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Resetting a Zalman PC to factory settings

Mhynxyz Posted messages 7 Status Member -  
gugu01 Posted messages 15669 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   -
Hello,

I'm looking to reset my computer to factory settings, so I read the appropriate guide, which said that each brand has a different method. However, I couldn't find my computer brand on the list; it's a Zalman (I don't think it's very well-known?).
I wanted to know if you know the procedure to follow?

Thank you in advance and have a good day/evening.

Configuration: Windows / Firefox 63.0

9 answers

  1.
    gugu01 Posted messages 15669 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   4 702
     
    Good evening,

    It seems to me that Zalman only makes parts for PCs (cases, fans...) but not complete PCs.

    Is your PC a build?
    And for what reason do you want to reset it (issue or for resale or...) ?

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    1. Mhynxyz Posted messages 7 Status Member
       
      Oh, that's surprising. I'm not really sure; I got it for Christmas a few years ago, so I don't really know.
      I wanted to reset it because it's starting to get old, bugs a lot, doesn't have much memory, has driver issues, etc.
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  2. gugu01 Posted messages 15669 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   4 702
     
    You need:

    First of all, check the health status of your hard drive using this software:
    https://www.commentcamarche.net/telecharger/utilitaires/6735-crystaldiskinfo/
    Unzip the downloaded file and then run the exe. (64 or 32 depending on whether your PC is 64 or 32 bits)
    Just give me its health indication. (good, caution, mediocre, etc.)

    You need to retrieve your product key.
    Check this page which indicates different procedures to extract your license key.
    https://www.malekal.com/recuperer-cle-produit-de-windows/
    Let me know if your key contains the letters oem
    (but of course you do not communicate your key)

    -----------------------
    General idea for what’s next:

    We will find the Windows 7 iso that suits you, then we will create a USB installation key.
    We will reinstall
    We will immediately check if Windows is properly activated, before going any further.
    If yes, there will be Windows updates to do and it's very very ...very long
    Reinstall the drivers.
    Then restore your documents and reinstall your software
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    1. Mhynxyz Posted messages 7 Status Member
       
      My hard drive is in good health, and my product key does indeed contain the letters OEM.
      Thank you again for taking the time to help me, it's really kind of you!
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  3. gugu01 Posted messages 15669 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   4 702
     
    Here is the ISO to download Windows 7 Home OEM x64:
    https://software-download.microsoft.com/pr/Win7_HomePrem_SP1_French_COEM_x64.iso?t=bde2e0be-299d-41ca-95df-4c0b017feb3b&e=1544342955&h=73bf1881996690af786b650bfcd61f61
    Note that the link is valid for 24 hours.
    Do not try to open this ISO directly as it is a disk image that we will mount on a USB key.
    Keep the ISO aside to avoid downloading it again if needed later.

    Create your Windows installation USB key with Rufus:
    https://www.commentcamarche.net/telecharger/utilitaires/19615-rufus/
    Example:
    (partition type to set according to your PC)
    Basically, you need to:
    Select your USB key that you plan to use (note that this will delete everything on it, so empty it beforehand)
    For partition type, you need to know if your disk is in GPT or MBR or the type of BIOS
    (if the format is wrong, your PC will not detect the key or it will get stuck somewhere. You will just have to redo it with the other format and try again.)

    Key created
    Turn off your PC and plug in the USB key, then start it.
    The PC should boot directly from the USB key (not Windows)
    Install Windows
    Activation
    Drivers
    Updates
    Etc

    This is just a quick overview, as it's late and I'm going to sleep.
    Available tomorrow late afternoon

    Wait for me to guide you in more detail or if you know a bit how to do it...
    Download the ISO, create your key, and see if your PC boots from it.
    1
  4. gugu01 Posted messages 15669 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   4 702
     
    A montage will not have an automatic procedure to reset to factory settings.
    (manufacturers create a factory restore partition for this purpose)

    Let's keep it simple ...
    Would you like to upgrade to Windows 10?

