All laptops have proprietary software to help users recover and roll back their operating system and settings in an emergency. This feature will definitely come in handy if you own a laptop. Today we are going to talk about how to reset HP laptop to factory settings in different ways. We have a special video on this topic, which describes in detail and shows all the actions from the text instructions. In this article, we will give you a complete guide about how to factory reset a hp laptop.
How to factory reset hp laptop reset your PC and restore it to factory settings.
If you’re looking on the internet for how to reset a computer, you’ve probably tried them all. You have already checked for viruses or malware, cleaned the registry, and even Scandisk (a program that checks and repairs damaged file systems and clusters on the hard disk), but nothing has brought the desired results. Errors and stability issues persist, and using your computer has become mission impossible. At this point, all that remains is to try to reset your PC and restore it to factory settings.
Don’t worry. You don’t have to be a computer expert to do it. Keep reading this guide, and in a few minutes, you will understand the process. It’s easier than it seems. Obviously, if you have computer science knowledge, this task will be even easier for you, but in any case, you will be able to make your computer work again as if you had just bought it.
I’m sure you’re ready to do this simple operation, so let’s get down to business! You will be very gratified after solving this problem that has plagued you for several days, weeks, or even months, without anyone’s help!
How to factory reset hp laptop without password
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First Step: Make a copy of the files for safety.
Before we find out how to reset your computer together if you can still log in to Windows normally, I highly recommend that you make a copy of your files, so you don’t lose anything and can restore them after resetting your PC.
You can create a backup copy of your data by moving them to an external hard drive, burning them on DVDs, or even better storing them on a cloud memory. Still, if you want a simpler and more efficient solution, I suggest you rely on the backup system included “as standard. ”In all recent editions of Windows.
If you are using Windows 8 / 8.x or 10, you can create a backup of all data on your PC by clicking on Start and searching for File History in the search field that appears. Then start the file history utility by clicking on its icon in the search results, click on the + Add a drive button and select the disk you want to backup. Once the operation is finished, click on the item Other options and start the first PC backup by clicking on the Back up now button. To choose which folders to include or exclude, use the Back up these folders menu. To restore files from previous backups, instead. Search restore files in the Start menu and launch the Restore Files with File History utility. If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7, click on Start.
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Second Step: Obtain the Windows installation disk or key.
Having secured the data, you have to choose how to reset the PC. You can use the recovery disk provided by your computer manufacturer or create one yourself, or you can perform the reset operation using a special Pendrive.
If your computer is equipped with an optical drive, i.e., a working CD / DVD drive and the Windows installation disk, you are ready to go to the next step. If not, you need to get (or create) a media that contains the files you need to install Windows. Find all the details of the case below.
- -Windows XP – Since this is an outdated operating system, it is no longer possible to purchase or download it from official channels. However, if you already have a Windows XP installation disk or ISO image, you can transfer its contents to a USB stick.
- -Windows Vista – Also, in this case, we are talking about a rather dated operating system and, consequently. It is no longer possible to purchase it through official channels. However, if you already have a Windows Vista installation disk or ISO image. You can transfer its contents to a USB stick.
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- -Windows 7 – Although even in this case, it is an old operating system, the Microsoft website allows you to download the Windows 7 ISO image legally. Just enter the product key of your copy of the operating system in the appropriate field text, click the Check button, and that’s it. However, keep in mind that the service is only available for retail versions of the operating system. So only for copies of Windows purchased in stores. It also doesn’t work for copies of Windows pre-installed on computers (OEM). To copy Windows 7 to a USB stick, you can instead use the free Windows 7 USB / DVD Download tool.
- -Windows 8 / 8.x – In this case, you can download a copy of the system using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool. A free application that automatically downloads all the operating systems. Installation files from the Internet and transfers them to a USB stick or ISO image (to be burned later to DVD with any software suitable for the purpose.
- -Windows 10 – Like Windows 8 / 8.x, Windows 10 can also be downloaded thanks to a Media Creation Tool made available to the public by Microsoft.
Third Step: Configure the BIOS / UEFI
At this point. You need to make sure your computer’s BIOS is configured to accept booting from CD / DVD or USB stick.
