System Recovery

[Bulldog]

I need to restore my kids' computer to delivery state as they've installed so much cack on it that it hardly runs at all now. I have done it before and didn't need any discs or a copy of the OS because it's all stored on the main drive. I've gone into setup by pressing F2 but I can't remember where to go next. Does anyone know where I can find the part I need to recover the system please?

[TheOldhamWhisper]

You normally need a disk to start the process (one that you make as sonn as everything is installed).

The recovery files are usually held on a seperate partition (normally Drive D: ).

[markwales]

If it's a Dell, press CTRL and F11 when the blue bar appears on the load up screen. (Did mine 2 weeks ago)

Any other make - and I have no idea!!

[lowe1]

is this any help

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084

[Bulldog]

I seem to recall I did use a floppy to boot it before. I've definitely used a floppy for something in the past because I remember the power lead to the floppy drive wasn't connected. I'll try and find the boot disk. Having looked at it again I think the key for the reboot menu is actually F8. It's a Packard Bell.

Hey Oldham, you still use that dutching calc I sent you ages back? I've still not found anything better. Use mine all the time

[Bulldog]

Found the recovery disc and and it's all under way now. Thanks for looking in.

[TheOldhamWhisper]

...Hey Oldham, you still use that dutching calc I sent you ages back? I've still not found anything better. Use mine all the time

Yep - still one of the best tools in my arsenal. :)