Windows 8.1: Reset To Factory Settings and Remove Personal Data

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In this video I show you how to reset your Windows 8 computer back to factory settings. By using this method ALL DATA WILL BE LOST. This method is useful if you plan to sell, recycle, trade, giveaway your computer, or if you just want to start fresh and set it back to the state it was in when it was first purchased. In this video I show you how to refresh your Windows 8 computer WITHOUT LOSING YOUR DATA. This is useful if you wanted to run a fresh install but wanted to preserve your data and settings. In the video I say I'm running in VmWare, it's actually Virtualbox. In this video I show you how to refresh your Windows 8 computer WITHOUT LOSING YOUR DATA. This is useful if you wanted to run a fresh install but wanted to preserve your data and settings. In the video I say I'm running in VmWare, it's actually Virtualbox. If it asks for discs or says files are missing restart search for Advanced Options from the Charms Bar. Select Advanced options follow the prompts and restart the computer. When the computer restarts select Advanced options and select Restore my PC (I'm not sure exactly what it says) and follow the prompts from there. PROBLEMS: If you cannot get to Advanced Options from the search menu restart the computer, as the computer is restarting press F8 and go from there. If it asks for discs or says files are missing restart search for Advanced Options from the Charms Bar. Select Advanced options follow the prompts and restart the computer. When the computer restarts select Advanced options and select Restore my PC to factory settings (I'm not sure exactly what it says) and follow the prompts from there. If you cannot get to Advanced Options from the search menu restart the computer, as the computer is restarting press F8 and go from there.
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Thank you for watching. Have a great day !!!

[@Anthua]

i have an error message somefiles are missing and pls insert media to continue

[@Inkieto92]

you are freaking awesome bro, I was going to pay $70 for the store to do this simple shit for me..... thanks alot...

[@E.Kastel]

When ever I try doing this I get a pop up saying that some files are missing and I need to restore them before i can do this. What do I need to do?

[@startviet8264]

When I click on it, it says,"There was a problem resetting your PC."

[@techrobo6631]

Thanks! Man, you saved my Windows 8.1 tablet!!!

[@honeyshisha8645]

When i click on recovery, all it shows is advanced startup, theres no remove everything option..

[@BigPoppa529]

STRAIGHT TO THE POINT... THANK YOU

[@learningtocompute]

You're welcome.

[@bestgtaplayer619]

Whenever I try do to that it says drive is missing and then I can't remove everything. Please help me😥

[@violentcello8404]

Do I have to activate Windows after the reset?

[@Stevie0622]

Thank you so much!!! My computer had a huge virus. Fingers crossed this gets rid of it :)

[@learningtocompute]

You're welcome, this should get rid of the viruses.

[@colemummey2911]

How long does it normally take ?

[@charlesriley9002]

what should i do if it won't let me erase or restore it that way

[@makaylaalejandro1980]

Why does mine say "Keep your PC on until this is done.Installing 1of11" it's been an hour with this and i see a loading circle. Is this normal?

[@yurichwi2397]

Thank you. When it was just Windows 8 all I could find was the stupid Refresh and I was so frustrated with it. I was a master of Vista and was so lost when this came out. I might have to use this soon and seeing it in action is reassuring.

[@learningtocompute]

Yeah, Windows 8 is a whole different animal. It takes some time to get use to. I'm still learning my way around and I'vebeen playing with it since the preview release.

[@yurichwi2397]

I have 2 of the same computer used for different things and got them November 2012 [guinea pigs get computers cheap! lol]. You really do just have to push buttons and basically go on a quest XD It's just nice when a tour guide can be found who's already gone ahead. . . are they ever gonna give us a Start button? XD

[@learningtocompute]

You can get the start button from third party vendors, I recommend Iobit's StartMenu8.

[@yurichwi2397]

thank you. I'm turning my computer off with con+alt+del which I've gotten use to but a mouse click would be a lot better. I really wish they'd made an actual computer version of Windows 8 instead of a "one size fits all". . . which it doesn't

[@learningtocompute]

Yuri Chwi I agree with you. The reason I didn't show how to fix the error is because I didn't experience that problem.

[@PDFerguson1318]

It took me like 2 hours to get to 16 percent is that bad

[@learningtocompute]

PDFerguson13 No, that is normal now.

[@KidPrimeTv]

I got a "there was an error and unable to reset" message at the end of the 3 hr reset process. Any idea why and what I should do?

