Restoring Windows Vista?

Question

I want to do a complete system restore on my computer that has Windows Vista, I do NOT want to just restore it to an earlier date, I want to restore it back to the day I bought it, clean, and just reload the stuff I want on it. When I boot up using the disk for my operating system it literally does not give me an option to do a complete restore, unless I am missing something. UGH I am very frustrated with this computer. Does anyone know another way to go about cleaning up my computer and getting it back to factory condition?

Answer 1

You don't tell us the computer brand which is key.  A lot of computers will let you restore the computer to factory condition -HP and Dell come to mind.

Turn your computer off.  As it is booting tap the F8 key at the top of the keyboard.  You will come to a screen with several options.  Towards the bottom (doing this from memory) is an option for restoring to factory settings.  Choose that option and follow prompts.

If that doesn't work, post back with the make and model of your machine and I'm sure someone will be able to help you.

Good luck!!

Answer 2

Unless the manufacturer (Dell, HP or whatever computer you bought) created a "clean" restore point, the only option you have it to reinstall Windows from scratch. It's easier than it sounds - just boot up with the Vista DVD in the drive and follow the wizard. Once Vista has been reinstalled, you need to install all the applications (Office etc) you might have had on it, plus device drivers if Windows won't install them by itself... THAT could be the real challenge here!