Factory Reset, Custom PC, help.

[Cerealusly]

I would like to FACTORY reset my CUSTOM PC. Every time I try to factory reset, I can't find the option because my computer isn't a Dell or HP. The only option I ever see is to restore it to an earlier time but that's not what I want. If anyone can help me find a way to factory reset the whole computer I would appreciate it.

 

[USAFRet]

I would like to FACTORY reset my CUSTOM PC. Every time I try to factory reset, I can't find the option because my computer isn't a Dell or HP. The only option I ever see is to restore it to an earlier time but that's not what I want. If anyone can help me find a way to factory reset the whole computer I would appreciate it.

You can't do a "Factory Reset", because there was no "Factory".

What OS is this?

 

[Cerealusly]

Windows 7 Professional 64bit

 

[USAFRet]

Windows 7 Professional 64bit

Then bust out your Win 7 install disk.
Boot from that.
Delete ALL existing partitions on the drive.
Reinstall.

This of course means that you will need to:
Install all the drivers
Reinstall all your applications
etc, etc, etc...just like day 1 when you built it.

That is your 'Factory Reset'. You are the factory.

 

[Cerealusly]

Do I just shut the PC down and place the disc in and that's it?

 

[USAFRet]

Do I just shut the PC down and place the disc in and that's it?

Well, mostly.
Since this is a whole new OS install, you need to prepare.
Find and download all the drivers for your hardware. Save these to a USB stick or DVD
Document all your username/passwords. The new OS will know nothing about them
Find all the install files for your suite of applications. And their serial numbers, if any.
Be absolutely sure you have the Win 7 license key written down on a piece of paper.

If you have more than one HDD/SSD...disconnect all other ones.
Boot up from your DVD
When it asks where, select Custom
You will see several partitions
Select each one, and Delete
Leaving one large space.
Let Windows install to that, creating what it needs.

Once done, now you have to go through all the current Windows updates
And install all the drivers for your hardware.


May I ask why you are doing this?

 

[Cerealusly]

Idk...I'm having issues with my CD driver and it may be broken so I feel like if I reset the whole computer I will be able to see if my CD driver is broken or not because as we speak, I'm trying to install a new program and the disc is not being read. Its annoying.

 

[USAFRet]

Idk...I'm having issues with my CD driver and it may be broken so I feel like if I reset the whole computer I will be able to see if my CD driver is broken or not because as we speak, I'm trying to install a new program and the disc is not being read. Its annoying.

A full wipe and reinstall is pretty extreme for a potential broken CD drive.

If the CD drive doesn't work, how do you figure a OS reinstall would fix it?
Boot from your Win 7 disk (if you can) and run the Repair function.

Or it may be a broken drive.
Or it may be a bad CD you're trying to install from.

 

[Cerealusly]

I somehow had viruses on my computer (not from porn or anything like that lol). These may have come from Downloading mods and softwares for my games. I have this weird feeling like these viruses after I got them cleaned out...could still be affecting my computer in that it is affecting my CD drive

 

[USAFRet]

If you had viruses (probable with game mods)
and if you've gone through all your AV and antimalware solutions
and if the system is still acting very weird...

Then a full reinstall may be needed.

 

[Cerealusly]

So wouldn't I just "factory" reset the whole computer as the best option...

 

[USAFRet]

So wouldn't I just "factory" reset the whole computer as the best option...

If you can deal with the brain pain of reinstalling everything, sure.
Some people here would rather lose a limb before doing that.

 

[Cerealusly]

I could care less at this rate...I'll order another CD drive and if that works and I find out the old one was broke than I won't "factory" reset...thank you for your help bud. I appreciate it!

 

[USAFRet]

I could care less at this rate...I'll order another CD drive and if that works and I find out the old one was broke than I won't "factory" reset...thank you for your help bud. I appreciate it!

Order a drive from somewhere that has a good return policy. It may cost $0 it that turns out to not be the case.
Or $15 for a working drive.

 

[Cerealusly]

I just placed a reorder of the drive I already have. Its only $20 so its not that much of a loss if it doesn't work again...hopefully within the week I can actually find out what the problem is.