Restore XP to factory settings

Question

Hello,
So here it is, my PC is really very old and has quite a few bugs or small problems that have integrated over time. I would like to restore it to factory settings like on Vista (basically, make it as if it just came out, no more sessions, first startup, ...). I can't format my hard drives because I don't have a Windows XP installation CD (it's too old, it was on floppy disk...) so I would like to restore it so that XP is on it and it will be like new! But I don’t know how to do it... If you know any good software that can do that or any manipulation, thank you!
P.S. the tip "buy yourself a new PC" does not work, because my mother won't buy another one until this one breaks down...
Thank you for your help

Configuration: Windows XP Firefox 2.0.0.14

Etoile2mer · Accepted Answer

Hello,
Are you satisfied with the solution?
I tried Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.
But it didn't do anything: I hadn't created a "restore point" in the beginning.

Do you have a solution? Thank you.

HostOfSeraphim · Answer

The problem is that XP manages restoration by creating "restore points" regularly. If you have no restore points created, XP will not be able to go back.

The only solution would be to reinstall Windows XP...

--
Configuration: Linux Debian (Lenny) / Gnome / Firefox 2
Internet connection: ADSL Orange 8M (Livebox)

$h@dow · Answer

Ah... well, too bad! Thank you for your help ;)

micka89 · Answer

Hi, if you want your mom to buy you a new PC, make sure this one breaks down soon lol.

Well, for your question, I asked the same thing in another section. If you're like me, you're looking to do a complete restore of your PC, as if it were brand new.

So, I asked the same question. To do this restore, you need to go to programs/accessories/system/smart restore.

There you go, if that doesn't work, then it won't work for me either ^^

I hope the fact that this message is posted two months later isn't too serious ^^

Good restoration.

Mickael

Etoile2mer · Answer

Hi micka89,

Yes, I would like to restore the PC "as new"! I have backed up everything I care about on DVDs and burned a Master CD.
I'm stuck now... How do we initiate the complete destructive restoration?
Thanks a lot!

lacharpente · Answer

Good evening Etoile2mer What brand is your PC? A+

Etoile2mer · Answer

Hello  My laptop is a Packard Bell Easy Note E6. With Windows XP Home Edition Premium. And an owner who isn't too savvy :)

lacharpente · Answer

RE Look at this everything: http://translate.google.fr/... See you!

Etoile2mer · Answer

Hello lacharpente,

Thank you for your quick response! :)
I read the tutorial carefully, and also checked the online Self Service from Packard Bell with my serial number. But the tutorial linked above and the Self Service both explain the procedure for... Vista.
I can't find "Packard Bell Recovery Management" under XP Home!! :(

How to restore my system to factory settings?
How to Return My System to its Factory Condition? That's the question...

lacharpente · Answer

RE
On certain laptops, there is no such possibility. When you bought your PC, you should have requested them from Packard Bell, who should have sent them to you for free. Try contacting them to see if it's still possible for free or even if you can buy them.
A+

Etoile2mer · Answer

Thank you lacharpente!

I contacted them. To restore a Packard Bell to factory settings, no CD is needed.
The OS is on the recovery partition of the hard drive. You have to access the BIOS before Windows boots and start the restoration. Cool... :)

Thanks for everything!

NINIBER · Answer

Hello,

I would like to restore my laptop to its original factory settings, but no matter how hard I try to use F11, the complete recovery logo for Packard Bell doesn't appear.

I have a Packard Bell Easy Note R9400 with WINDOWS XP

Thanks to everyone who can help me.

micka89 · Answer

Hello everyone.

Regarding factory restores for computers, for XP PCs, normally (I say normally because I've been on Vista for a while and I've forgotten some things about XP ^^) when your computer starts up, you just need to tap the F8 key. You will then arrive at the page allowing you to start the restoration process.

Be aware that this restoration will delete everything on your computer to restore it to factory settings, that is, as it was when you purchased it.

Mick@

(PS: I hope I haven’t pressed the wrong key to start the restoration; as I said, I'm on Vista, so there are quite a few changes compared to the earlier version, so it’s possible the indicated key is not the right one. If that’s the case, it won’t harm your PC, don’t worry.)

stephi87 · Answer

Hello,

If I perform a complete restore, will the original Windows components (the ones that come with the computer when purchased) remain? All my files are backed up on an external hard drive.

Thank you.

lacharpente · Answer

Good evening stephi87 Yes, if you use the restoration program of your PC. See you later

Tobi · Answer

F11 at boot time works really well, at least for my Packard Bell from 2005.

sullydu11 · Answer

Hello, I have the same very old XP computer, it still does floppy disks, I have quite a few bugs too! We can't do anything unless you buy a WINDOWS 7 CD and restore the XP.

Mr_antorboy · Answer

I have the solution for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 WITHOUT a CD:
Go to Start, all programs, then look for the folder named after your manufacturer (Packard Bell, Acer, Dell, etc.) and open "Manufacturer" recover management.
You should normally see a window offering the procedure with a disk, but that’s not what we’re interested in.
Click on the "restore" tab (wait a bit, it took a minute for me) and then click on "Restore the operating system to factory default configuration" and confirm.
There you go, just wait for the PC to reset.

In summary: Start/program/"manufacturer"/"manufacturer" recover manager ->
restore/Restore the operating system to factory default configuration/confirm.

I found this after a few hours of research so I think it will be useful to you. Sorry for the delay.

P.S.: Remember to connect the PC and remove all peripherals (USB drive, mouse, SD card, etc.).

Restore XP to factory settings

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