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Factory Resetting my Alienware PC Running Windows 7

Anonymous
2017-04-04T00:26:13+00:00

Someone recently gave me their PC and I would like to factory reset it. However, due to a lot of complications, I have not yet found a way to do this without spending over $100. Here are the complications:

The farthest back restore point that exists on the system is March 3rd 2017, which does not reset the PC to factory settings. I tried clicking "show more options," but no more options appeared. So I can't use restore points in order to reset my PC.

I do not have the Windows installation disc, so I cannot reinstall windows in order to reset my PC.

I do not have a Windows 10 product key, nor do I have a Windows 7 product key. This means if I try to download either of the operating systems onto a disk or external drive, I will have to buy a product key, which I do not want to do.

I cannot think of anything else. Do I really have to pay in order to reset my PC?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Recovery and backup

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-04-05T01:05:45+00:00

    On a further note: the PC could not find a recovery image on the computer.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-04-05T01:06:27+00:00

    I found the Product Key so my problem might be solved.

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  3. Greg Carmack 24,740 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2017-04-05T01:28:33+00:00

    Make sure you can read the Key then you have your ticket to the best install possible if you follow carefully Clean Reinstall Windows 7 . 

    Also be sure during the booted install to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest. 

    Follow all the steps but especially those for drivers which are important enough they are printed in red, and the special steps to get Windows Update to run correctly since it's not worked without them for several years. 

    Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2017-04-05T01:35:24+00:00

    I found the Product Key so my problem might be solved.

    As long as you found a COA sticker with the Product Key on it.

    Key Finder Programs are of no use with preinstalled OEM License as they only find the factory installation key which is used on multiple machines.

    But if you have found the correct Product Key:

    Download the correct ISO file and make your own disk and use the Product Key that is on the COA Sticker.

    https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-iso-download-tool

    And here are instructions on how to burn ISO images to disk:

    http://www.snapfiles.com/get/ISORecorder.html

    Then do a clean install:

    http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

    The COA sticker is either on the underside of the Laptop or in the Battery Compartment.

    With a Desktop it is either on the side, rear or top of the Computer Case.

    Using the downloaded ISO file Method may require phone Activation.

    If it does require phone Activation, do not follow the Auto Prompts, but hold on for a real person to explain to as to what has been done for re-installation purposes

    "How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone"

    http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html

    The above method also will require you to go to your Computer Manufacturer's website > Support and Downloads Section > locate your Model Number and Operating System > then download and install the latest Drivers for it.

    Cheers.

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  5. Anonymous
    2017-04-05T01:45:10+00:00

    I looked at the system's properties but I could not find the model number

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