How to restore my computer windows vista to factory settings

Thanks for your feedback. As soon as you have manually installed Service Pack 1 rel. If you reset your computer back to factory condition you will also have to restore all your personal files from a backup, remove all the outdated third-party software installed at the factory that is no longer supported e.

If you would like to tell us what problems you are currently encountering on you computer we might be able to provide a solution that doesn't require something as drastic as a factory reset or clean reinstall of your operating system. If you require further assistance please start Internet Explorer 9 , go to Help About Internet Explorer, and let us know your current Update Versions see image below.

If you have Update Versions 9. I have the same question Report abuse. Details required :. Cancel Submit. Bill Smithers Volunteer Moderator. This is what you used: As the computer restarts, press the F8 key until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears on the screen. You can do this by clicking Start, clicking the arrow next to the Lock button, and then clicking Restart. As the computer restarts, press F8 until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.

If you want the Windows logo to appear on your screen, press F8. You will need your administrative credentials to log in. Click OK to close the window. You can reformat your hard drive and restore factory-installed software by clicking Yes, then selecting the check box. To lock your computer, click the Lock icon next to the Start menu. If prompted, press any key on Windows Vista. You can get started by clicking Get Started. Keeping my files or removing everything are two options you can choose.

With the latter, your options will be reset to default, and uninstalled apps will be removed but your data will remain. ISO and burn it onto a disk. Place it in on bootup and attempt to start the disk up. Not Helpful 4 Helpful 0. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Perform a system restore if your computer has been infected with a virus, malware, or any other type of malicious software.

A system restore will restore registry files and other Windows settings that are required for your computer to run efficiently. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Return your computer to its original factory settings if you are selling or giving your computer to somebody else. This will prevent other users from accessing any remaining personal data that exists on your computer.

If you are reinstalling Windows Vista or restoring your computer back to its factory settings, be sure to reinstall updated antivirus software to your computer immediately to prevent malware and viruses from affecting your machine.

To use complete restore, you must have a previously created backup image on other disk drive or network location. You can create backup image of a drive via "Backup and Restore" utility in Windows Vista. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published.

If you have the ability to back up your personal files and documents, do so before performing any methods or steps outlined in this article. Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1. Keep in mind that restoring your computer from a system image backup will replace all the files on your computer with those from the restoration point.

Your current programs, settings, and files will all be replaced with previous files. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2. How to. Co-authors: 4. Updated: September 16, Categories: Windows. In other languages Italiano: Ripristinare Windows Vista.

Nederlands: Windows Vista terugzetten naar een vorig herstelpunt. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. Is this article up to date? Cookies make wikiHow better.