[SOLVED] Restoring Windows XP to Factory Settings Without a Recovery CD

Rockafeller · May 2, 2011

I have a Windows XP Desktop computer that is a Compaq Presario. I have had since 2002. It has had several viruses and spyware on it throughout the years. But I would always use this trick to restore it to its factory settings without a CD. I would turn it on and hold the "F10" key (or "F8", it's been a while, I forget) And then I'd select "Destructive Disk Recovery" And I would follow the steps, testing speakers, selecting an antivirus etc. Once I did this, it would run like a charm. Brand new. Fast and clean.

I have another Windows XP Home Edition computer, but this one is an ACER Laptop computer. And it is not working the same. I've tried holding F9, F10, F11, F12, none of these buttons give me any options. It just goes straight to windows. F8 however, does, but not the options I need. It only has system restore (Which isn't the factory settings thing that I want) And it has a few other options like running in safe mode etc..

My question is.. Is there any way to reinstall the Operating System on this laptop without buying a Windows XP installation disc? Do they even sell those anymore?!

Abdus947 · May 2, 2011

Re: Restoring Windows XP to Factory Settings Without a Recovery CD

If you're trying to restore your laptop back to the factory install or 'how it was when you got it' then follow these simple steps. (WARNING: The following process will COMPLETELY erase ALL the data on your laptop, please make sure you have backed up everything you don't want to lose before proceeding!)

Step 1. Switch your laptop on.

2. After a few seconds the screen will clear and the text with RMR will appear at the top left of the screen for a few seconds.

3. Hold down both the shift keys while RMR is displayed.

4. In the enter password box, type the password rmrcfp and press enter.

5. A blue screen with a menu will appear. Press R on your keyboard to: RESTORE FROM BACKUP(using extended memory) .

6. When asked if you want to verify the backup, press Y on the keyboard. This will verify that the back up is intact.

7.When asked if you want to restore your computer to the factory default press Y to do so.

8. Once the restore is complete, you will get a prompt: "you must reset your computer now!"

9. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del simultaneously.

10. The computer will restart, once restarted do not touch the computer or mouse as the windows is being configured and may restart itself several times.

11. Once the shutdown button appears wait until the disk activity light slows from rapid activity to occasional flashes.

12. Now click Shutdown.

After it shuts down leave it for 30 seconds and then you are free to use it. It will start up as it did when you first got it.

Rockafeller · May 8, 2011

Re: Restoring Windows XP to Factory Settings Without a Recovery CD

Alright, Problem is I dont think Im getting a screen with RMR at all. It shows a screen with ACER on it then it goes right to the Windows XP loading screen. tried holding both SHIFT buttons but no luck.

spunk.funk · May 8, 2011

Re: Restoring Windows XP to Factory Settings Without a Recovery CD

Try this: Acer Aspire System Recovery Partition | PCTechBytes

Rockafeller · May 10, 2011

Re: Restoring Windows XP to Factory Settings Without a Recovery CD

Thank you both for answering me. I have done the system recovery using spunk.funk's link

[SOLVED] Restoring Windows XP to Factory Settings Without a Recovery CD

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