hi there, i want to totally clear my hard drive and basically restart my computer to what it was like when i first brought it does anyone know how to do this. i have all the files i need on a usb stick so i basically just want to clear the whole thing

the reason i am posting this in the vista section is because i have vista but do not have a vista cd my computer just came with it on the computer so if i do restart my computer back to like when i first got it will i still have vista on here or will that get wiped off to

cheers for any advice

Michael xx

Hello and welcome to PC Help Forum.

Have you tried system restore?

Windows Vista Help: Turn back time on your PC

Windows Vista Help: Restore your computer from a system image backup

On this link scroll down and click on to restore using preinstalled recovery options.

cheers for that dude i won't be able to do system restore as i didn't set a restore point to go back to

on the second link it says to
i don't have a cd but that seemed to be the method that would work :s can i do that method without using a cd

cheers for any help bud

Michael

You create a system restore point yourself.

Second links tells you how to locate and burn the Vista backup files to disk and how to use them.
Do exactly what it says on the restore using preinstalled recovery options section
Using second link you do not need Vista DVD.

To restore using pre-installed recovery options

If your computer did not come with a Windows installation disc, use this method.
1. Restart your computer.
Click the Start button , click the arrow next to the Lock button , and then click Restart.
2. Do one of the following:
•If your computer has only one operating system installed, repeatedly press the F8 key as your computer restarts. You need to press F8 before the Windows logo appears. If the Windows logo appears, you will need to try again.
•If your computer has more than one operating system installed, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to start, and then press F8.
3. On the Advanced Boot Options menu, use the arrow keys to highlight Repair your computer, and then press ENTER.
4. Select a keyboard layout, and then click Next.
5. Select a user name and type the password, and then click OK.
6. On the System Recovery Options menu, click Windows Complete PC Restore, and then follow the instructions.
NoteInsert the last CD or DVD of the backup set when prompted to do so.

(Im a dudette lol).