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    1. Mhynxyz Posted messages 7 Status Member
       
      To be honest, not really. But well, right now my computer is almost unusable, so if I have no choice, I'm not going to throw a tantrum. :/
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  6. gugu01 Posted messages 15669 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   4 702
     
    If you want to stay on Windows 7, you'll need to reinstall it, but keep in mind that resetting or reinstalling will delete everything (software, documents, pictures, music...) if it's on the same partition as Windows.

    Have you backed up everything you want to keep on an external hard drive???

    Do you have the Windows 7 CD?
    Do you have Windows 7 Home or Professional?
    Do you have your license key that should be stuck on the PC case?

    Understand well what it means to reset, and depending on whether you have the CD or not, the key or not, we will decide how to proceed.

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    1. Mhynxyz Posted messages 7 Status Member
       
      I have already put all my important files on a USB drive and Google Drive (to be sure). I am aware of what that implies.

      I have the family version of Windows, and I just checked, I have neither the CD nor the license key. But I found a label from a store on the computer (with the warranty), it was purchased from a second-hand store.
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  7. Mhynxyz Posted messages 7 Status Member
     
    So, I downloaded the ISO, etc., and created the USB drive (my hard drive is in MBR), etc., but when I turned off my PC and turned it back on with the USB drive, nothing happened?
    Now, instead of the USB drive, there are these two things that have been added:

    Did I make a mistake somewhere?
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  8. gugu01 Posted messages 15669 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   4 702
     
    Did you make your key with Rufus by choosing the partition type MBR?
    (since the HDD is MBR according to you)

    If that’s good on that side, then according to your PC, you need to find the BIOS access key or the boot menu selection (if there is one) and change the boot order so that the PC starts from the USB first.

    Would you happen to know the reference of your motherboard so we can find the access keys?

    Otherwise, for the BIOS, it’s often the F2, Escape, or Delete keys that you need to tap at startup to enter the BIOS.
    The BIOS is a menu, and the navigation is indicated on the screen.
    You need to find the boot tab and move the USB key to the top of the list of devices to launch. Your BIOS should display your key if it recognizes it as "bootable".
    Sometimes, additionally, disable Secure Boot, which is often found in the security tab.
    Exit while saving and retest the boot on the key.
    Be careful not to touch anything else in the BIOS.

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    1. gugu01 Posted messages 15669 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   4 702
       
      up
      0
    2. Mhynxyz Posted messages 7 Status Member
       
      Excuse me if I take time to respond, I am in the middle of exam period :/

      I tried to access the BIOS. When I turned on my PC, I noticed there was a screen offering 3 options, one of which was to access the boot by pressing F2, which I did. However, I ended up on a bright red screen, with no selection menu. I didn't understand much, so out of fear of messing something up, I left. I tried to access the other options, but nothing happened.

      I will try to post photos later today.
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  9. nateliv Posted messages 22 Status Member 1
     
    Good evening. :)

    I think his answer will be yes...
    Basically, restoring your system "to factory settings" means wiping everything to get your system back to how it was when you first bought it. So with the original OS.
    For example, if you have overwritten the Windows that was originally installed to install a Linux, when you restore your system to factory settings, you will get back the original Windows (without your data, of course!).
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    1. gugu01 Posted messages 15669 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   4 702
       
      Good evening nateliv,

      Your response is a bit out of sync with the current point we are at ;-)

      Since messages that receive a vote automatically rise, it means they are no longer in chronological order.

      Go back to the first message and change the subject display to show by DATE

      Good to know (yes, it's not very logical that votes mix up the dates, but that's how it is)
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  10. gugu01 Posted messages 15669 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   4 702
     
    Here’s how to directly insert photos into the discussion:
    https://www.commentcamarche.net/infos/25913-ccm-inserer-une-image-dans-une-discussion/
    This will be very useful ...

    Yes, we need to find a way to boot from the USB key, depending on your BIOS, or maybe the USB key needs to be redone. It will be faster if I can visualize it.
    Currently, is your USB key made with GPT or MBR partition type?

    Here is a general link for booting from a USB key, it will give you an idea:
    https://www.malekal.com/comment-demarrer-ordinateur-cle-usb/

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