Reset Windows Vista to factory settings - how it works
If you have major problems with Windows Vista, you can reset the system to the factory settings. Then start again with a fresh operating system and can set up the computer again. We show you step by step what you have to consider and how to proceed.
Reset Windows Vista to factory settings
Please note that all documents and programs are also deleted when you reset to the factory settings. You should therefore back up all data beforehand, for example on a USB stick or an external hard drive. Then do the following:
- First click on the Windows button at the bottom left and then select "Control Panel".
- Then select "System and Maintenance" and then choose "Backup and Restore".
- In the left menu, call up "Repair Windows using System Restore" and confirm this with "Continue".
- Now a new window opens. Select "Select another restore point" and choose the oldest point in time.
- Click "Next" and then "Done" and follow the instructions. Then the PC is restarted and reset.
Reset Windows Vista completely
With the above method, you are dependent on recovery points, which are created automatically depending on the settings. If there are no restore points or if you want to completely rebuild the PC, proceed as follows:
- To reset Windows Vista, you must first call the BIOS. Depending on the manufacturer, you have to press a different key / key combination when starting.
- In the "Main" section you will find the D2D option, which you must set to "enabled" using the arrow keys.
- Then you have to save the change via "Exit + save changes".
- As soon as the PC exits the BIOS, press [Alt] + [F10] to enter the recovery menu.
- Now select "Restore factory defaults to system" and wait for the computer to restart.
Tired of old Vista? Then you can completely uninstall Vista and install another operating system instead - for example Linux.