New PC, I just want a clean install

[RandomGal]

Hi I'm very new to the pc tech world, but I'm trying so please forgive any "stupid" questions I ask. I need help bad and I really need to start asking if I want to learn anything. So, here I am. Tons of questions:
1/ I bought a new laptop hp pavillion with windows 8. I set it up and have all kinds of security issues. These apps on here are invasive and undesired. My firewall has so many predefined rules, most of which I do not understand. I disabled all rules (for now) and blocked all incoming and outbound traffic. There were a lot of rules set to allow remote access which is what I am trying to protect myself against.
I made a backup USB from the control panel> recovery options. I also made a cd backup using trend micro antivirus> settings> tune up.
I tried to create a restore point today using control panel recovery options and I received an error message stating ' you have no disk available to create restore point, please connect an external hard drive.'
Also I should mention that when I made a recovery disk last night and tried using it to refresh system, the disk was rejected as being a bad disk.
I want to revert to windows 7 or clean up and secure windows 8.
In bios my boot settings have a lot of options. This is not exact but close; network boot! Unusable? / bootmanager/ ueif with ipv4 ipv6/ legacy / secure boot.... I just shutdown and rebooted using f2 to get to bios but was taken to HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEIF. Options are system info/ Start-up test/ run-in test/ System tune up/ hard disk test/ memory test/ bios management/ error log/ language... I really just want to have a clean, non intrusive system. I know I need a lot of advice, help, preferably a new techie best friend, lol. On a serious note I will be grateful for any assistance. It's been more than a year since I have (at least not noticeably) been without pc troubles. Thanks so much...
Random girl with no cool signature banner ugh....

 

[dineshgs]

Hi I'm very new to the pc tech world, but I'm trying so please forgive any "stupid" questions I ask. I need help bad and I really need to start asking if I want to learn anything. So, here I am.

Did not mention the laptop brand?

Within Windows 8, there are two settings hidden that will either make it easy to refresh your PC (without affecting personal data) to its original state, or completely reinstall Windows 8, depending on what you choose. To access them, you’ll need to invoke the Charms bar, either by moving the mouse to the upper right corner of the screen, or by using the Win key + C combination. From the Charms bar, click Settings.
>>Under the Settings panel that slides in, click the Change PC Settings button
>>In PC Settings, go to the General tab from the menu on the left, and scroll all the way down. There, you’ll find two options, one saying Refresh your PC, and the other one for Reset your PC.


1) The Refresh Your PC option will allow you to revert the system back to its default configuration, the way it was when it came from the factory. However, here, you will not lose your personal pictures, videos, music, files, and any personalization that you’d have done.

2) Reset your PC, is more like a complete Windows 8 re-installation, removing everything that you might have had – apps, personalization, files and all – and bringing your machine to a completely fresh state. This is more usable in scenarios where you either want to start anew, or when you’re selling your PC or laptop, for instance.

 

[theog]

Welcome to EightFoeums.

How to do a Refresh:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2293-refresh-windows-8-a.html

You can use Reset to recovery to factory setting.
How to do a Reset
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2302-reset-windows-8-a.html

   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

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.

 

[RandomGal]

Hello dineshgs and theog....
Thank you both for replying.
I am going to do the reset in a few minutes.
Theog, I did not need multiple disks for the recovery disk I did create. I used only one 700mb cd but it did not use all of the space. It completed and the pc showed a notification advising me to label the disk windows 8 repair disk 64 bit.
I also made a recovery USB and made a rescue disk using an antivirus program Trend Micro Titanium. The antivirus was part of a bundle I purchased with the pc.
I am going to look at the links you left above. I am not certain that what I made is the same and better safe than sorry.
Assuming everything goes fine with a reset I will turn be moving on to the firewall topic. I am probably gonna be visiting this site often so that I can learn to fix and secure my laptop(s) without screwing things up worse than they were before,
Thank you both again...
I really appreciate you taking the time to offer assistance/advise..
RandomGal

PS. Dineshgs; hp pavilion sleek book 15 (nothing fancy)

 

[theog]

PS. Dineshgs; hp pavilion sleek book 15 (nothing fancy)

You can order the Microsoft official HP/Compaq OEM Recovery disks from the HP/Compaq OEM manufacturer's website.
https://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc...dlc=en&lc=en&os=4132&product=5309543&sw_lang=

 

[RandomGal]

PS. Dineshgs; hp pavilion sleek book 15 (nothing fancy)

You can order the Microsoft official HP/Compaq OEM Recovery disks from the HP/Compaq OEM manufacturer's website.
https://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc...dlc=en&lc=en&os=4132&product=5309543&sw_lang=

Thanks Theog,
I am going there now. I can't reset or refresh because some files are missing. I did delete a few files in the programs by mistake. Nothing seemed to be working in any negative way after that. I did a restore though after that and those files were returned in my programs and I reinstalled/ repaired.
After your reply I did burn a recovery disk, making a total of 3 disks. Also I have 2 usbs made. Unfortunately when prompted to insert media, I did each of them one after another and they all were noted as invalid content type.
My system is running and useable. I am just hesitant to use it because there are programs or c+ (?) files that are for 32 bit, 64 bit and x86. ( I don't really know the differences.) There are several remote client rules allowing access on my firewall, and there are invalid certificate(s). I was flagged about the antivirus potentially being untrusted. I used a disk packaged with laptop so I dont think thats the problem. Im not fully aware of how this can be done but the software appears to be a forgery made after the installation, cloned or mimicking the original. I deleted and reinstalled via disk but Im going to have to uninstall again to avoid potential problems.

I really need to ponder my next approach. I got a new system because of problems with remote users. I was in too deep and the light at the end of the tunnel was nowhere in sight. This is a mess. I don't mind the whole concept of virtual users in the background but I have had all my accounts hacked or cracked rather, (I think of hackers as good guys and crackers (of security) not so good. From emails to debit, checking, and savings even... All accounts cracked and privacy invaded. My biggest concern is the possibility of my info being manipulated in a way that could get me into trouble.
I know I probably sound paranoid and I guess I kind of am but only because of the severity of my past and very recent, still seemingly ongoing experiences.
Just one more maybe two questions and Ill sign out. Do you think I should do a systems restore to first update 2 days ago and then hit the firewall forum for advice there or should I hold off and wait for a OEM recovery disk and fresh install, quickly followed with a visit to firewall topic.
Sorry to rant. Geesh is that even allowed here? Maybe I shouldn't be throwing all if this out there. I honestly would love to be able to handle this on my own but I don't see that happening. Ok I'm done whining now, back to my parade. Thanks, thank you, thanks!
RandomGal...
If this post is inappropriate for public forums please alert me, delete it, preferably both. I will not be offended. I apologize ahead Of time if that's the case. I am like a newborn to the tech world and am uncertain of the boundaries in communication.