I have to be honest, this isn't something I thought about until I realized that I didn't have a restore points. I think it was deleted by my defrag program. A shocker to me once I started researching how the defrag program uses VSS. That was just one example, there are others that may not be the user's fault. Were we could all benefit from a default factory restore function (including both the registry, files, etc) that would restore the OS to factory defaults without having to do a upgrade reinstall, repair. Can someone pass this information along to the development team (or whomever is deemed privy to this)? We could really use such a feature in Win7.

There is such a system in place- it's called Windows Backup. But, you have to initiate the process, and follow-up with it on a regular basis. A well backed up system can be restored (usually in a matter of minutes) to the state it was in when the backup was last performed, or as far back as backups are kept. Unlike System Restore, a backup will restore everything on the hard drive, including other installed programs besides Windows. So if there's a problem with something you installed, you can revert back to a time when it was working, or even before it was installed. You are the master of your PC. It's up to you to maintain it, and with regular malware scans and verified backups, you can keep it running smoothly for many years :-) SC Tom

Thanks for the reply but not relevant as to why I created this question. Currently, backups work the same way as restore points meaning you have to have one before a problem occurs. That's counter-productive to users who for whatever reason no longer has a working backup or restore point (re-read the portion of my post where a defrag program purged my earlier restore points as an example). To be clear (and I apologize if I wasn't earlier) is that I'm requesting a Windows 7 feature that can revert your OS to a factory install state without user maintenance as found in backups and restore points. A feature that would allow a user to import default registry and restore files and features without any user intervention prior to the event requiring a factory reset request. Be it with or without SP1. The reason for this request is that there are times were things happen that are not in the user's control (as you seem to suggest otherwise). A factory restore of win7 is a good way to overcome such an obstacle regardless if you feel the need to blame the user or not.

Hi, Thanks for posting in Microsoft TechNet forums. We understand what our customers might have gone through when unfortunately encountering issues of no restore points. We should do more education previously to avoid such inconvenience. Actually, Backup and restore center is intended to prevent such system crash. Some OEM version Windows contains “the one key to Factory Restore” function. Regarding to the repair\In-place upgrade, it is kind of like the Factory Restore function for Windows retail version. Please understand by performing In-Place Upgrade, your personal data and installed programs usually will not be removed but we may need to run Windows Update to install all the available updates for your system to update these system files to the current version. We appreciate your useful feedback of the product. You can submit the suggestions to the Product Feedback Team : http://mymfe.microsoft.com/Windows%20%207/Feedback.aspx?formID=195 Your time and effort is appreciated. Best Regards Magon Liu TechNet Subscriber Support in forum. If you have any feedback on our support, please contact tngfb@microsoft.comPlease remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Thanks for you reply. I also wanted to add that the upgrade/repair feature no longer works once you upgrade to SP1. I am told that the OS is newer (I don't recall the exact message). Is it possible to get (free) Win7 SP1? At least with that I could use the upgrade repair function. But as it stands now I really have no repair type functions.

Windows 7 has a Imaging feature built into "Backup and Restore". Once you have your machine loaded up with OS patches/ SPs/ Apps/ Drivers use "Backup and Restore" from Admin Tools to create a 'System Image'. THis will create a backup Image that allows you to restore a system in about 45minutes rather than a baremetal install that takes hours

Thanks for the reply but I was looking to find a way to restore/repair the current version. If I backup now I wouldn't be fixing the issue as I would still be using the same image that's on the OS now. If I had Win7 SP1 installation disc I could simply do a upgrade/repair and just call it a day but I can't.

You can slipstream SP1 into Windows 7: http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-slipstream-windows-7-sp1-into-installation-dvd-iso/ SC Tom

After upgrading to SP1, most system core files will be updated to a new version while the installation disk without SP1 contains files with previous version. At this point, I am afraid we can't do in-place upgrade due to the mismatch. However, a work-around is uninstalling SP1 and perform in-place upgrade. Or you can follow SC Tom's suggestion to slipstream an installation disk with SP1. I believe the installation disk with SP1 will be available in the near future. Regards,Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

<Magon Liu> wrote in message news:d1c6fb09-5bf6-446e-8207-8c3341f0223b@communitybridge.codeplex.com... . . . Or you can follow SC Tom's suggestion to slipstream an installation disk with SP1. As a follow-up to the slipstreaming, I just did that to see how it worked, and it takes about an hour and a half, but it created a Win7 installation DVD with SP1 integrated into it. Pretty slick! SC Tom

You can slipstream SP1 into Windows 7: http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-slipstream-windows-7-sp1-into-installation-dvd-iso/ SC Tom don't do this. It doesn't integrate the Sp1 correctly."A programmer is just a tool which converts caffeine into code" Want to install RSAT on Windows 7 Sp1? Check my HowTo: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=150221

Ok, so the slipstream method is too cumbersome and not recommended. I would prefer to get a copy of Win7 SP1 installation disc as it's better to just keep SP1 and just do a upgrade repair until a better alternative is featured (IE: Factory Restore).

