Factory Reset Option

[Tagger66]

I purchased a new PC some 6 months ago and due to circumstances stayed in the box until yesterday. When I set it up and turned it on I ended up with a screen that says:

Windows 7
Build 7601
This copy of Windows in not genuine

The helpdesk (who are difficult to get hold of and don't work late enough for me to call them when I get home, told me to use the F8 function when I turn the PC on and select the “Repair your computer” in the Advance boot menu and follow the instructions.

To cut a long story short the 'Repair your computer' option is absent from the list which comprises (including the two gaps):

Safe Mode
Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Enable Boot Logging
Enable low-resolution video (640x480)
Last Known Good Configuration (advanced)
Directory Services Restore Mode
Debugging Mode
Disable rutomatic restart on system failure
Disable Driver Signature Enforcement

Start Windows Normally

I tried a couple of the options that looked promising but just ended up with a blank screen with 'safe mode' printed in each corner.

Would it help if I could get hold of a Windows 7 disk as the product key stickers in on the side of the machine?

Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[COLGeek]

It really sounds like you just need to activate the install of Windows 7:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/activate-windows-7-on-this-computer

 

[Tagger66]

It really sounds like you just need to activate the install of Windows 7:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/activate-windows-7-on-this-computer

Unfortunately there is no desktop or start button just a blank grey screen that says that the copy of Windows is not genuine. I was advised to reset to factory settings to allow me to re-input the product licence number. I just can't find an option to do this.

 

[himnextdoor]

You may be able to access the 'Repair your computer' option in the following way.

Restart the computer and after a couple of seconds, press down and hold the power button until the machine shuts down.

Now restart the machine and that option should be presented to you.

On some computers that have a backup partition hidden on the drive, F10 or F11 can start a factory restore application.

F12 sometimes allow for disk to disk recovery. Did your machine come with such DVD's?

Did the machine come with any disks at all?

 

[Tagger66]

You may be able to access the 'Repair your computer' option in the following way.

Restart the computer and after a couple of seconds, press down and hold the power button until the machine shuts down.

Now restart the machine and that option should be presented to you.

On some computers that have a backup partition hidden on the drive, F10 or F11 can start a factory restore application.

F12 sometimes allow for disk to disk recovery. Did your machine come with such DVD's?

Did the machine come with any disks at all?

I have tried F8 and F11 but have not found any workable options but will try F10. I was told that there should be a factory restore function but am still trying to find it.

The only disks I received with the machine were graphics and sound etc. I may have an old Win 7 DVD buried somewhere, which if memory serves should be 64 bit home edition similar to what is installed on the new machine but I have had this since windows 7 was released so I have no idea if it will be any different but possibly worth a try if all else fails. I have not tried running repair on Windows 7 before and have to admit I had little success when I tried the same function on 64 Bit XP-Pro so am a little nervous although there is nothing on this machine apart from Windows so no data to lose.

Update.. No joy as such with F10 but this route does get me to a different Safe Mode Window that says 'Setup is preparing your computer for first use' ... the accompanying dialogue box say that it cannot do this in safe mode.

 

[himnextdoor]

In which case I would make an executive decision about whether or not I was going to return the machine under warranty or to swallow it and press ahead and install a new system. (Which is what I would do.)

If you have a Windows disk then I would use it and then download only the updates that were to do with compatibility and reliability.

I wouldn't bother with security updates and I wouldn't install anything that couldn't be removed either.

Once Windows is on the system, install the graphics and sound drivers. You may have to install other devices too such as your motherboard chipset, modem and network adapter if they are installed devices.

It should be easy enough to track down these drivers as long as you know the name, make and model of the devices that need to be installed.

If you need any assistance in that regard, I would be happy to help.

 

[COLGeek]

What make/model is the PC?

Also, what version of Windows 7 is installed on the PC? You could download the appropriate ISO for your version and then boot from the DVD you would burn and execute a repair from the DVD. You could enter the Product Key from your label and activate at that time.

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/14709-Windows-7-Digital-River-direct-links-Multiple-Languages-X86-amp-X64/page72

 

[Tagger66]

What make/model is the PC?

Also, what version of Windows 7 is installed on the PC? You could download the appropriate ISO for your version and then boot from the DVD you would burn and execute a repair from the DVD. You could enter the Product Key from your label and activate at that time.

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/14709-Windows-7-Digital-River-direct-links-Multiple-Languages-X86-amp-X64/page72

Sounds promising. Does this kickstart the repair function already installed on the PC or reinstall windows from scratch?

 

[COLGeek]

It can do both.