If your computer with Windows Vista operating system suddenly stopped working due to a system error or virus, or if you just want to format your hard drive to restore factory settings, you can use one of the methods described in this article. You can choose to restore your system configuration, computer (using a previously created backup image) and factory settings or you can simply opt for reinstalling the operating system.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Perform System Configuration Restore
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu and select the "All Programs" item
Step 2. Choose the "Accessories" item, then click the "System Tools" icon
Step 3. Now select the "System Restore" option
The "System Restore" dialog box will appear.
Step 4. Select the radio button for the restore point you want to use
You can choose to use the recommended one directly from the Windows operating system or you can decide to use a different one among the existing ones.
Step 5. Press the "Next" button
Step 6. Make sure the "C: drive" check button is selected
when asked which drive you want to restore (if you've installed Windows on a hard drive that uses a different drive letter, you'll need to select that one).
Step 7. Press the "Finish" button
The files related to the system configuration of the computer will be replaced with those present in the selected restore point, while your personal files will not be modified in any way.
Method 2 of 5: Restore a System Image Using the Windows Installation Disc
Step 1. Insert the Windows installation optical media that you found supplied when you purchased your computer into the CD / DVD drive
Step 2. Go to the "Start" menu and press the arrow button next to the lock icon
Step 3. Choose the "Reboot System" option from the menu that appeared
The computer will automatically restart and, after detecting the presence of the Windows installation disc in the optical drive, it will start the installation procedure.
Step 4. When prompted by Windows Vista, press any key on the keyboard
Step 5. Choose the language to use for the installation, then press the "Next" button
Step 6. Choose the link for the "Repair your computer" option
Step 7. Select the Windows installation you want to be automatically restored
It is very likely that you will find "Microsoft Windows Vista".
Step 8. Press the "Next" button
The "System Recovery Options" dialog will appear.
Step 9. Choose the "System Image Restore" option
Step 10. Choose the restore point you want to use to proceed with data recovery
Step 11. Press the "Next" button
Step 12. Verify that you have selected the correct restore point, then press the "Finish" button
Windows will automatically restore all the contents of the selected backup file, such as the configuration and system settings.
Method 3 of 5: Restore a System Image Without Using the Windows Installation Disc
Step 1. Turn on the computer running Windows Vista that you want to restore
If your computer is already on, go to the "Start" menu, then select "Reboot System" from the drop-down menu next to the padlock button
Step 2. As soon as the computer starts the boot sequence, repeatedly press the "F8" function key
The "Advanced Boot Options" menu will appear on the screen.
If the "Advanced Boot Options" menu does not appear on the screen, restart your computer and repeatedly press the "F8" function key before the Windows logo appears on the screen
Step 3. Use the directional arrows on your keyboard to select the "Repair your computer" option
Step 4. Now press the "Enter" key
Step 5. Choose the language to use for the keyboard using the drop-down menu that appeared, then press the "Next" button
Step 6. Choose your Windows Vista user account from the menu that appears, then provide its login password
Step 7. Press the "OK" button
The "System Recovery Options" dialog will appear on the screen.
Step 8. Choose the "System Image Restore" option
Step 9. Choose the restore point you want to use to proceed with data recovery
Step 10. Press the "Next" button
Step 11. Verify that you have selected the correct restore point, then press the "Finish" button
Windows will automatically restore all the contents of the selected backup file, such as the configuration and system settings.
Method 4 of 5: Reinstall Windows Vista
Step 1. Turn on the computer on which you want to install Windows Vista
Step 2. Insert the operating system installation disc into your computer's optical drive
The "Windows Setup" dialog box will appear on the screen.
Step 3. Press the "Install" button
Step 4. Read carefully the terms of the Windows Vista licensing agreement, then select the check button "I accept the license terms" and press the "Next" button
Step 5. Choose the "Custom" installation option when prompted to do so
Step 6. Choose the memory drive labeled with the letter "C:
when you are asked to choose where to install Windows Vista.
Step 7. Now press the "Next" button
The Windows Vista installation wizard will copy all the necessary files to your computer and when finished, your computer will appear as new.
Method 5 of 5: Reset Windows to Factory Settings
Step 1. Disconnect all peripherals not essential for its operation from the computer
For example the printer, USB storage drives and scanner.
Step 2. Start your computer as usual
Step 3. As soon as the boot sequence begins, repeatedly press the "F8" function key
The "Advanced Boot Options" menu will appear on the screen.
If the "Advanced Boot Options" menu does not appear on the screen, restart your computer and repeatedly press the "F8" function key before the Windows logo appears on the screen
Step 4. Use the directional arrows on your keyboard to select the "Repair your computer" option
Step 5. Press the "Enter" key
Step 6. Choose the language options to use using the drop-down menu that appeared, then press the "Next" button
Step 7. Log into Windows Vista using your user account and password
Step 8. Select the system image you want to restore
For example if your computer was manufactured by Dell, you will need to choose the "Dell Factory Image Restore" option.
Step 9. Press the "Next" button
Step 10. Select the check button for "Yes, reformat the hard drive and restore the default system software configuration"
Step 11. Press the "Next" button
The computer will be restored using the system image created directly by the manufacturer.
Step 12. Once the restore process is complete, press the "Finish" button
Your computer will automatically restart and be ready for normal use, exactly as if it was just purchased.
Advice
- If your computer is infected with a virus, malware or any other malicious software, you can fix the problem by running a system restore. This procedure restores the registry files and Windows configuration settings - essential for making your computer work properly.
- If you have planned to sell or give away your computer, perform a factory reset. In this way, the person who comes into possession of it will not have access to your personal data or any other information stored on the hard drive.
- If you have decided to reinstall Windows Vista or factory reset your computer, be sure to update your antivirus as soon as you have access to the system to prevent malware and viruses from infecting it.
- To perform a full computer recovery, you must have a previously created backup file (a system image) stored on external storage media or a network drive. You can create a backup image of a disk using the Windows Vista "Backup and Restore" program.
Warnings
- If you have the ability to back up your personal files and documents, do so before following any of the methods or steps outlined in this article. Most of these procedures include formatting your computer's hard drive resulting in the loss of all content, obviously including personal data.
- Remember that when you restore your computer using a backup system image, all the contents of the hard drive will be replaced with the contents of the chosen restore point, then all installed programs, configuration settings and files will be replaced with those from the backup selected.
