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I want to format a used computer I just picked up at a yard sale. It has Windows 8 Pro with Media Center installed on it.

When I was going through the options and setting it up, I noticed a screen where I could refresh, remove or reset the PC. After doing some research, I found out that if I "Reset" the PC, it would format the hard drive(s) and reinstall Windows again to return the PC to factory settings.

I figured that this is the best (easiest, quickest, & most thorough) way to clean up the PC (remove all files & settings installed/set by previous user). I couldn't find out if you need the CD to perform this task. I don't have any Windows 8 CD(s), but I still want to keep Windows 8 installed.

Will I need any installation CD(s) for Windows 8 to "Reset" my PC?

Community
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user234831
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2 Answers2

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Unless your PC manufacturer has included an OS recovery image on a hidden partition, installation media is required for a refresh/reset and MS even tells you how to create it.

(Of course if you have the DVD you can copy the contents over (specifically the install.wim file, see here and here for details) and point to it so the DVD is no longer required for a refresh/reset.)

You can also check if there's a manufacturer-provided option to press a particular key/sequence during bootup to factory reset the PC.

Karan
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Open up Disk Management and check for a recovery partition. My OEM laptop has a 20 Gig recovery partition and 300 MB efi partition along with the system partition.

It is this partition Windows uses to transfer documents and data while the PC resets. Without this partition the reset function will not work.

It won't hurt to make an attempt, it sounds like you don't care about what's on it. There are a number of ways to access the feature.

The easiest way is to search for "reset" under the settings charm. This will bring you right to the utility.

You can also hold down the shift key while selecting the restart option from the login screen.

Scandalist
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