Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista

Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
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If your Windows Vista computer stops working unexpectedly due to a system error or virus, or you want to completely wipe the hard drive and restore your computer to its original factory settings, you can reset your computer using any one of several methods. You can either perform a system restore, restore the contents of your computer from a previous system image backup, reinstall Windows, or simply restore your computer back to its original factory settings.

Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista

Method 1 Method 1 of 5:Performing a System Restore

  1. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    1
    Click on the Start menu and select All Programs.
  2. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    2
    Click on Accessories and select System Tools.
  3. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    3
    Click on System Restore. The System Restore window will display on-screen.
  4. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    4
    Select the radio button next to the restore point for which you want your computer restored. You can either choose the restore point recommended by Windows, or choose a different restore point.
  5. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    5
    Click on Next.
  6. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    6
    Verify that a checkmark is placed next to the C:/ drive when asked which disk drive you want restored.
  7. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    7
    Click on Finish. Your computers system files will be restored to the earlier date and time you specified, and your personal files will not be affected.[1]

Method 2 Method 2 of 5:Restoring from a System Image Backup (with Windows Installation Disc)

  1. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    1
    Insert the Windows Installation disc that came with your computer into your computers disc drive.
  2. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    2
    Click on the Start menu, then click on the arrow next to the Lock icon.
  3. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    3
    Click on Restart. Your computer will restart and recognize the Windows Installation disc upon startup.
  4. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    4
    Press any key when prompted to do so by Windows Vista.
  5. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    5
    Choose your language preference and select Next.
  6. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    6
    Click on Repair your computer.
  7. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    7
    Click on the name of the operating system you want repaired. This option will most likely read as Microsoft Windows Vista.
  8. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    8
    Click on Next. The System Recovery Options menu will display.
  9. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    9
    Click on Windows Complete PC Restore.
  10. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    10
    Select the restoration point to which you want your computer restored.
  11. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    11
    Click on Next.
  12. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    12
    Verify that your restore point information is correct and click on Finish. Windows will then restore all the contents of your computer, such as system files and settings, back to the restore point you selected.[2]

Method 3 Method 3 of 5:Restoring from a System Image Backup (With No Installation Disc Provided)

  1. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    1
    Power on your Windows Vista computer.
    • If your computer is already turned on, click on the Start menu and select Restart from the dropdown menu next to the Lock button.
  2. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    2
    Press the F8 key repeatedly as your computer boots up. The Advanced Boot Options menu will display on-screen.
    • If the Advanced Boot Options menu does not display, restart your computer and continue to press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo displays on-screen.
  3. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    3
    Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight Repair your computer.
  4. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    4
    Press the Enter key.
  5. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    5
    Select a keyboard layout from the options provided, then press Next.
  6. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    6
    Select your username from the dropdown menu and type your Windows Vista password.
  7. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    7
    Click on OK. The System Recovery Options menu will display on-screen.
  8. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    8
    Click on Windows Complete PC Restore.
  9. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    9
    Choose the restoration point to which you want the state of your computer restored.
  10. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    10
    Click on Next.
  11. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    11
    Verify that the restore point information is correct and click on Finish. Windows will then restore all the contents of your computer, such as system files and settings, back to the restore point you have chosen.

Method 4 Method 4 of 5:Reinstalling Windows Vista

  1. 1
    Power on your Windows Vista computer.
  2. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    2
    Insert your Windows Vista Installation disc into the disc drive of your computer. The Install Windows wizard will display on-screen.
  3. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    3
    Click on Install now.
  4. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    4
    Read and review the Windows Vista license terms and click on I accept the license terms.
  5. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    5
    Select Custom when asked about the type of installation you prefer.
  6. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    6
    Select the C:/ partition when asked where you want to install Windows Vista.
  7. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    7
    Click on Next. The Windows Vista installation process will begin, and your computer will be returned to its default settings.[3]

Method 5 Method 5 of 5:Restoring to Factory Settings

  1. 1
    Disconnect all non-essential external peripherals from your computer. Examples of non-essential external peripherals are printers, flash drives, and scanners.
  2. 2
    Power on your computer.
  3. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    3
    Press the F8 key repeatedly as your computer boots up. The Advanced Boot Options menu will display on your screen.
    • If the Advanced Boot Options menu does not display, restart your computer and try again to press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo is displayed on-screen.
  4. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    4
    Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight Repair your computer.
  5. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    5
    Press Enter.
  6. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    6
    Select your language preference from the options provided, then click Next.
  7. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    7
    Log into Windows Vista using your username and password.
  8. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    8
    Select the option to perform an image restore. For example, if you are using a computer manufactured by Dell, select Dell Factory Image Restore.
  9. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    9
    Click on Next.
  10. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    10
    Place a checkmark next to the option that reads, Yes, reformat hard drive and restore system software to factory condition.
  11. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    11
    Click on Next. Your computer will then be restored to its default factory settings.
  12. Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    12
    Click on Finish when the restoration process has been completed. Your computer will restart, and be ready for use as if the computer were brand new.[4]

Community Q&A

  • Question
    What should I do if I forgot my start-up password?
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Subhodeep Roy
    Community Answer
    You can boot it from the booting menu before the computer starts and then format it, though it will remove all the software you have in the c drive but you will be able to open the computer without the password.
  • Question
    What if backup is off and there are no new restore entries saved to do a reset?
    Factory reset Acer laptop Windows Vista
    Community Answer
    Get an installation .ISO and burn it onto a disk. Place it in on bootup and attempt to start the disk up.

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Tips

  • 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.
  • 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.

Warnings

  • 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. Most of these procedures will entirely reset and wipe your computers hard drive, and you will lose all your personal data.
  • 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.

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References

  1. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/what-is-system-restore#1TC=windows-vista
  2. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/restore-computer-from-system-image-backup#1TC=windows-vista
  3. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/installing-reinstalling-windows#1TC=windows-vista
  4. http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&docid=DSN_336966

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wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 231,515 times.
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Updated: January 31, 2022
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Categories: Windows
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