What is Factory Recovery?
Restoring everything like it was a new computer. Everything is cleaned out - just like when you bought it.
System Recovery
On many systems less than 6 or so years old, it is possible to do a Full System Recovery with a few key strokes. In others, this requires Recovery CD's, which came with your computer, [or are available from the manufacturer].
The ROI of a full system restore
The effects of a full system restore on PC speed are the most dramatic, but there is a cost.
The process can take hours to complete, and require backing up personal files and re-installing software.
And, if your computer has too little Memory (RAM) or your fans are full of dust for example, the fix will be short lived.
Quick reference guide to enter restore menu for various PC
| Make | Key(s) | Notes | RecoveryCD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acer | Alt+F10 | During Boot | Acer Recovery CD |
| Asus | F9 | During Boot, after logo appears | Asus Recovery CD |
| Dell | Ctrl+F11 or F8 | During Boot, after logo appears | Dell Recovery CD |
| eMachines | F8 | During Boot, after logo appears | eMachines Recovery CD |
| Gateway | F11 or R | During Boot | Gateway Recovery CD |
| HP/Compaq | F10 | During Boot, after logo appears | HP Recovery CD |
| IBM/Lenovo | F11 | During Boot | IBM/Lenovo Recovery CD |
| NEC | F11 | During Boot | NEC Recovery CD |
| Packard Bell | F11 | During Boot, after logo Appears | |
| Sony Vaio | F10 | During Boot, after logo Appears | Sony Vaio Recovery CD |
| Toshiba | 0 (zero) | Press and hold before powering up | Toshiba Recovery CD |
