How to restore your computer to factory settings

If your PC is running slow, perhaps you have stumbled upon a bug or virus that you just cant get rid of. You can factory restore your computer, this will usually solve most of your problems but it should be a last resort. It will return your computer to its state when you first bought it, and it will have all of the same programs it had at that time as well. All files you had prior will be gone so you will want to back those up.

1. You will need to back up your important files by saving them to a flash drive or external hard drive that will be unaffected by the restore.

2. Some systems have a built in restore function that you can access by pressing or holding F11 sometimes F8 during start up. Sometimes you will need a recovery CD which should usually have come with your computer. If these are not options you can also use operating system discs to accomplish this as well. Follow the directions given on the disc or in the start up recovery process, it will usually take a while but it will be worth it in the end.

3. When your computer has finished the recovery process and is back to its factory state it should be free of all the bugs and things bogging you down. You should start placing all of your files back on your computer and downloading software necessary for basic functions and online navigation. Your computer should be running like new!

Photo Credit: Manu Mohan