[@learningtocompute]

It appears it's a flaw in Windows 8.1 at the moment. There are a lot of people contacting me about the same issue you are having. I found an article on line that tells what is going on. It's below in the following paragraphs. Either this is a serious defect with the Windows Store-provided update for Windows 8.1 or Microsoft has done this intentionally but doing an update to Windows 8.1 from the Windows Store-provided service nukes your ability to use System Reset/Refresh. It claims files are missing which means that the update erased the necessary reset files from the HDD but didn't replace them during the update with Windows 8.1 compatible equivalents. I had to do a System Reset on one of my computers and I ended up having to get a Windows 8.1 ISO from a less than reputable source just to get my hands around the necessary missing file and now I can't even activate it with my Windows 8 Pro upgrade key. None of this would have been a problem if I could just perform the System Reset in place on Windows 8.1 and reset it back to a neutral, clean Windows 8.1 installation. I've since managed to find a way to do the install the way I needed to but can someone please give me some clarity on this subject so I don't have to go through all this again (as I've got two other computers that run a Windows Store-updated Windows 8.1 installation and at least one of them is probably due for its own System Refresh)? What can I do to refresh a valid Windows 8.1 installation if I need to? EDIT: Oh, and one more thing: one of those computers is an OEM-installed Windows 8 copy that was subsequently upgraded to 8.1 yet it too suffers from the "missing files" error when a System Refresh/Reset is requested. What am I supposed to do here if I want to do a System Refresh to this computer? Will the OEM key inside it activate if I go outside the operating system to install it anew?

[@MrKGFE]

i'm trying to reset my pc but is says "some files are missing." Can you help

[@learningtocompute]

THEKGFE You may need to use your recovery discs to continue.

[@learningtocompute]

THEKGFE I put instructions on how to get to the reset if you don't have the recovery discs in the description above.

[@learningtocompute]

THEKGFE I put instructions on how to get to the reset if you don't have the recovery discs in the description above.

[@billykwon8216]

I bought Microsoft office and put it on my computer. Will it remove that too? If it does is there any way to make it so that it doesn't?

[@kewalmpatel]

brilliant video bang on the dot

[@learningtocompute]

Kewal Patel Thank you, I'm glad I could help you.

[@ShahbazMithi]

i have a problem that... start screen apps + settings not openning.... is there any method to fix?

[@learningtocompute]

To be honest with you I don't know. My first thought is maybe you have malware or a virus on your PC. I would reset to factory settings without losing data, or I would at least run some scans. This is the first I've heard of this one and I've researched it with no luck at all.

[@jimmy3358]

Thanks man

[@estebangonzalez9115]

Thank you so much

[@ryantm6913]

Will this remove nays malware hidden in the PC

[@albanymike]

Your the best! Gratitude.

[@learningtocompute]

albanymike You're welcome.

[@harikapatha671]

This is useful info. My laptop is having full of Virus....and want to do this process. Before I start, can you pls clarify the below 1) My laptop is Dell Inspiron. Can I follow the same steps as per your vedio 2) Do I need to insert Windows8.1 CD/DVD while doing this process. 3) Do I need to connect to Internet while doing this process. Pls clarify

[@learningtocompute]

Harika Patha You can follow the same steps. You will need your discs now to do this. You should be connected to the internet when you do this.

[@CheyenneKim]

So, you do not need the windows disc to reset?

[@learningtocompute]

***** I put instructions on how to get to the reset if you don't have the recovery discs in the description above.

[@ladyroc11433]

Thank you very much!

[@learningtocompute]

You're welcome.

[@chongmingjian9005]

its very slowww ;( im doing it right now!

[@learningtocompute]

Chong Ming Jian Yeah, Windows 8.1 takes forever.

[@aliasghar9954]

hi please please tell me how do i restart that pc i have just advanced start up please reply me as soon as possible

[@dazasta7828]

All I have is "Windows Update" and not "Update and Recovery" ): any idea..?

[@mahmoudabunasser582]

when i go to recovery i see one option .. the last one .. please help

[@learningtocompute]

This has to do with upgrading to Windows 8.1. Microsoft knows there is an issue, they just haven't addressed it yet for some reason.

[@learningtocompute]

This is a part of an article that describes the issue. The issue was @2013/10/19/we-have-found-a-solution-to-the-refresh-and-reset-problem-in-windows-8-1/, and it affects people who bought and installed a retail @news/some-windows-81-users-dont-have-any-reset-or-refresh-options-but-theres-a-solution# of Windows 8 on their PC, either electronically from Windows.com or from a retail DVD disc or @news/some-windows-81-users-dont-have-any-reset-or-refresh-options-but-theres-a-solution# image. In very simple terms, installing Windows 8 creates a ESD file that allows users to refresh or reset their PC. Installing the digital download version of Windows 8.1 does not provide a new ESD file, and as such, the ability to refresh or reset the OS after it is installed is eliminated. Neowin asked Microsoft about this issue and the company sent over word that there are two situations where users @news/some-windows-81-users-dont-have-any-reset-or-refresh-options-but-theres-a-solution# need some kind of media (an ISO burned to a disc or USB Flash drive) to enable refresh or refresh: "OEM devices without W8 PBR (very few)" and "Users that installed via DVD." Microsoft added, "For Windows 8.1, users that upgraded to Windows 8 via online download (ESD), will need media when updating to Windows 8.1. Also, users that upgraded to Windows 8 via DVD then updated to 8.1, they will need to use their Windows 8 DVD to go back to Windows 8 if needed."

