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Question

How to restore computer to factory settings?

Jan 2, 2015 11:05AM PST

I have a Samsung series 7 slate pc, running Windows 7.
I can only use it in safe mode and no restore points have ever been made.
I called Samsung and they've said I'll have to take it into a repair shop, costing about $100.
Is there any way I can restore it myself?
There's no disk drive so software will have to be on a USB.

Alternatively, is there any way I can enable the video card in safe mode?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Ext. USB drive
Jan 2, 2015 11:48AM PST

You still need the recovery/restore s/w provided if you made it. If not, then you have to buy or get your hands on your model# type to proceed. The usual method is attaching an ext. USB CD drive to a USB port then having the discs, do the restore/recovery process. Otherwise, I see no real easy method here. Samsung support website should provide the details of getting the required discs -OR- you use a std. win 7 retail install disc and go that route. Visit the support website in order to fulfill any driver or apps/pgms. needs once the OS is returned.

Have access to an ext. USB drive? If YES, try using any of the repair discs that may help you repair your current setup. Use any win 7 of either 32/64 required repair disc should provide a simple attempt at repairs if it can. The whole point you need that ext. CD/DVD drive. You use the boot menu to point to that device. Other repair discs use some helpful s/w that may correct some problems/issues if at all, in other words you learn as you go.

tada -----Willy Happy

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so..
Jan 3, 2015 10:32AM PST

So reinstalling Windows will be the same as restoring the computer to factory settings?
Is it possible to download a copy of Windows 7 and burn the .iso (?) file to USB, then run the USB from the boot menu? Would that work the same as using a disk?

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I'm going with no.
Jan 3, 2015 11:00AM PST

Microsoft's standard install is from DVD. There are tomes on the web about USB installs but you're off in an unsupported area and well, it won't go well for many reasons.

Installing Windows (the OS) is a snap. I can do that without checking my notes. However the Samsung model requires a boatload of drivers and apps to get everything working again.

-> That's why few can install it from scratch. Get Samsung to ship out restore media and save yourself and those around you a lot of pain.

And say, you want Windows 7? It's not free. But the iso is ready but you still need a license (and again no, your Samsung license doesn't count.)

Read http://www.howtogeek.com/186775/how-to-download-windows-7-8-and-8.1-installation-media-legally/
Bob

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Nope
Jan 3, 2015 11:00AM PST

I don't know of a legal way to get win7 other than from the manufacturer or MS itself, if they do that. You have to ask them or request the install media from them. As for factory setting, what is called OEM as from Samsung, then they have to provide. I mention any other Win7 will install, but you have the extra task of finding the drivers, updates, etc. to finalize that route of an install. Visit the Samsung support website and get the straight scoop, they will provide some answers and/or what has to be done. use of an ext. USB drive to use discs is thus required. Samsung, *MAY* provide a flash drive for the same purpose. You now have exposed the Achilles heel of Samsung recovery/restore when things don't go right.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Answer
try
Jan 2, 2015 1:24PM PST

If you press-and-hold the Volume Up button while booting, it should automatically launch the Samsung System Restore app

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Tried that
Jan 3, 2015 10:22AM PST

Tried that, as no restore points have ever been made this won't work.

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Answer
Fixed it.
Jan 14, 2015 5:43PM PST

I ended up downloading a copy of windows 7 onto a USB anyway..
It installed easily and fixed the problem of only being able to use safe mode. I could use the computer as normal except a lot of the drivers were lost, including the ones for the internet.
Fixed up everything now and it's been working well for over a week, but some programs don't start properly - still working on that.
It's not the right way to fix it, and I still don't know what caused the problem, but I saved some money Wink