Factory restore process would start, follow it and get factory default setup menu in Sony Vaio. Factory Reset Sony laptop with system restore program. System restore program set in Sony laptop could help you to restore the laptop to the early backup point, including the first one point when the laptop is factory default settings.

How-To Geek Forums / Windows Vista

Need help restoring windows vista back to factory settings

I have tried everything to restore my windows vista back to the original factory settings. I press F8 before the windows logo appears and go through that whole process and once I'm in the repair computer options, I see all the different options such as restore but the option to restore to factory settings isn't appearing on my screen and I can't find it, no matter what I do. Can someone please tell me how to fix this?

Hi and Welcome yoderrrrr.
It will help if you give the make ,model, laptop/computer and any other info re your machine.As there are many differrent formats, to try and help you.

Assume you have tried other F key combinations.i.e Alt+F10 etc.
Am sure someone wiser than me will pop along shortly.

Hi yoderrr

You need to post the make and model number, accessing the restore options varies between makes.

Tony

This is the Dell procedure:

• Save all your important files.

• Unplug all the devices and drivers from your CPU (except the keyboard and the mouse), including your printer, camera and memory stick.

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• Shut off the computer and then turn it on, or simply restart it.

• As soon as you see the Dell logo at the start keep on hitting the F8 key repeatedly. Do not stop until you see the screen that says 'Repair your computer.' There will be other options too but chose this option and hit Enter.

• Next you will see a prompt window giving you options to select the keyboard layout select from the drop-down menu 'US' and click 'OK.'

• On the next screen you will be asked to select the user ID and the password of your Windows account. Select your user account, but make sure your user account has administrative functions. Type in your password. If you don't have a password, leave it blank and click 'OK.'

• Now you will come to a window with multiple options. Choose the one at the bottom that reads, 'Dell Factory Image Restore.' By clicking 'Dell Factory Image Restore' , it will generate an operation that will take about 45 minutes to complete.

I have tried all those steps but the 'dell factory image restore' isn't there :(

no, i don't have any of my disks that came with the computer

only option i can see is ask someone /friend -family for vista same version (operating system disk) and try entering the product key on the machine case on the side or rear .

mark.

The valid product key is used for registration and activation of your genuine Windows product.
It is usually on the bottom or rear of a laptop and on the side or rear of a desktop.
Read the link below.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Windows-7-activation-error-invalid-product-key

also, i even attempted to do a regular system restore and when i try to do that, it says 'system restore is already running' .. i never tried to do a system restore so i don't know why it is saying that..maybe this has something to do with why the dell factory image restore is missing?

Not really, your factory image is stored on a seperate partition, usually 'D' drive unless you have more partitions.
Can you boot your computer into windows? If so, have a look at your disk management and see what drives / partitions are listed.

I'm not sure how to get into 'D' drive..i know when i get into computer repair, it's in drive C so could you tell me the steps on how to get it into D?

Does Windows boot-up?
If so go into control panel > Administrative Tools > Dbl click on Computer Management > In the left pane you will see Disk Management Click on it.
From there you will see all your drives attached to your computer.
What do you see?
Can you post a screenshot?

boot the computer to safe mode with command prompt. at the command prompt type the following commands
d:
cd tools
then type this on the command prompt:
imagex /apply d:dellimagefactory.wim 1 c:

this should start the recovery process for you.

ugh, i just tried that and it says 'image' is not recognized as an interal or external command, operable program, or batch file.

make sure you typed imagex your reply says you typed image not imagex

If you still have a problem get the cmd prompt again.
Type 'D' hit enter
This should take you to your 'D' drive
now type dir/w hit enter
This should list all files and folders on your 'D' drive. Your filename might be different.

i re-did it and tried it with 'imagex' and it still says the same thing.

also, i tried what germ-x said to do and it still says that imagex is not recognized

You didn't try what I asked. Re read my reply. All I want to see is if or what you have on your D drive.
When you type the D don't use the quotes.

if the command line options didnt work try pressing the CTRL and f11 keys at boot up and see if that starts the restore process for you.

While still in D drive type cd tools > enter
This should open the tools folder so you can see if your image is residing in that folder

after i type cdtools while still in D drive, the next line just says D:Tools> and nothing else is there

as germ-x said type cdtools (press enter) imagex should be in the tools folder. if so then try the command line from that folder.

imagex /apply d:dellimagefactory.wim 1 c:

i did that :(
but imagex isn't in the tools folder, nothing is in there

after you type cdtools and press enter type
dir /w and press enter
this will list the contents of the directory

i did everything you guys said and it still isn't working.i posted another picture for you guys to see

at the command prompt type d:
cd dellimage press return
dir /w press return
see whats in that directory. not sure what your image is in it could be in ghost format which means i have been using the wrong command line options

gosh, nothing seems to work!
i typed d:
then typed cd dellimage and hit enter and it says 'the system cannot find the path specified'

just do the cd dell press enter
dir /w press return. i went to far

this is what it says now

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.0.6001]
Copyright (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:UsersHearty>d:

D:>cd dell

D:dell>dir/w
Volume in drive D is RECOVERY
Volume Serial Number is B6D8-EEB7

Directory of D:dell

[.] [.]
0 File(s) 0 bytes
2 Dir(s) 9,340,559,360 bytes free

D:dell>

it looks like you dont have anything in those directorys.. i am out of suggestions.. only thing i can think of is to look in all the directories with the command prompt and see if anything is in any of them..