[@learningtocompute]

That article didn't copy well at all. If you look up Windows 8 cannot refresh, you will find it.

[@learningtocompute]

That article didn't copy well at all. If you look up Windows 8 cannot refresh, you will find it.

[@MrGuzmandig]

Don't you need the win 8 software to reset it?

[@learningtocompute]

No, you don't need the disk because there is a recovery partition that it works off of, not the main "C:" drives partition. Good question, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@learningtocompute]

No, you should be able to do it without it, at least we do where I work anyway.

[@josealfonzo7430]

I updated from window vista, if I do the reset does it goes to the factory window vista?

[@learningtocompute]

Jose Alfonzo No, it will stay on Windows 8.

[@matasareanue]

Will this delete all my files from :E partition? I have the windows in :C partition and files i want to keep in :E partition.

[@learningtocompute]

No, it shouldn't effect your E: partition at all, unless you select to delete the E: partition also.

[@user-tv3lb8kc9p]

i tried but it says 'please insert windows installation' or recovery media WHAT DO I DO????

[@learningtocompute]

Kevin Katia I put instructions on how to get to the reset if you don't have the recovery discs in the description above.

[@cesarperez7944]

Your awsome

[@learningtocompute]

Cesar Perez Thank you Cesar !!!

[@nickiammoore]

Do you have to have a backup cd or media cd in order to get it back to how I bought? Or can I just do everything you say and it will be that way?

[@learningtocompute]

In most cases, once you start to refresh or reset your PC, it'll finish on its own. However, if Windows needs missing files, you'll be asked to insert recovery media (if you made them), which is typically on a DVD disc or thumb drive. If that happens, what you'll need depends on your PC. If your PC came with Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, you'll need the discs or thumb drive that came with your PC. Check the info that came with your PC to see if your PC manufacturer provided these discs or media. In some cases, you might have created them when you first set up your PC.

[@learningtocompute]

Nicholas Moore I put instructions on how to get to the reset if you don't have the recovery discs in the description above.

[@Zynxxy]

Mine only says advanced startup HELP PLEASE

[@learningtocompute]

You can use Advanced Startup if you have already created your recovery discs. You would use the discs for this option. You should have 2 other options: Refresh your pc without effecting files, and Remove everything and reinstall Windows. If you don't have these options I would make sure you are upgraded to Windows 8.1 and everything is up to date, then try again.

[@crazykilermonkey]

will this restore the computer to windows 8 or will it stay as 8.1?

[@learningtocompute]

If you are updated to 8.1 it will restore to 8.1.

[@crazykilermonkey]

k thanks

[@hbuffon45]

when i try to reset it sends me back to the desktop no matter which one i use to reset

[@learningtocompute]

This is the first time I've heard of this, I'm going to have to research it.

[@00g99]

Hi when i click get started it says "Insert media" and that files are missing.

[@learningtocompute]

Robert Greene I put instructions on how to get to the reset if you don't have the recovery discs in the description above.

[@MrUltimater]

If my laptop had windows 7 on it and then it was reset and windows 8 was put on it. would doing this reset windows 8, or would the computer go back to the older OS that was on it?

[@learningtocompute]

It would go back to Windows 8.

[@dyrsinho96]

if i want to reset to factory settings will it reset windows 8.1 to windows 8.0?

[@AnigmA0501]

No, it won't

[@MrYoshi956]

my laptop boots real slow do you know if this will speed it up? it used to start up fast...

[@learningtocompute]

Jim Bob Yes it should.

[@lockdown3616]

it tells me some files are missing you windows installation requires these files any help?

[@learningtocompute]

LOCK DOWN I put instructions on how to get to the reset if you don't have the recovery discs in the description above.

[@morningraindrops]

Will it reset Office Word trial as well?

[@learningtocompute]

It should.

[@sonicisdog]

learningtocompute it seas it has the wrong environment

[@sonicisdog]

when i press to clean my pc it says you cant wrong environment

[@monkey5740]

why it says insert media?

[@learningtocompute]

monsuno gerbejas They changed it, you need your recovery discs now for some reason.

[@learningtocompute]

monsuno gerbejas I put instructions on how to get to the reset if you don't have the recovery discs in the description above.

[@learningtocompute]

monsuno gerbejas I put instructions on how to get to the reset if you don't have the recovery discs in the description above.

[@ryantm6913]

any not nays

[@learningtocompute]

Yes it will get rid of the virus.

[@ThraxMir4]

i hope this helps my problem.:\ thanks by the way:)

[@learningtocompute]

You're welcome, hopefully it works for you.

[@omerguy40]

My suggestion is to quit using Windows 8/8.1 and use Google browser. Tired of screwing with all the windows problems.