What are the ways of restoring a computer to it's original settings?

Question

I need to restore my computer back to it's original settings but I cannot find the install disk and when I restart it there is nothing that brings me to the "original settings" stage. I don't care if I lose everything, nothing needs to be backed up, I just want it back to the way it was when I first bought it, how do I do that? Btw, it is a Sony Vaio from about 2004. Thanks!!!

Answer 1

1.  It is always helpful to have the exact model number.  Saying "Sony Vaio from about 2004" would be like saying "Ford from 2004".

2.  Can you get into Windows at all?  Some of the vaio notebooks have a "Vaio Recovery" software application hat runs from windows.

http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/micro...

3.  If you can not get into Windows, there may be a "key" combination (a lot of systems us the F11 key)on bootup that will take you to the recovery software.

If you need more information, please post your model number so we can better help you.

**Update:***

Model Number Tips:

Model Numbers are usually located on a sticker located on the back or bottom of the unit. They may also be listed on the product manual.

If entering the model, enter the whole model number, dashes are optional (ex: DCR-DVD300 or DCRDVD300).

-- Contacted Tech Support via chat.

I was told holding down the F10 key on bootup will take you to the recovery partition  (Reminder:  This will delete everything off of the computer).

Once you access the VAIO Recovery Wizard, please select the "Restore C: Drive" option to perform the C: Drive Recovery. This will restore the Computer to factory settings.

Please follow the on-screen instructions to perform System Recovery.

Answer 2

Are you using Windows XP?