Laptop

[timmzy]

I need to return my laptop to the factory state? how can i do this i have not got a recovery disc?
Any Ideas are welcome thank you

[pug100]

A lot of computers these days have a hidden partition on the hard drive where you can do a clean install from. This will restore the machine to the same state as when it was new from the manufacturer. This will lose all your settings, documents, pictures, music etc so make sure you have backup copies on cdrs first before attempting this.
This is accessed by pressing a couple of keys during boot up (Ctrl and F11 for example).
The exact keys you need to press wil be different from one make to another, if you either post the make & model here or use Google to find this information out.

[timmzy]

Thank you i will try, its an Advent 7104 laptop

[pug100]

Then this is the way to do it

http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/advent/laptop/7104 .htm

Using the HDD Recovery System
Your Advent computer uses the latest recovery system that doesn't require any CDs or DVDs to restore your PC to it's original factory condition.

There are two ways to start the recovery -
Restart your computer. Then Press F10 repeatedly until the message "Starting System Recovery" is displayed.
In Windows by clicking: Start / All Programs / System Recovery / System Recovery.
The recovery will load and display a box with one option:
Non-destructive recovery: this option will restore Windows, supplied applications, and drivers. This option will not destroy your documents or programs. These will be backed up along with the registry. These are restored at the end of the recovery process.
To access the recovery options below that erase all data from the computer, click the Advanced button.
System Recovery - No format: this will reinstall Windows, supplied applications and drivers. It will move your files to a folder called "My old disk structure". Any applications (except those supplied) will need to be reinstalled.
System Recovery - Quick format: this option will erase your hard drive including your personal files. Windows, supplied applications and drivers will be reinstalled.
Select the Non-destructive recovery option and press Next.
You will be informed about System Restore in Windows, click Yes.
The recovery will begin. Once this is complete click Restart.

[timmzy]

Once i followed this; In Windows by clicking: Start / All Programs / System Recovery / System Recovery.
I get a message saying

Windows XP has its own built-in repair feature such as the 'system restore' and driver roll-back capabilities. If you have not already tried these features please run them BEFORE continuing with this recovery system.

Then i get two option;

Microsoft system Restore. This option allows me to restore my computer to an earlier time but this is only a couple of months?

Do you really want to start system recover? YES NO
If i select YES it askes me in use a system recover CD which i dont have?

HELP

[timmzy]

Thank you for all the help,

I have just tried repeatly tapping F10 when the laptop is re-booting,

I then get a blue screen saying

STOP: c000021a {Fatal system error}
The session manger initialization process terminated unenexpectedly with a status of 0xc00003a (0x00000000 0x00000000).
The system has been shut down?

Any ideas?

[pug100]

System restore is a component of Win XP and is totally different thing to factory restore.

Whilst very handy for the short term as it keeps all your personal files intact it won't do what you originally asked to restore your computer to the factory state.

If you follow the guide above (press F10 during boot up before you see the windows screen) this will restore the computer to the factory state.

[timmzy]

IF i press F10 during boot up and before windows screen i get a blue screen and this message?

STOP: c000021a {Fatal system error}
The session manger initialization process terminated unenexpectedly with a status of 0xc00003a (0x00000000 0x00000000).
The system has been shut down.

There are no other option and nothing happens? What can i do?

[pug100]

It could be that the partition is corrupt in which case you'll need a cd. This can be obained from these guys which deal with Advent recovery cds.

http://support.thetechguys.com//recoverymedia/

[timmzy]

thank you for all your help