I’m trying to raise a bit of money by selling an old desk top. But I was naturally wanting to erase all my stuff of of it. But preferably keep XP on it.So I was wondering what the best way of doing this would be. I don’t know if it’s possible to reset it back to factory settings as a while back it had some work done on it and I think fresh version of XP was installed.1 person needs an answerI do too

Hi, Do you have the XP install CD or a Recovery CD?

Most laptops and many OEM (HP, Sony, etc.) desktop computers come with a factory restore image on a special partition on the hard drive. The factory restore process is normally invoked by pressing a Function key (like F11) at computer startup. There will be a message as to which Function key to press on the screen when you first start your computer. You can also refer to your computer manual, or the computer mftr.'s website, or contact its tech support to see how to restore your computer to factory condition since each computer mftr. does it differently - sometimes even between models.These machines also usually have a utility with which to create physical recovery discs in case the hard drive needs to be replaced or the factory restore image is somehow damaged. If you did not create the physical recovery discs and/or damaged the recovery image, contact the computer mftr.'s tech support to order a recovery disc set. This is normally very inexpensive, around $20-25.If you have a generic-built computer, then do a clean install of Windows per the links below. Make sure to include the XP installation CD you use with the computer when you sell it.http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html -Clean Install How-To http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Reinstalling_Windows -What you will need on-hand MS-MVP - Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!

If you're paranoid, download and use DBAN. It will delete everything permanently , so be careful with it! Bear in mind you will then need an XP installationCD to put Windows XP back on - DBAN will remove any 'recovery partition' or similar. Windows CDs don't have specific product keys on them, so you can (from a technical perspective - the letter of the law is another matter) use a borrowed CD.It's worth trying to put WinXP on it before selling, as it will help the value.

Good morningI’m in the BIOS settings, but I don’t see a factory restore. It seems to be the BIOS of the company that refurbished the computer a long time ago.ClickStartComp: I don’t have aXP install CD or a Recovery CD.And I don’t really want to order a recovery CD as it’s a 2000 computer, so it’s not worth allot as it is.

On Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:21:42 +0000, ruthyru wrote: > I?m in the BIOS settings, but I don?t see a factory restore. It seems to be the BIOS of the company that refurbished the computer a long time ago. The BIOS and factory restore are two completely different things.There's no factory restore there. You may have a recovery *partition*that you can restore from. Check with your manufacturer. Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003 Ken Blake

Hi, Factory restore setting aren't within your BIOS settings.The factory restore on a PC all depends on the manufacturer. If know your PC manufacturer please state it here and we can see if we can help.

Hi ClickStartCompIt’s a 2000 ( wow that’s 10 years old now) Gateway.

Hi, My first PC was a gateway 2000. 33Mhz it was amazing!Do you have a F11 option when booting?Have a look at the gateway site: http://support.gateway.com/s/SOFTWARE/Medialess/MLXPMC0/MLXPMC0su13.shtmlTo look at Full System Restore (Destructive) <----Sounds Good

HayI read the link you gave. Thank you for that. But my computer doesn’t do anything when you type F11.I think it had allot of work done on it in like 2004 when it broke (my baby got tuned up ha ha) could that have changed something?I tried to get hold of the guy who did the work, but I don’t think he’s done computers for a long time now.

If your system is that old its worth is only what some 'mug' will give you, generally over here PC's of that age are either dumped or given away

Hi, That true. The hardware on the Pc must be old? What is its Spec?

I’m not shore what the specs are. I just don’t like throwing things away. And it works fine. And if I got anything for it its better than nothing.

Hi,True, I understand.You said your PC doesn't do anything when you tap F11 - When do you tap F11 i.e. When the system first starts up or after the BIOS screen etc.If you have had work done before on this PC depending on what it is this can affect the factory restore options.Do you know the exact model of the PC?

Hi ClickStartCompSorry for not being able to get back to you earlier, you’ve been so helpful.I was tapping F11 when the system first starts. I’ve looked and I can’t see the exact model of the PC.Well its OK you’ve already helped allot. I’ll see if I can get something sorted.Thank you again for your help and to everyone else as well who helped out. Its really appreciated.