How to Restore an HP Laptop With Windows XP to the Factory Settings
Corrupted programs or missing and damaged Windows XP files can cause instability and lead to your laptop functioning oddly. Restoring your factory settings is a way to repair these. By restoring your HP laptop to the factory settings, it is almost like starting fresh; your laptop is reset to the same condition as when it was first purchased. You don't need to take your laptop to a computer repair shop. You can save some money and perform the restoration by yourself.
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Instructions
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Back Up Files and Folders
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Insert the USB flash drive into an open USB port on your HP laptop. Click "Start" and then "My Documents."
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Right-click an empty space and select "New Folder." Name your folder something like "Document Backup." Click one of the files in this window. Press and hold the "Ctrl" key on your laptop keyboard; then click each one of the files you want to keep, while still holding down the "Ctrl" button. Release the key and then left-click and hold to drag the files into the new folder.
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Right-click the new folder and select "Send To;" then choose the option for "Compressed (zipped) folder."
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Right-click the compressed folder and select "Send To" and then choose the option for your USB flash drive. Close out the documents window. Repeat the whole process for other files and folders that you would like to save, such as playlists in the "My Music" folder or photos in the "My Pictures" folder. When finished, remove your flash drive and set aside. Write down the programs that you currently have so that you can download them later.
Restore the Factory Settings
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Click "Start" and then "All Programs."
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Choose "HP Tools" from the list; then click "HP System Recovery." If you are having issues with loading Windows XP when you turn on your laptop, you need to repeatedly press the "F10" key at the start up screen. You should now have the Recovery Manager program open.
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Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the Recovery Manager. HP will now change your laptop back to the original factory settings.
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Reinstall your programs, either by downloading them again or by using the installation CDs. You will also need to reinstall drivers for other equipment like cameras and printers.
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Restart your HP laptop computer after you have reinstalled all programs and drivers to ensure that all the new settings are completed.
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Tips & Warnings
You will lose all data that was not present at the time of purchase; it is imperative that you back up your files and folders to your USB flash drive to avoid losing them.
