Trying to start CLEAN

Simply put:
Somehow/Somewhere certain settings from previous installations of Win 8/8.1 are returning after a CLEAN re-install.

I am trying to reload New/Clean...wanting to reset everthing to new, but I just can't seem to do it. Formatting my HD doesn't help. When I try to "refresh your PC" or "Remove Everything", I'm being prompted that some files are missing and the process can't continue.

I've even deleted my ID image (from my Local HD), but it magically returns to my account page. My desktop theme returns as do my browser bookmarks.

WHERE is this stuff being recovered from?

Help?

From your microsoft account. See http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5591-sync-your-settings-turn-off-windows-8-a.html

Thanks, but I do not sign in with my Microsoft account. I use local.
AND
in following your URL to the settings page, all options to change are greyed uout. Can't change them if I wanted to.