<Andre.Ziegler> wrote in message news:1acf79b9-69c7-41d8-bfa1-3a41ed88d890@communitybridge.codeplex.com... don't do this. It doesn't integrate the Sp1 correctly. Can you tell me exactly what doesn't integrate correctly? As an experiment, I just used my slipstreamed DVD of Win7 Home Premium SP1 and did a clean install on a spare hard drive. So far, nothing is out of the ordinary that I can see. I installed it on a Gateway notebook, and the installation has set up my wireless network, sound, video drivers, etc. without me having to supply a Gateway disc. My System Properties show it as Win7 SP1, and when I ran the Performance Assessment, it came up with the same component and base scores as before. I haven't tried installing any programs yet, but everything native runs well that I've tried. Just curious as to what I would have to look for to say it's not installed properly. Thanks! SC Tom

this is too complicated to explain. Without the reboot, you see when you install the Sp1, the Sp1 is not fully installed (reboot off an offline Image is not possible). Slipstreaming the Windows 7 Sp2 into this Images breaks the DVD. That's why MS disabled the option to slipstreams a Service Pack with Vista / 7."A programmer is just a tool which converts caffeine into code" Want to install RSAT on Windows 7 Sp1? Check my HowTo: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=150221

<Andre.Ziegler> wrote in message news:9452cf37-11b5-4095-8c38-5a3a21a8df95@communitybridge.codeplex.com... this is too complicated to explain. Without the reboot, you see when you install the Sp1, the Sp1 is not fully installed (reboot off an offline Image is not possible). Slipstreaming the Windows 7 Sp2 into this Images breaks the DVD. That's why MS disabled the option to slipstreams a Service Pack with Vista / 7. "A programmer is just a tool which converts caffeine into code" Want to install RSAT on Windows 7 Sp1? Check my HowTo: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=150221 I don't understand that explanation at all, sorry to say :-( And when did SP2 come out? I thought SP1 was just released. Typo? SC Tom

I don't understand that explanation at all, sorry to say :-( And when did SP2 come out? I thought SP1 was just released. Typo? no typo. I mean the next Sp for Windows 7. Slipstreaming this the same way damages your Windows DVD and you can't install Windows."A programmer is just a tool which converts caffeine into code" Want to install RSAT on Windows 7 Sp1? Check my HowTo: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=150221

So what you are saying is that using a slipstream install of Win7 SP1 instead of using the normal route may prevent you from installing or properly using any other SP released on Win7. The question remains if there is any other SP in plans for release for Win7?

If it's not possible to slipstream SP2 onto a Win7 SP1 disc, then why not just slipstream SP2 onto an original Win7 one, like I did with SP1? Since most service packs are inclusive of previous ones, I see no reason why that wouldn't work. I guess we'll have to wait for SP2 to be released to correctly answer the questions raised here. SC Tom

Since most service packs are inclusive of previous ones, I see no reason why that wouldn't work. I guess we'll have to wait for SP2 to be released to correctly answer the questions raised here. the Vista Sp1 was not included in Sp2. We have to wait and look if MS allows slipstreaming in Sp2."A programmer is just a tool which converts caffeine into code" Want to install RSAT on Windows 7 Sp1? Check my HowTo: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=150221

If it's not possible to slipstream SP2 onto a Win7 SP1 disc, then why not just slipstream SP2 onto an original Win7 one, like I did with SP1? Since most service packs are inclusive of previous ones, I see no reason why that wouldn't work. I guess we'll have to wait for SP2 to be released to correctly answer the questions raised here. SC Tom Because it doesn't address why this thread was originally created. There is no need to slipstream service packs to the original Win7 disc every service pack release. What we do in such a case is just download the new version and install it. But that's when a user doesn't have a problem. The problem here is that once you have a problem (before the service pack was installed) you cannot do a upgrade repair unless you have a win7 SP1 disc. Another scenario is when a person has a problem after installing SP1 and the only recourse is a upgrade/repair. Unless MS incorporates some sort of factory restore feature in SP2 one would need to do a complete HD wipe and OS reinstall then upgrade to SP1. The problem is that issued called for some sort of repair/restore or upgrade repair but are currently not operational do to the service pack install. Currently, as far as I know, SP1 does an integrity check for any missing windows files. Again, the whole point of this thread is asking the developers to come up with something more robust then just an integrity check before installing a service pack. We need an option that would scan your HD and allow for a factory install state without having to backup, create restore point. Or allow for an upgrade/repair after we install a service pack. The reason is quiet simple, they don't work or function once you install a service pack when you have a non service pack win7 install disc. Or an option to allow users to download win7 SP1/SP2/etc and burn it to disc.

Unless MS incorporates some sort of factory restore feature in SP2 one would need to do a complete HD wipe and OS reinstall then upgrade to SP1. The problem is that issued called for some sort of repair/restore or upgrade repair but are currently not operational do to the service pack install. Rumors say that Windows 8 has the feature you want."A programmer is just a tool which converts caffeine into code" Want to install RSAT on Windows 7 Sp1? Check my HowTo: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=150221

well, what an empty discussion...what if...if not..or what... it`s just a metter of the user who can`t operate his Computer well...becouse he doesn`t understand the basics of the comps... becouse he don`t know HOW.... and he`s got his dreams...mashine does every thing for me... what a stupid idea..... just learn how to use your mashine....and you`ll have no problems with backups... it`s SO easy....when you know..... and YOU can make it.. all the best...