Open windows explorer > Tools > Folder options > View > Hidden files folders > Click on show hidden files, folders, drives.
While still in explorer select your D drive and proceed to open each folder. You have a Windows, Tools, Users, Program files. etc.
Let us know what is in these folders. By enabling your hidden folders, files you might be able to see the file your looking for.
Have you haven't installed any programs in your D drive?

EDIT: There has to be something on that drive as it shows 9+gb

Did you try pressing CTRL and f11 when you turn on the computer when the blue bar on the bottom center is showing that should start the repair function also. just another thought.

when i open windows explorer, it just takes me into my documents? and i don't see the tools folder anywhere either

nevermind, i got it
in the windows folder, there is a boot folder, branding, debug, en-US, fonts, globalization, help, inf, L2Schemas, LiveKernelReports, logs, microsoft.net, policy definitions, resources, security, service profiles, servicing, system 32, sysWOW64, temp, tracing, winsxs, bfsvc, fveupdate, hh, msdfmap, regedit, SETUPAPI, system, win, windows shell, and windows update

in the tools folder, there is nothing

in the users profile folder, there is default and public

in the program files folder, there is common files, internet explorer, and uninstall information

in the dell folder, there is nothing

in the program data folder, there is a microsoft folder

I went thru all those head aches for several days.. final solution.. Call the DELL Sales Deoartment, give them the Service TAg Number and the express code, answer a few questions to prove legalities and for a few dollars if approved, they will send you the recovery cd (s).

Hope this wil solve your problem. The cost is far less than the time spent trying the solutions found on the internet, which by the way, are all legit, but for some 'unknown' reason fail to work on some systems.

Nemico

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How-To Geek Forums / Windows Vista

I have an Acer Aspire 4920G notebook running on Windows Vista Home Premium and I want to restore it back to factory settings. But when I went to the 'Repair Computer' option in the advanced options screen, I got these options only:
Startup Repair
System Restore
Windows complete PC restore
Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Command Prompt

There was no option for me to restore it back to factory settings.
So I just want to know how do you restore it back to factory settings without Recovery Disks.

Here is the procedure for a Gateway/E-Machines. But it should be very similar for your Acer:

1. Copy all your own files and folders to an external storage (Disc, USB stick even SD card - 1 GByte capacity should be ample - even 512 MB)
2. Shut the PC off
3. Turn the PC back on and keep hitting the F8 key repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Option Screen appears
4. Click 'Repair Your Computer' –if you are not already on it, use the up and down arrows to maneuver to it and then press ENTER
5. Next you have to pick your country and click OK
6. On the 'System Recovery Options Screen' click 'Restore Application' (last option)
7. Follow the on-screen instructions
8. When prompted, click on 'Full Factory Recovery'
9. Click 'Next'
10. Click 'Yes'
11. Go and have a cup of coffee - don't touch anything - for a while it seems like nothing is happening
12. After many minutes, recovery will complete and you click 'Finish'

But I was not given the 'Restore Application' option. Do you know why?

It may say something a little different on an Acer. As I said, this is a Gateway setup. Since I do not have an Acer, I am not exactly certain what the option is at that point in time. Just look on the system recovery screen and pick the one that sounds most logical.

I tried 'Windows Complete PC Restore - Restore your entire computer from a backup' but an error occured.

'An internal error occured. The following information might help you resolve the error:
Incorrect function. (0x80070001)'

And the thing is that I do not have a backup.

I also tried 'System Restore' but it says that I do not have any restore points.

Are there any other ways to restore it back to Factory Settings?

Just a shot in the dark but try start > type recovery in the start search box > does that bring up
recovery manager?

What should I do now? Should I bring it back and ask them to help me retore back to fatory settings?

OK, let's go back to basics. Do you have a recovery partion (usually D:) Have a look into 'COMPUTER' > double click on D: and tell me what is on it.

It would be handy if you could post a screenshot of your Disk Management window

Mine's on C:. I have a 'Partition' text document that read inside it:
rescan
select disk=0
select partition 4
assign letter=F

Does this help?

I really don't know what this is. Don't you have a D: partition. It would help if you posted what Lighthouse suggested. It should look something like that. Note: My recovery happens to be E: because I have 2 disks in my box and D: was assigned to the second disk.

sgs, whatever you posted last does not show - at least not here. That is what I see.

Good one Bartman. (Alt+F10 for both Acer and Compaq)

yea. but anyway.. i tried ur suggestion and it works. thanks a lot man Bartman. restoring my notebook to fctory defaults now..

Very good Bartman. Now we know how to deal with Acer and Compac (I never had one of those).

dose anyone know if u save some stuff in the recovery drive <D> or the partitioned drive, will that data be saved when u do the factory restore?

