reset on windows 7 and if not what else do i have to do in order to do so and i dont know much about windows disk management if not nothing at all and i just have the windows 7 dvd but I lost my product key awhile ago so i haven't been activating it because i no longer have the key and dont want to go through the hassle of calling microsoft to fix it not trying to be rude or anything but if i have to i will rebuy the OS the same one if i have to but moneys kinda short these days for me so can i still do a factory reset without the key and no i would prefer a reset than a custom install for now thanks again for the help.

 

[bigmck]

Did you build your PC and install Win 7 from a disk you purchased or did you buy the PC ready made and Win 7 was already loaded?

 

[whs]

If you have a custom built PC, how did the OS get on there in the first place. My guess would be that there is no recovery partition and thus no factory reset. What am I missing.

Is there a COA sticker on the box ??

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Thanks guys for responding so quickly some forums take forever to reply no i have a custom built pc with very modern parts if that helps no i haven't done a recovery disk are you referring to Creating a Windows 7 System Repair Disc if so no i haven't and if thats the things i need to do to do a factory reset on windows 7 and if not what else do i have to do in order to do so and i dont know much about windows disk management if not nothing at all and i just have the windows 7 dvd but I lost my product key awhile ago so i haven't been activating it because i no longer have the key and dont want to go through the hassle of calling microsoft to fix it not trying to be rude or anything but if i have to i will rebuy the OS the same one if i have to but moneys kinda short these days for me so can i still do a factory reset without the key and no i would prefer a reset than a custom install for now thanks again for the help.

Nate:

Try to use the occasional period and paragraph so we can understand you.

If this is a custom built PC, not a brand name, you likely wouldn't have a recovery partition or recovery disks. So-called "custom built" PCs typically have a "custom" Windows installation without any built-in recovery capability beyond the installation disc.

Where is your installation disc?

What "factory" are you referring to? Who exactly built it?

If you do not have the Product Key you are probably out of luck as you would need it to activate any new installation.

 

[Nate435]

hey guys just wanted to let you guys know that i'm sorry for telling a couple of lies i do have a legit copy of windows 7 home premium oem 64-bit oem version and yes i still have the key handy so its no good anyways but it was from an older computer build and i do make enough money to buy a copy of windows 7 the reason for covering up a story is because i don't know if it's against the law or not to run windows 7 for the activation reasons that has been on an older machine and put it towards a newer computer and i was really nervous about telling the truth it wasn't anything to intechinle so i hope you guys forgive me anyhow i did build my system myself and i have the same os from my last build or two ago moving on will i need to make a windows 7 system repair disc or what thanks again for the help.

 

[theog]

hey guys just wanted to let you guys know that i'm sorry for telling a couple of lies i do have a legit copy of windows 7 home premium oem 64-bit oem version

You need to use a Retail version, not the OEM version.

 

[bigmck]

hey guys just wanted to let you guys know that i'm sorry for telling a couple of lies..................

You can't get help on here by trying to deceive people.

 

[Nate435]

I said i was sorry and i at least came clean and told the truth i bet if anyone has to lie it's because they're afraid or nervous to tell the truth.

 

[gregrocker]

If what you actually have is OEM version then it can't be transferred to another PC. You need a retail full or Upgrade version, or another retail OEM version which locks to the motherboard once installed.