What steps do I need to take before I restore my computer back to it's factory settings?

Question

I've had my Dell PC for four years now and I've been having problems with it for like the past 3 months (i think there's a problem with my registry). I've decided that before I wipe my system clean and reinstall Windows XP I would restore my factory settings. Any words of wisdom from users who've done this before? Any precautions or warnings? Also, if the problem is my registry with this fix the problem?

Answer 1

if you need any thing off it ,first back it up ,,and have your Operations system disk

Answer 2

Make sure you save all your important data

You need to save email addresses. Site listed below will help you

You will need to save you favorites

File

Import and export

Next  and continue filling in information

Answer 3

This will help if the issue is indeed with the registry, as it is a part of widows that will be restored to factory settings. One warning is to make sure all of your data is backed up and i mean all. I have seen it a bunch of times where ppl will not think twice about certain files when they do the restore but later get quite upset. Another issue to think about is whether or not you have upgraded any hardware, if so be sure to check for drivers BEFORE you do the restore or you may not be able to find them after the fact. Beyond that it is a farily simple procedure and as stated before it should fix any errors related to the registry.