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Question

windows xp

Apr 4, 2014 10:14AM PDT

hello my name is lisa i need some help.today for some reason i went into the control panel and messed with the desktop,theme,and other settings now the pc is actting different and i seen a pop up saying something about useing to much power.I tried to restore but it wont a few months age i let microsoft have control to my pc and try to help me the worst thing i have ever did.My question is can i reset my settings to default or is there something else i should do thank you lisa

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Have you tried System Restore?
Apr 4, 2014 10:24AM PDT

Assuming you don't have an external backup, your best bet would be System Restore. If that doesn't work, you'll need to save your data and restore to factory settings using the discs that either came with your system or the ones you made according to your user guide.
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By the way, I guess you're aware that Microsoft is pulling the plug on the last remnants of support for XP next Tue. 4/8/14.
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Good luck.

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hello
Apr 4, 2014 3:36PM PDT

thank you for the info ya i know microsoft is ending comcast has a free norton.I cant get my computer to restore.How do i just run a wisard to rest all my settings thanks for your help

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It's not clear what you're trying to do the restore
Apr 4, 2014 11:27PM PDT

System Restore is under Start -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore. If you haven't tried that, you should.

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There's no such wizard.
Apr 4, 2014 11:39PM PDT

But if your PC came with recovery disks when you bought it in 2006 or so, you can use those to reset it to exactly how it was then. All you have to do after that:
1. Install all Windows updates from 2006 to 2014 again.
2. Install all programs you installed yourself
3. Get back all your data from your latest backup.

Kees

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Answer
I would be curious
Apr 4, 2014 8:38PM PDT

In reading the first post, I am curious just what is meant by " i let microsoft have control to my pc and try to help me "
If you mean that some entity had remote control of your PC by telling you they work for Microsoft, and you let them do what ever, then that is the problem. You would be better off to format and reinstall than try to fix whatever they did to the computer.

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Exactly correct and I saw that too.
Apr 5, 2014 2:01AM PDT

There are known scammers who pose as Microsoft tech support. I've had them call me and most of them have very thick foreign accents. As well, the background noise is typical of boiler room businesses. They'll claim that they've detected a problem with your PC and offer to fix it but you need to give them control. Their intent is either to relieve you of a few bucks or install some backdoor for later use. NEVER allow this. HANG UP THE PHONE!