How to Reset Windows Vista

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Last Updated: April 16, 2024

If your Windows Vista computer stops working unexpectedly due to a system error or virus, or you want to completely wipe the hard drive and restore your computer to its original factory settings, you can reset your computer using any one of several methods. You can either perform a system restore, restore the contents of your computer from a previous system image backup, reinstall Windows, or simply restore your computer to its original factory settings.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Performing a System Restore

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”
”

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” The System Restore window will display on-screen.
You can either choose the restore point recommended by Windows or choose a different restore point.
”
/ drive when asked which disk drive you want restored.
” Your computer’s system files will be restored to the earlier date and time you specified, and your personal files will not be affected.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Restoring from a System Image Backup (with Windows Installation Disc)

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” Your computer will restart and recognize the Windows Installation disc upon startup.
”
”
This option will most likely read as “Microsoft Windows Vista.”
” The System Recovery Options menu will display.
”
”
” Windows will then restore all the contents of your computer, such as system files and settings, back to the restore point you selected.^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Restoring from a System Image Backup (With No Installation Disc Provided)

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1
Power on your Windows Vista computer.
- If your computer is already turned on, click on the Start menu and select “Restart” from the dropdown menu next to the Lock button.
2
Press the F8 key repeatedly as your computer boots up. The Advanced Boot Options menu will display on-screen.
- If the Advanced Boot Options menu does not display, restart your computer and continue to press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo displays on-screen.
”
”
” The System Recovery Options menu will display on-screen.
”
”
” Windows will then restore all the contents of your computer, such as system files and settings, back to the restore point you have chosen.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Reinstalling Windows Vista

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1
Power on your Windows Vista computer.
The “Install Windows” wizard will display on-screen.
”
”
/ partition when asked where you want to install Windows Vista.
” The Windows Vista installation process will begin, and your computer will be returned to its default settings.^{[3]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Restoring to Factory Settings

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1
Disconnect all non-essential external peripherals from your computer. Examples of non-essential external peripherals are printers, flash drives, and scanners.
2
Power on your computer.
3
Press the F8 key repeatedly as your computer boots up. The Advanced Boot Options menu will display on your screen.
- If the Advanced Boot Options menu does not display, restart your computer and try again to press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo is displayed on-screen.
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”
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For example, if you are using a computer manufactured by Dell, select “Dell Factory Image Restore.”
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Place a checkmark next to the option that reads, “Yes, reformat hard drive and restore system software to factory condition.”
” Your computer will then be restored to its default factory settings.
Your computer will restart, and be ready for use as if the computer were brand new.^{[4]
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Community Q&A

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Question

What should I do if I forgot my start-up password?

Subhodeep Roy

Community Answer

You can boot it from the booting menu before the computer starts and then format it, though it will remove all the software you have in the c drive but you will be able to open the computer without the password.

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Question

What if backup is off and there are no new restore entries saved to do a reset?

Community Answer

Get an installation .ISO and burn it onto a disk. Place it in on bootup and attempt to start the disk up.

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Tips

Return your computer to its original factory settings if you are selling or giving your computer to somebody else. This will prevent other users from accessing any remaining personal data that exists on your computer.

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If you are reinstalling Windows Vista or restoring your computer to its factory settings, be sure to reinstall updated antivirus software to your computer immediately to prevent malware and viruses from affecting your machine.

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Perform a system restore if your computer has been infected with a virus, malware, or any other type of malicious software. A system restore will restore registry files and other Windows settings that are required for your computer to run efficiently.

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Warnings

Keep in mind that restoring your computer from a system image backup will replace all the files on your computer with those from the restoration point. Your current programs, settings, and files will all be replaced with previous files.

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If you can back up your personal files and documents, do so before performing any methods or steps outlined in this article. Most of these procedures will entirely reset and wipe your computer’s hard drive, and you will lose all your data.

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