How can I factory reset a pre-installed Windows Vista laptop? I don't mind losing everything. I just want the malware and vi

[Airruiz23]

Windows Vista factory reset

 

[Someone Somewhere]

Did your PC come with any Windows disk(s)?

If so, put the first one in and reboot. It should boot off the disk, and you'll be able to install.

If not, there may be a hotkey it prompts you to press during boot - which key this is depends on your manufacturer.

 

[Airruiz23]

Would rebooting permanently delete the virus?

 

[Someone Somewhere]

No.

However, if you reboot with the install disc in the drive, it should prompt you to boot off the disc and reinstall Windows.

 

[Airruiz23]

Ok, but guys I did mentioned it was pre-installed with windows vista. Therefore, there is no CD that came with it. Should I just purchase a newer version of windows? Which would you recommend?

 

[Someone Somewhere]

Re-read my first post. If your PC came with windows disks, use them.

If it didn't, it will tell you a hot-key for recovery during the boot process. Hit that.

 

[Airruiz23]

I'm in the factory reset process and it's been on a screen that says (Applying Final Configuration. Please wait...) It comes and goes. It's been about 4 times that it restarts my computer and goes back to that screen.

 

[Airruiz23]

So it seems that the factory reset was performed successfully. So I no longer have the virus and malware that I currently had?

 

[Someone Somewhere]

Almost certainly. Unless it's extremely advanced stuff.

99.9% chance you're OK, unless you annoyed a government or major organised crime.

 

[Christie_2]

Did your PC come with any Windows disk(s)?

If so, put the first one in and reboot. It should boot off the disk, and you'll be able to install.

If not, there may be a hotkey it prompts you to press during boot - which key this is depends on your manufacturer.