i have a computer with Windows XP installed, with all my programs and stuff, i need to reset it back down to factory settings, i own an hp. what is the cheapest way to do this? Get windows xp install discs?? (how?) get ones that are just for hp?? (how?) could someone help me please
You should be able to buy a CD from HP that will restore it back...it will cost like $5-20. Or you could go the right way and find a friend with a windows install cd(not an illegal version) that matches your version and you can input your activation code in when it asks for it. I'd recommend the latter if you know all of the components in your computer and have the drivers ready... HP puts too much crap on their restore disks
If it is a brand name computer from any brand / buyer, they will provide you with a CD called Backup / Restore Utility. If you were provided which I am pretty sure you were since it is HP, pop that CD into your drive and reboot your PC / Laptop from that CD. (Boot from CD) Once it boots, it will give you options on what you would like to do. There should be things like Restore Utility, Disk Delete Utility, Partition Utility, etc. Use the Recovery Console to go back to the way your computer was when you bought it, in other words Factory Setting. If you don't have a CD, then call HP on their Customer Support and ask them to send you a Recovery CD for about 15 - 20 USD but if you are in different country just convert to your currency. Phone Numbers Worldwide for HP: http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html Alternative, go to Frys or Best Buy's or any other retailer and get a Windows XP (MCE HE PE) and just pop it in and get a fresh install. The problem with this part is that you will need to manually install all of the drivers for your computer one by one. It sucks but if the other two choices don't work then this will be your last resort. Enjoy Zain.
If nothing helps, and it's unbranded. Download a good software for drivers and stuff and then go and buy a cheap CD of Windows XP with SP2 ;-> Good luck mate!
You: I want settings dammit! Factory: What kind of settings? You: Holy shi-, I didn't know factories could talk.
Most HP computers have a restore partition and you probably can access it upon boot. Just hit like f12 or f8.
On my PC (vista, but still a HP) when it starts up press ESC to go to the menu, there you press F11 and it will start the restore program, be aware that once it starts all info will be deleted and you will have to save data externally before attempting to do this
