format computer without CD

[fts]

I would like to know how can I format my laptop to the factory settings without a CD. And where does the computer usually store this cd image at?

[pip22]

To restore your laptop to it's factory installed condition if no restore CD was supplied, there should be an entry in "Start->All Programs". There should be an entry or shortcut in the list with a name like "System Recovery" or similar.

If no such entry exists, then the laptop should have been supplied with a recovery disc but has either been lost or never supplied in the first place.
In which case your only option is to leave as is or buy a copy of XP, format and re-install with that.

[fritzi93]

To amplify on the above:

You may have a recovery partiton from which to perform a complete system recovery. Also, on pre-installed computers, there is usually an option somewhere to create recovery discs. (Discs in the plural, because the utility will also include all the pre-installed crapware.) Has recovery disc creation ever been done on your computer? It can only be done once, AFAIK.

You may try contacting the manufacturer to obtain recovery discs for a nominal fee. Worth a shot.

One other thing, check out the link below for creating a clean install disc (no crapware!) from the i386 folder on your comp. If it isn't there, you'll have to get it off a recovery disc specific to your computer, but you may very well have the folder in your system root. Haven't tried the procedure myself, but supposedly it's possible. Have a look here:

http://www.howtohaven.com/system/cre...etupdisk.shtml

Good luck.

[snooker]

Hi ... Your best bet would be to go to your manufacturer website of your laptop and locate your model type , then find the manual or see if there info about how , I know my friend HP computer he has a hidden partition to reset back to factory setting , Your might be the same