The same can be said about your response. Now, the point of this thread clearly points out an issue of what happens when upgrading to a new service pack and the user has a problem beyond his control. IMO, the user should be able to download their copy of Win7 with SP1. So that if problems do occur that user can at least do a upgrade/repair. However, my other suggestion is to request the addition of a new feature that would restore the OS to a factory default without user intervention. Why? Simple, because user intervention is not needed in order to do so. For example, we already have the option to create a repair disc. That could be used to add the Factory Restore feature. All one would need to do is pop in the disc and select that option. Or use the F8 key or startup and select repair your computer. Those are just ideas but the point is clear. Andre, That's interesting if true. However, I would hope one wouldn't need to buy another OS just to get such a basic feature.

The same can be said about your response. Now, the point of this thread clearly points out an issue of what happens when upgrading to a new service pack and the user has a problem beyond his control. IMO, the user should be able to download their copy of Win7 with SP1. So that if problems do occur that user can at least do a upgrade/repair. However, my other suggestion is to requesting the addition of a new feature that would restore the OS to a factory default without user intervention. Why? Simple, because user intervention is not needed in order to do so. For example, we already have the option to create a repair disc. That could be used to add the Factory Restore feature. All one would need to do is pop in the disc and select that option. Or or use the F8 key or startup and select repair your computer. Those are just ideas but the point is clear. Andre, That's interesting if true. However, I would hope one wouldn't need to buy another OS just to get such a basic feature.

And slipstreaming can have it's problems. I stumbled upon this post: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=4788948&postcount=912 "Do u use Win7 SP1? If yes, pls go back to vanilla Win7 and install the SP1 pack separately. I've found this works for my MIVE, SLI just wont work on stripstreamed win7 SP1." MVIE means Maxmius IV Extreme

<ECH1> wrote in message news:dedf84fb-1c1f-4235-852f-93270c851c9d@communitybridge.codeplex.com... And slipstreaming can have it's problems. I stumbled upon this post: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showpost.php?p=4788948&postcount=912 "Do u use Win7 SP1? If yes, pls go back to vanilla Win7 and install the SP1 pack separately. I've found this works for my MIVE, SLI just wont work on stripstreamed win7 SP1." MVIE means Maxmius IV Extreme EVERYthing is a problem for any given person at any given time. The internet is full of horror stories about just about everything. Getting up in the morning is a problem for some people :-) SC Tom

What I found interesting about it is that it does appear to back up what Andre.Ziegler said about slipstreaming SP1 into Win7.

well,here what you can do to get what you want.....after you install your copy of Windows 7 and install drivers with some util prog`s...all you can do is create a system image and save it on some other drive, or DVD. Resque disk is requred. When you come to the problem, you simply start you mashine, boot from CD and do system image roll back. It does format C drive and get it back the same point it was when you create the image. That`s yours restore to factory default. Or, you can use some other software to do the same, like Macrium Reflect (x86 and x64 both in one distro, free) it creates the image of any partition or disk you want...and where you want. All the rest is quite the same as previous procedure. Regards Ech1

Coccobill thanks for the reply. However, I found something even more interesting. I can't say if it's true but there is an article released a few days ago that discusses the very thing I'm looking/asking for in Win7. The only caveate is that it's for Windows 8. More information can be found in this link: http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-8-039system-reset039-image-leaks If this is true, my question would now be, "Can we have something like this in Win7?" Something other then "no". :)

I think I would take issue with the statement "The rapid reset feature will come in handy for times when malware has infected your PC and all you want to do is wipe it and start over." Unless it's getting those files from a CD/DVD, what's to keep the virus from infecting the very files used for restoration? Although I see this as a valuable feature, I'm skeptical that it would work in that situation. SC Tom

I think I would take issue with the statement "The rapid reset feature will come in handy for times when malware has infected your PC and all you want to do is wipe it and start over." Unless it's getting those files from a CD/DVD, what's to keep the virus from infecting the very files used for restoration? Although I see this as a valuable feature, I'm skeptical that it would work in that situation. SC Tom Is there any information you can provide about how the System Reset works? I honestly don't know if this feature requires you to do an image backup as soon as you install the OS, asking you to insert the CD, creates it's own backup or something else, or something else. In any case that would be something I would like to see in Win7.

<ECH1> wrote in message news:33f52232-836c-45b6-bc4d-8f7b22a3f5e3@communitybridge.codeplex.com... Is there any information you can provide about how the System Reset works? I honestly don't know if this feature requires you to do an image backup as soon as you install the OS, asking you to insert the CD, creates it's own backup or something else, or something else. In any case that would be something I would like to see in Win7. I know nothing more than what I read in the link from your previous post. That's where I quoted the statement from. How the reset is done is an unanswered question. I was just kind of assuming that it's done from a partition or folder that's created by Win8, and if that's the case, what's to prevent a virus from infecting it, too? Don't know; guess we'll have to wait and see. SC Tom