How to Reset Windows Vista

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

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

PDF download Download Article
  1. ”
  2. ”
    Advertisement
  3. ” The System Restore window will display on-screen.
  4. You can either choose the restore point recommended by Windows or choose a different restore point.
  5. ”
  6. / drive when asked which disk drive you want restored.
  7. ” 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]
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

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

PDF download Download Article
  3. ” Your computer will restart and recognize the Windows Installation disc upon startup.
  5. ”
  6. ”
  7. This option will most likely read as “Microsoft Windows Vista.”
  8. ” The System Recovery Options menu will display.
  9. ”
  11. ”
  12. ” Windows will then restore all the contents of your computer, such as system files and settings, back to the restore point you selected. [2]
    13. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

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

PDF download Download Article
    • 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. 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.
  3. ”
  5. ”
  7. ” The System Recovery Options menu will display on-screen.
  8. ”
  10. ”
  11. ” Windows will then restore all the contents of your computer, such as system files and settings, back to the restore point you have chosen.
    12. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Reinstalling Windows Vista

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Power on your Windows Vista computer.
  2. The “Install Windows” wizard will display on-screen.
  3. ”
  4. ”
  6. / partition when asked where you want to install Windows Vista.
  7. ” The Windows Vista installation process will begin, and your computer will be returned to its default settings. [3]
    8. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Restoring to Factory Settings

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Disconnect all non-essential external peripherals from your computer. Examples of non-essential external peripherals are printers, flash drives, and scanners.
  2. 2
    Power on your computer.
  3. 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.
  4. ”
  5. ”
  6. ”
  8. For example, if you are using a computer manufactured by Dell, select “Dell Factory Image Restore.”
  9. ”
  10. Place a checkmark next to the option that reads, “Yes, reformat hard drive and restore system software to factory condition. ”
  11. ” Your computer will then be restored to its default factory settings.
  12. Your computer will restart, and be ready for use as if the computer were brand new. [4]
    13. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 13
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      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.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      • 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.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • 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.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      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.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 2
      • 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.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Take a Screenshot on a Windows PC: 8 Simple Tricks
      How to
      Check Your Windows Version
      How to
      Find Your Windows Product Key
      Easily Download and Install FFmpeg on a Windows PC
      How to
      Check Your Mouse DPI on Windows & Mac
      How to
      Start Windows in Safe Mode: 6 Easy Options
      5 Quick Ways to Change Your Desktop Wallpaper on Windows
      4 Easy Ways to Access the Boot Options Menu in Windows
      How to
      Access the BIOS on Any PC: Guide + Troubleshooting
      How to
      Disable BitLocker Encryption in Windows 10 and 11
      3 Easy Ways to Move a Full Screen Game to Another Monitor
      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      2 Ways to Alter the Size of Your Windows Desktop Taskbar
      Installing Windows 10 or 11 on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/what-is-system-restore#1TC=windows-vista
      2. ↑ http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/restore-computer-from-system-image-backup#1TC=windows-vista
      3. ↑ http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/installing-reinstalling-windows#1TC=windows-vista
      4. ↑ http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/KCS/KcsArticles/ArticleView?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&docid=DSN_336966

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 306,756 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement