Reset a Packard Bell

Sorry, I'm only getting back now...

I'm going to follow your good advice! But I don't have a W10 installation CD...
Can you please indicate the steps to follow?

I put everything on a USB stick.
Thank you for your response!

Hello.

>>> It's old, very slow... a real pain! <<<

It would be helpful to know the configuration of this PC. If it is equipped with a weak microprocessor, it will remain slow. Please provide us with the exact model reference of this Packard Bell so that we can look up its configuration.

Going back to Windows 7 is not a good idea. Microsoft hates that and makes it clear by "forgetting" to reinstall certain drivers for you. You will see some features, such as the task scheduler (grayed out), and many others as well.

Furthermore, the end of technical support is quite near, and this version will become obsolete just like Vista or, further back, XP.

Catch you later...

--
"Patience leads to good, haste leads to nothing."

It's a notebook computer

Model number: EG70
EasyNote LE11BZ

The hard drive capacity is 465 GB (of which 159 are used)

I just made 1 backup DVD of the drivers and applications, and 4 factory default backup DVDs.

It will never be a lightning bolt, but if it could still allow for basic office use, internet access, and watching movies (Netflix), that would suit me just fine! Especially since it has a big screen ;)

Okay, I'm giving up on the idea of Windows 7... I guess I'll have to get used to 10!

Indeed, this PC will never be a powerhouse as the processor speed only reaches 1.4 GHz. As for the 4 GB of RAM, it is sufficient for office work and surfing the internet, and possibly for games that aren't demanding on RAM.

A reset of Windows 10 without data loss? Sure, but in any case, you will lose all your installed software except for the default Microsoft ones.

Personally, I suggest a CLEAN reinstallation of Windows 10, an installation that will eliminate any potential system corruption if there is any, but also all your files and software. In other words, you will start with a fresh installation.

>>> I guess I'll have to get used to 10! <<<

It is true that Windows 10 is a bit more complicated than Windows 7. But the more you work on it at first, the quicker you get used to it. And just in case, there is a free software that allows you to get the desktop and startup of Windows 7 back. It's easy to implement since the tutorial is very clear.

https://www.google.com

But this phase should be after reinstalling Windows 10, of course. Waiting for your response, but I'll only get back to you around 4:30 PM.

Catch you later . . .

--
"Patience leads to success, haste leads to nothing."

Re.

Just create a Windows 10 ISO and burn this ISO onto an 8GB USB stick using Rufus for example. From another computer if the Packard Bell is too slow.

First, download the Media Creation Tool (download the tool now) and then using this tool, download the ISO by first choosing your original version, Home or Pro, 32 or 64 bits (WARNING = any version other than the original will not be activated by Microsoft)

https://www.microsoft.com/fr-fr/software-download/windows10

Then burn this ISO with Rufus onto a blank USB stick because it will be formatted

https://rufus.akeo.ie/?locale=fr

For the installation, simply plug in your USB stick and restart the PC. As soon as the manufacturer's logo appears, press F12 (usually, but depending on the brand of the PC, it might be another F key) and choose USB to set it as the boot priority and F10 to save.

Upon restarting, a window will prompt you to press any key (Enter) Choose a single partition. You can create one later if you wish.

During the installation, you will be asked to enter the activation key. You can skip it by clicking Next. When installing Windows 10 for the first time, Microsoft granted you a digital entitlement (activation key) This entitlement will be re-granted to you at the end of the installation.

Afterward, do not install any antivirus. Windows Defender is sufficient on its own and will prevent many bugs in future updates.

PS = You can also burn this ISO onto a 4.7GB DVD. In this case, simply restart with the DVD in the drive. The only downside is that the installation will be a bit longer.

See you later… If you have any questions, don't hesitate.

--
"Patience leads to well, haste leads to nothing"

I’m going to have quite a few questions, yes, I’m afraid ... already two software programs that I don't know at all ... is there a tutorial to get them to work?

Is it the Media Creation Tool that will create the ISO?

Where can I find this information? "your original version Home or Pro, 32 or 64 bits"?

Rufus ... does it work with "Ubuntu"?

And before all this, do I need to "empty" the computer? Is it the new installation that will "overwrite" the old one??

By clicking on "download the tool now" in the Microsoft link, the Media Creation Tool will be installed in the "downloads" section. By clicking on this download, you will just need to follow the installation settings for the ISO. Expect about 40 minutes (on average) for this ISO download (3.7 GB) which you will also find in the "downloads" section (also called download)

To check your system: Press Windows key + Pause/Break key
If this shortcut doesn't work, go to the Control Panel in the start menu (see image) and click on System or the information will be given by "Windows Edition" and "System Type". However, I believe (not certain) that Microsoft will search for it automatically.



Rufus is made to burn the Windows 10 ISO only to a USB key, nothing else. If you find it easier through a DVD (4.7 GB), feel free to do so. The installation will take a little longer but will also be effective.

Do not format, or erase as you say, your hard drive beforehand. Indeed, the new installation will overwrite the old one and reset the system to new.

See you tomorrow because I'm shutting down my PC. Family decree oblige :)

--
"Patience leads to good, hastiness leads to nothing"

Good evening,
Otherwise, there is a simpler solution to reset Windows 10 (without losing your personal documents) without any particular knowledge...
See the chapter "Reset this PC" here:
https://support.microsoft.com/fr-fr/windows/options-de-r%C3%A9cup%C3%A9ration-dans-windows-10-31ce2444-7de3-818c-d626-e3b5a3024da5

As a little bonus, you can restore the appearance of Windows 7 (or also Windows Vista or Windows XP) in three clicks with this:
https://www.commentcamarche.net/telecharger/utilitaires/5931-classic-shell/

--
The enemy is foolish: he thinks we are the enemy, whereas it is he!

Pierre Desproges