[Chrisdurden]

I was wondering how I could recover my computer without an xp disc. I bought the computer without a Windows cd. I was wondering if it's possible to set the computer back to facotry settings without having to reinstall the windows xp.

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I bought the computer without a Windows cd

Is this a name brand system like Dell, Hp or Compaq?
If so what make and model is it?
What is the reason for wanting to return it to factory settings?
You understand that means it will format the hd causing the loss of all data and programs you have installed or saved?

[rshaffer61]

I bought the computer without a Windows cd

Is this a name brand system like Dell, Hp or Compaq?
If so what make and model is it?
What is the reason for wanting to return it to factory settings?
You understand that means it will format the hd causing the loss of all data and programs you have installed or saved?

[Chrisdurden]

it's a compaq presario sr171onx
I wanna return it to factory setting because some of the updates I downloaded didn't download correctly. Ever since that my computer has given me 2 blue screens an shuts itself off an turns back on. I figure if I return it to factory everything would be okay. I know everything I installed/uploaded will erase, that doesn't matter to me.

[rshaffer61]

reboot and when you see the compaq logo hit F10

[Chrisdurden]

Alright, i did that
There are a list of options ( safe mode, network)

Edited by Chrisdurden, 22 January 2011 - 12:48 PM.

[rshaffer61]

Did it get you to the Recovery partition?

[rshaffer61]

You need to tap F10 quickly to get it to go to the Recovery Partition. If no Recovery partition is present you will not be able to access it. This would mean you have to get a set of recovery disks for it. Normally costs about 30USD from Compaq.

[Chrisdurden]

It says " We apologize for the inconvenience, but windows did not start successfully. A recent hardware or software change might have caused this. I f your computer stopped responding, restarted unexpectedly, or was automatically shut down to protect your files and folders, choose....... if previous startup attempt was interurupted due to a power failure or because the power or reset button was pressed, or if you aren't sure what caused the problem, choose start normally. (then it has) safe mode. safe mode with networking. safe mode with command prompt. last known. start normally.

[rshaffer61]

See post 7 for the correct instructions. Holding down the F10 key will result in the message you received. Tapping on it quickly will allow access to the Recovery Partition if it is present on the HD.