Is it possible to reset my windows 8 laptop without disks?

Shizzle

New Member
Messages
11
Hi mods and fellow windows 8 users.

My laptop has been experiencing problems lately, and i'd like to start fresh. I realize there is an option to reset your laptop (deleting all your files and start new) but i have one question. Since my laptop came with windows 8, i have no installation disks for them. I've read in this article here, Windows 8 features a reset button: Re-install Windows without a disc - Liliputing , that the windows 8 image-thingy (im not good with computers so i dont know the correct terms) is "built in" to the operating itself. Would this mean that i am able to reset my whole laptop (deleting everything and set to factory settings) without having to bother with burning disks and such? If so, would it mean that this is as simple as clicking one button and letting the laptop do all the work?

I need confirmation from this forum. Thanks

Oh and i'd also like to know how long the process would take.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
Yes, you can use RESET.

How to do a Reset:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2302-reset-windows-8-a.html

information   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2855-system-repair-disc-create-windows-8-a.html




You can use the OEM version of
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
warning   Warning
Deleting the Recovery Partition is NOT RECOMMENDED




Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

You can order the Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from the OEM manufacturer's website.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
Yes, you can use RESET.

How to do a Reset:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2302-reset-windows-8-a.html

information   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2855-system-repair-disc-create-windows-8-a.html





You can use the OEM version of
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html
warning   Warning
Deleting the Recovery Partition is NOT RECOMMENDED




Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?

You can order the Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from the OEM manufacturer's website.

I don't have any windows 8 discs or USBs for that matter since my laptop came with windows 8 pre-installed. I noticed that i would have to enter a windows 8 product key at step 9 of option 1. Thing is, i don't have the product key, so what would happen if i pressed skip? I read somewhere that theres the windows 8 installation thingy inside my hard drive but im not sure. Sorry i don't really know the correct terms.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
I don't have any windows 8 discs or USBs for that matter since my laptop came with windows 8 pre-installed. I noticed that i would have to enter a windows 8 product key at step 9 of option 1. Thing is, i don't have the product key, so what would happen if i pressed skip? I read somewhere that theres the windows 8 installation thingy inside my hard drive but im not sure. Sorry i don't really know the correct terms.

Run this vbs script to find your product key:

View attachment ShowKey.vbs

Have you tried this:

Untitled.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
If Windows 8 was factory installed your product code is embedded in the BIOS. Windows 8 "should" read it automatically and not prompt you to enter it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
@david Thanks for that script. It gave me the product id and the installed key :) So if i reset now and it asks me for the key, i should enter the installed key then?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
If Windows 8 was factory installed your product code is embedded in the BIOS. Windows 8 "should" read it automatically and not prompt you to enter it.

Hi, thanks for your reply. Thing is, how can i be sure if that would happen? :/ i don't really want to risk anything.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
Ok, now that i know my installed key thanks to the script, will i still need the "installation media" (i honestly don't know what that is) and the dvd? Or do i just have to enter the product key and windows 8 will reinstall?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
What make & Model of Notebook?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
Product key will not be need any type of Windows 8 installation media.

You can order the Microsoft official OEM Recovery disks from the ASUS OEM manufacturer's website.
Essentio Recovery Software
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
@david Thanks for that script. It gave me the product id and the installed key :) So if i reset now and it asks me for the key, i should enter the installed key then?

If it asks for one, enter it.

It might or might not ask.

But if it does ask, you have it. :)

EDIT---

If you get it restored & running good again post back.

I have a tip on avoiding refreshing & restoring to factory settings.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
The assumption is, with embedded keys, you won't be asked for them. That's why there is no COA sticker and no mention of a product code in the paper work that comes with the PC. I've done resets and refreshes on PC's that didn't have embedded codes and don't remember being asked to enter a product key.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
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