Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

HP Pavilion. Reset to Factory Settings advice

Jan 7, 2011 2:28AM PST

Hi all,


Im wanting to restore my PC to factory standard. Ive backed up all the files i need to keep, removed all periferals. Im wanting to start from scratch again, hense the restore to factory standard!


Got the book out that came with my PC it says to press F11 key until system recovery starts then advanced options etc but it wont work!!! It just starts up as normal!! All the info i pull up on the net says to use the F11 key too.

Another option is to go thru the vista start menu, into All programs then PC help & tools then recovery manager BUT i cant see PC help and tools in the 'all programs' area!


I have done a system recovery ages ago and can vaguely remember having the same problem but cant recall how i fixed it!!


My system has a recovery partition rather than disks!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
My HP
Jan 7, 2011 2:36AM PST

And all so far let me make recovery DVDs. Make and use those next.
Bob

- Collapse -
Mt HP
Jan 7, 2011 5:26AM PST

Sorry, I don't understand Bob.

- Collapse -
Then
Jan 7, 2011 5:37AM PST

Then in your case you should order the restore media.

I know many folk don't want to create the restore media and those will have to order it.
Bob

- Collapse -
My HP
Jan 7, 2011 4:38PM PST

It was that I didn't understand your thread ??

and all so far let me make recovery DvDs. Make and use those next.

It was like the start of the sentence is missing. Am I getting confused?

- Collapse -
It's the short version.
Jan 8, 2011 1:19AM PST

Today's machines have us make our own restore media. THERE IS NO STANDARD FOR THIS so we have to research our make and model how to do that.

I find some members confused over this but as this is a discussion forum we discuss the issues. That is, while you get some tech support here, it's more about members learning how to research and avoid repair counters.
Bob

- Collapse -
Because you mention Recovery Manager ...
Jan 7, 2011 7:19AM PST

but I didn't see mention of Desktop or Laptop I will offer links for both.

This is for a desktop (note on that page that "Recovery discs for Windows Vista can be created by using the Recovery Manager" hints how you create your recovery disks:
Performing an HP System Recovery in Windows Vista
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00814731&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en

This is for a laptop:
Recover Windows Vista Operating System Using HP Recovery
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00809678&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en

- Collapse -
My HP
Jan 7, 2011 4:45PM PST

Thanks but that link is to a screen I've already seen, it gives the same info as the book they came with the PC. The F11 route does not work, can't find recovery manager, I don't have recovery disks (and have not found where to order from - even tried HP).

I'm in a right old pickle with it, that's why I've resorted to forums fir advice!

When I get back on the PC I'm going to check the F11 actually works, it could be as simple as the key being broken!

It's a desktop PC, running on Vista Ultimate (I upgraded from normal vista upon purchase).

- Collapse -
If pressing F11 ...
Jan 8, 2011 7:19AM PST

by turning on the computer and pressing F11 repeatedly at the first logo screen doesn't work, try (from within Windows) Start > All Programs > Recovery Manager , and then click Recovery Manager - if you don't see it immediately remember that Windows hides unused programs and that is why you have that double upside down chevron to access them.

If that doesn't work try these two links.

The First tells you step by step how to create your recovery media -
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00882383&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us

The second tells you how to order recovery media for your computer if available. I couldn't check availability because you haven't bothered telling us the model number of HP you have.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/static_software_select?swlinkmsg=100&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=bph07143&lang=en

- Collapse -
Seriously?
Dec 14, 2012 11:24AM PST

I'm looking for the same answers as Laura.
Edward does not need to reply - he is not comprehending the English Laura is speaking.

- Collapse -
Thanks Ed!
Dec 14, 2012 12:02PM PST

Good to know this.