Erase my hard drive and start over
Most computers have a system restore disc or built-in restore process on the hard drive to reset the computer to the original or default settings (factory reset). Resetting, formatting, or restoring, a computer helps eliminate issues with computer software, including corrupt program files and virus infections. Instructions on how to restore your computer back to the original software are provided below.
Warning
Restoring your computer erases all the information on the hard drive and makes it like new. Once the steps below are completed, you cannot restore any lost data. Back up any files you do not want to lose before proceeding with the restore process.
Tip
If you have an OEM computer (e.g., Acer, ASUS, Dell, or HP), you likely have a hidden system recovery partition and don't need a disc to restore your computer.
Erasing the hard drive and reinstalling Windows
To erase your hard drive and reinstall Windows, follow the steps below for your version of Windows.
Windows 10
Follow these instructions to erase or uninstall and reinstall Windows 10.
Open the Start menu.
Select the Settings option (looks like a gear).
In the Settings window, select the Update & security option.
Select the Recovery option in the left navigation pane.
Click the Get Started button in the "Reset this PC" section.
Choose either the Keep my files or Remove everything option, depending on if you want to preserve your files or delete everything and start over.
Follow the prompts to begin the recovery process.
Windows will be reset, either keeping your files intact or erasing everything, depending on the option you selected.
Windows 8
Follow these instructions to erase and reinstall Windows 8.
Press the Windows key+C to open the Charms menu.
Select the Search option and type reinstall in the Search text field (do not press Enter).
Select the Settings option.
On the left side of the screen, select Remove everything and reinstall Windows.
On the "Reset your PC" screen, click Next.
On the "Do you want to fully clean your drive" screen, select Just remove my files to do a quick deletion or select Fully clean the drive to have all files erased.
On the "Ready to reset your PC" screen, click Reset.
The hard drive will be erased, and Windows 8 will be reinstalled.
Windows 7 and Vista
To restore a Windows 7 or Vista computer, you must have a set of restore discs for the computer or an original Windows 7 or Vista installation disc. If you do not have a set of restore discs, contact the computer manufacturer to order a new set or restore discs.
Note
Before following the steps below, make sure the computer is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive.
Insert the Windows 7 or Vista installation CD in the CD-ROM drive and restart the computer.
When you see the message "Press any key to boot from CD," press a key on the keyboard.
Press Enter at the Windows Setup welcome screen.
When prompted, press any key on your keyboard.
On the "Install Windows" page, select your preferred language and other preferences, then click Next.
On the License Agreement page, accept the terms and agreements and click Next.
On the Installation Type screen, choose the Custom option.
Select the Drive Options (advanced) option.
For Disk 0, delete all partitions. When all partitions are deleted, a single entry named "Unallocated space" should be seen.
Click Disk 0 and select Next.
The Windows installation process starts by creating a new partition, formatting the partition, and installing Windows on the hard drive. The formatting process erases the hard drive before installing Windows.