1. You should have no data on D: if D: is the recovery partition.
2. If you restore with an OEM installation disk, D: is most likely wiped out and recreated (but I cannot speak for all OEM's)
3. If you restore from D: (being the recovery partition), then D: is not being touched.
4. If you restore with a genuine MS Vista installation disk, I really don't know. But my guess would be that they format the whole disk because they let you size the partitions.
5. Some OEM's have a data save function (e.g. HP) during the reinstallation. But do not rely on it. The HP version, I happen to know, does not work and you loose your data.

thanks for the quick responce, after i restore gonna add this web page to my fav's.

I just got a new work computer with vista installed. I have a dumb question. I have a D: drive called factory image. I want to know if I compress the data to save disk space will it help or hurt my computer.

Do NOT touch the D: partition. This is your lifeline for recovery. Do NOT write on it, do not compress, just do nothing with it. The one thing you should do asap is burn a recovery disk from D:. I f you need guidance, let me know. But tell me what make your system is.

Thank You. I have HP Pavilion Slimline. Plus, I found out I will get a laptop also for emergency. I was told the laptop is a HP Paviion Entertainment. I know I need some guidance. I don't want to mess up. I forgot both have Home & Student 2007.

OK, several points:
1. To create your recovery disk (very important), type REC into the start/search field. Go to 'Recovery disk creation' above (may take a minute to show up). That will get you to the Recovery Disk Creation Wizard that will guide you. You MUST have 2 DVD-R's handy to burn the recovery disk (CD's are no good - it would take 12 and there is too much risk of error). Note that you can burn this disk only once - so get it right the first time. This procedure should be good for both HP system - and make sure you burn the disks for both seperately.
Btw: I have an HP desktop and an HP laptop too. They are good machines. Only my Gateway is better.
2. The MS Home and Student 2007 that came with your system is only a trial version. Buy the full version eventually ($100 to $149 depending where you buy). This package is worth every penny. Experiment with the trial version in the meantime. That will give you an idea. Especially Word, Powerpoint and the Picture Manager are what I use all the time. The books on this site http://perspection.com/office_books.htm are excellent for learning.
3. Do not hesitate to contact us with any question you might have. We will be glad to help. But next time, start your own thread. You kind of highjacked this one.

I have bought home & student 2007. so far, i like the programs. I have burned the recovery disk. will i get more free space? i have another question. I have notice on my friend's laptop the free space bar is just started to turn red. How can i help her to fix that problem. she also the same type of laptop.

1. After burning the recovery disk you will not get more space. Keep the recovery partition (D:) because it may come in handy one day. And make sure nothing is being written on it. Especially if you initiate file/folder backup/restore you have to watch it because D: is the default there. You have to assign another drive (e.g. an external disk, a USB stick, optical drive, etc.).
2. I do not understand the question regarding the freespace bar on your friends laptop turning red. Can you post a picture?

When a disk starts to get full, Vista shows the capacity gauge in red. This is taken from 'Computer' with the View set to Tile:

Ohh, OK, Of course. That's it. If this is happening on your friends Recovery partition, the cause could be from Backups. You better clean this up and assign another drive for the file backup.

How do I get started? Please write down step by step how to creat another drive.

I don't think you want to create another drive (disk partition). If it is your recovery disk that's full, just delete the files that do not belong there - or you can move them to an external device (USB stick, external disk, CD). If you are not sure which is which, double click on the drive, take a snip of the files/folders it shows and post it here. Then we can have a look at it and tell you what does not belong there.
PS: When I said 'Assign another drive for backup', I meant an external drive (USB, CD).

I will tell my friend to take snip fo the file/folders before she transfer the files to her external hard drive. Once again, thanks for all your help.

We are still learning how to use the computer. We are having trouble to snip. I can tell you when i open recovery (D:) I don't see any files or folders. It warns me this is a recovery partition. I looked at the properties. Free space is 3.26 MB Used space is 6.26 GB.

1. The D: partition looks good. Is that the one that turns red? It should not, because there is enough free space. And you should see at least one folder when you open it. It is usually called 'Recovery' or maybe 'Acer..something'. That folder, however, you cannot open because it has hidden files. No point to look into it anyhow.
2. For snipping, press start > All Programs > Accessories > Snipping tool. Right click on it and 'Pin to Start menu'. Then you can launch it from the start menu. But you can also do 'Add to Quick Launch' or whatever is most convenient for you. The snipping tool is easy to use. Just drag the cursor from left top to bottom right over the area you want to snip. Release the cursor once you covered the desired area, and voila the snip. Then go to 'File' > Save as > give it a name > save. Then you find the snip in 'Pictures'.

Hi, guys here is a tough one for ya..
I had brought an Acer Aspire 4520G in April 2008. Out of some real bad judgment I deleted Vista home premium that came with it. I partitioned the hard drive and installed XP professional. But I could not use any of my hardwares. So I reinstalled Vista but Vista ultimate. Now at present I am still unable to use all my hardwares. Has my laptops 'factory reset' option permanently gone or do I have any hope?

BTW I read that you helped a guys with the same laptop with some what similar condition.Will be glad if you could help.

Welcome musta. Please could you post your problem in a 'New Topic'. It will get more attention.

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