How do i reload to factory settings?

alistewart · #1 2nd Jan 2008, 10:12

Windows won't start on my laptop as there is a corrupt file, i took it to the computer shop and they said they would reload to factory settings. Seeing as i have no money, and £39 seemed a hell of a lot for what seems a simple task i want to do it myself. I have all my stuff on it backed up, so how do i go about simply restoring to factory settings? Any help much appreciated.

Ali

**philthomas** · #2 2nd Jan 2008, 11:39

You will need a System Restore disk (usually supplied with the Laptop), or a Windows Installation disk, to reinstall.

If you're lucky, there could be a hidden partition with OS and drivers, that can be accessed by a particular key sequence at boot up.
Check your documentation.

alistewart · #3 2nd Jan 2008, 14:54

Thanks for the reply. Ok a system restore disk. I didn't get anything with the laptop as did not buy it new, would i need one specific to my laptop?

**Cew27** · #4 2nd Jan 2008, 15:19

or any windows install disk , also if your laptop is a hp you will not need disks

alistewart · #5 3rd Jan 2008, 08:18

it is a hp! what does that mean i can do?

**philthomas** · #6 3rd Jan 2008, 10:02

Have a read here : http://www.pctechbytes.com/hprecovery.htm

alistewart · #7 3rd Jan 2008, 12:43

Thanks for the link, although my laptop didnt have the hidden partition. I tried to get a hp recovery disk through the website but met a lot of dead links, and read a discouraging article regarding how they give out disks. So i'll be needing a windows installation disk. I tried to find one through the microsoft website but probably due to my incompetence couldn't find what i was looking for, a windows xp installation disk. Are these available at computer shops?

**Cew27** · #8 3rd Jan 2008, 12:46

usually in hp you need to press f11 at startup