To configure your computer to boot from CD / DVD, you need to enter its BIOS by rebooting the system and pressing the F2, F10, or Del key during the power-up screen. Once in the BIOS, look for the Boot sequence / Boot sequence option in the Advanced tab and set the CD / DVD ROM drive as the primary drive to boot your computer. If you are having trouble entering the BIOS search Google you will easily find more information.
Note that on newer computers, those with Windows 10 or Windows 8 / 8.x pre-installed. UEFI has replaced the BIOS. It is nothing more than a more modern BIOS with simplified graphics and more advanced protection systems. To access the UEFI menu and adjust the boot order. You have to follow a different procedure than the one just seen together for the “classic” BIOS.
- -If you are using Windows 8 / 8.1, you need to go to Start. Search for the term settings and select PC Settings from the search results. In the screen that opens, then select the Update and restore an item from the left sidebar. Press the Restart now button located under the Advanced Startup item, and click on the Troubleshooting icon. Then go to Advanced Options, enter UEFI Firmware Settings and click on the Restart button to enter UEFI configuration.
Fourth Step: Reset the PC
Now you are finally free to install Windows by following this procedure. Insert the installation disc or Windows key into the computer and restart the system. When the PC is restarted. As soon as the wording press a key to boot from CD-ROM … appears. Press any key on the keyboard to start the Windows installation procedure.
Then, choose the language in which to use Windows. Accept the terms of use of the operating system, and choose to perform a custom installation to format the disk. Then indicate the partition of the disk where you want to install the operating system (e.g., Disk 0 Partition 1 ) and click first on Drive options and then on Format and OK to complete the operation.
Once the installation is complete (it may take from 20 to 40 minutes), go through the initial Windows configuration procedure. And proceed to restore all the data you had previously saved.
Keep in mind that these directions are fine for laptops too. However, I must warn you that many notebooks are equipped with a recovery partition that allows you to reset your PC without using DVDs or external sticks.
To access it, restart your computer and press the key combination indicated on the boot screen (usually it is Alt + F10 or Alt + F9 ). Then choose the operating system recovery partition (generally, it is indicated as D:) and follow the proposed wizard.
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Fifth and last step: Download and install the drivers
Once you have finished resetting your PC, you may need to install the missing drivers. In fact, Windows is not always able to correctly recognize all the hardware components of the computer. That’s why I recommend that you connect to the website of your computer manufacturer and download it. All the drivers you might need.
To proceed with the driver download. Simply locate your product’s exact model and download the software version that best suits your operating system.
HP Recovery Manager
Let’s start with the easiest way. The proprietary HP Recovery Manager utility requires just a few clicks of buttons from the user. After this, the restoration to factory settings will be performed automatically. You can run this tool when you turn on the laptop:
- When you turn on the computer on the start screen, you must press the key F11…
- After that, a menu with a choice of actions will appear. Here you can go to BIOS settings, launch Safe Mode, and start a reset. Select System Recovery.
- Now a menu will appear in Russian. Here you need to select the “System Restore” item.
- Be sure to back up your data if you have not transferred important information to an external drive in advance.
- Then the procedure for restoring the operating system will start. It remains to wait for the end of the process.
- After finishing, you will see the corresponding window in which you need to click “Finish.” Then the computer will restart.
- Done! When you turn on your laptop, you will see the Windows start-up screen, which prompts you to complete the initial settings. Now you have a device with factory parameters.
Suppose the key F11does did not launch the recovery menu. Then try to go to this utility by a workaround method. First, you need to go to the system, restore the tool through “Troubleshoot computer problems.” You can open this menu by pressing the keyF8…
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How to Factory Reset HP Laptop: Reset from the boot disk
If you previously reinstalled the operating system yourself and formatted the hard drive. Then the built-in utility will not remain on the PC. Therefore, write HP Recovery Manager to disk beforehand for use as needed. You need to insert the drive into the floppy drive and open the BIOS settings before starting the OS. In the settings, rearrange the boot priority (put the floppy drive or USB flash drive in the first place). Save changes and restart your computer. The next time you turn it on, the restore and reset utility menu will appear.
Conclusion
Now you know in what ways you can reset your laptop to factory settings. We recommend that you always have an emergency recovery drive close at hand. If you have any questions on the topic, then ask them in the comments below.