Solved refresh PC , will it bring back 8 ?

Zaref

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i bought lenovo G580 with windows 8 pre installed
i upgraded to 8.1
i don't intend to use the refresh PC now but i heard that if i used it it will bring back 8 and i'll have to update it again
is that right ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Inter Core I5 3210M
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce 610
    Screen Resolution
    1366*786
    Internet Speed
    1MBpS
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Avira
    Other Info
    medical student who enjoys gaming
This will restore it to 8:

screenshot_25.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

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
as long as you haven't formated your hard drive, you can hit F2 during the boot process, and it will bring up the Lenovo system recovery screen and it will revert your system to factory default...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus CM5675
    CPU
    IntelCore i5 3.20Ghz
    Motherboard
    Asus CM5675
    Memory
    6.0Gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD integtrated
    Sound Card
    SB Audigy
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 24'
    Screen Resolution
    1900x1080
    Hard Drives
    Segate 1tb
    Intel 120Gb SSD
    Internet Speed
    100mb down /10mb up
i bought lenovo G580 with windows 8 pre installed
i upgraded to 8.1
i don't intend to use the refresh PC now but i heard that if i used it it will bring back 8 and i'll have to update it again
is that right ?

Yes. I have tested it. I have Lenovo G580 with Windows 8 preinstalled and updated to Windows 8.1.

Refresh your PC -> refresh reinstalls Windows 8 (not Windows 8.1)
Reset your PC -> reset reinstalls Windows 8 (not Windows 8.1)

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2293-refresh-windows-8-a.html

"If you have an OEM PC that came with Windows 8 preinstalled and updated to Windows 8.1, then when you refresh Windows, it will restore Windows 8. Afterwards, you will need to update to Windows 8.1 via the Store again."

Refresh_Windows_8_1.png
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.
Argggggggh! That's like....you trade in your 39 Studebaker on a new Buick, then someone T-Bones you destroying your new Buick, so the insurance company gives you back your '39 Studebaker. What's wrong with this picture?

The man seemed to indicate that he wanted to restore Window 8.1 and NOT 8.0.
Or am I daft?

The answer to the question is. Make every install a CLEAN Install and don't leave any traces of your old OS hanging around and wasting your disk space. If you did an Upgrade, (I never would) then delete all the Restore Partitions from the old OS. Rename that space as "Storage" to save your Stuff that you don't want or need on your C: drive. You can even store a copy of your new OS, in the form of a Backup Image File. (I do that every week, in case I need a Quickie Restore. Takes about 15 minutes.)

Next: As soon as you get a new OS set up the way you want it, BACK IT UP, to some removable media....either a DVD or External Hard Drive, etc. And in case that your PC won't boot up at all.....make sure your Backup/Restore software is on some reliable Bootable Media. I have mine on Floppy Disk, CD and Flash Drive. (multiple copies)
Never on the hard drive!!! That's suicide!

Happy New Year!
TechnoMage :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win-8.1/Pro/64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer X-1200
    CPU
    AMD 2 Core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    Crucial, 4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDEA GeForce 9200
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Acer
    Hard Drives
    Sandisk, SSD 500GB
    PSU
    Acer
    Case
    SFF Slimline
    Keyboard
    emachines 101 key
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless
    Internet Speed
    5 Meg
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Using Classic Shell on Win-8.1 /pro/64
NO, Windows 8.1 refresh will not. You will need to use your Lenovo Recovery disk.

View attachment 34313


It seems I am lacking know how about this issue.

Do laptops lack a factory recovery option like PCs ?

If you would educate me a bit, I would appreciate it. :)

I don't mean to intrude on this thread.

I figure your response would be of help to others besides me too.
 

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
Friend,,,,,
Normally they do, have a recovery partition, that can be activated by some key combination at boot up,
that can put the PC back to Factory Standard.
But in time, those partitions can also be contaminated by Malware. They are not heavenly protected.

But, the exact process is not carved in granite. Every computer manufacturer has their own way of doing it.
I found a Toshiba laptop, a few year back that had a "Ghost Backup" stored on the Recovery disk. (DVD)
I found that unique, because I've used nothing but "Ghost", since 1997. Toshiba knew what would work, and they used it.

That's why, I , across the board, make a Ghost Backup of every new Windows install that I'm called on to make.

There is absolutely NOTHING better than a true backup of your OS when trouble happens......and it will, eventually.

Then to keep from having to reconstruct programs and data, do another Whole Drive Backup every week or so.

I do my own Ghost Backup Weekly, (not weakly) every week, or sooner depending on what I've done over the past few days.
If I've installed a lot of new software or done a lot of updates to my software, I do a backup. Takes 15 to 20 minutes and the job is done. It can save me a lot of time when restoring my system.

This is New Years Eve and TV really sucks tonight. Eh?

Cheers Mates and OH.......Happy New Year!!!

TM :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win-8.1/Pro/64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer X-1200
    CPU
    AMD 2 Core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    Crucial, 4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDEA GeForce 9200
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Acer
    Hard Drives
    Sandisk, SSD 500GB
    PSU
    Acer
    Case
    SFF Slimline
    Keyboard
    emachines 101 key
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless
    Internet Speed
    5 Meg
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Using Classic Shell on Win-8.1 /pro/64
Thanks for the reply.

I didn't know the recovery partition could be infected.:shock:

I make full system images every so often.
It depends on what I have done.

That has saved me lots of trouble.

Happy New Year 2014.:)
 

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
I have an Acer with the factory restore/recovery/refresh 8 partition. It will install 8 no matter what you presently have installed if you use that partition to refresh/restore the system. It is what came with the laptop, it is what you get if you use it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
ok
then refresh your PC = factory defaults
what about the recovery key ??
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Inter Core I5 3210M
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce 610
    Screen Resolution
    1366*786
    Internet Speed
    1MBpS
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Avira
    Other Info
    medical student who enjoys gaming
NO, Windows 8.1 refresh will not. You will need to use your Lenovo Recovery disk.

View attachment 34313


It seems I am lacking know how about this issue.

Do laptops lack a factory recovery option like PCs ?

If you would educate me a bit, I would appreciate it. :)

I don't mean to intrude on this thread.

I figure your response would be of help to others besides me too.

Windows 8.1 Repair Tools will not use a OEM manufacturer's Recovery partition for Windows 8, only a OEM manufacturer's Recovery partition for Windows 8.1.
 

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
ok
then refresh your PC = factory defaults
what about the recovery key ??

You don't need product key.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2293-refresh-windows-8-a.html

"This will show you how to use a new feature in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 to Refresh your PC to keep all personal data, Metro style apps, and important settings from the PC, and reinstall Windows."

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2302-reset-windows-8-a.html

"This will show you how to use a new feature in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 to reset your PC to completely start over back to default to remove all personal data, apps, and settings from the PC, and reinstall Windows. This is like doing a factory restore/recovery on a purchased Computer."
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.
ok
then refresh your PC = factory defaults
what about the recovery key ??

NO need for a key, when use the OEM manufacturer's Recovery DVD's or USB drive.
 

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
well
this won't require a windows 8 DVD , right ??

if i want to take a copy of my system only [including programs and settings ] and save it to a recovery partition
how to do so ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Inter Core I5 3210M
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce 610
    Screen Resolution
    1366*786
    Internet Speed
    1MBpS
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Avira
    Other Info
    medical student who enjoys gaming
this won't require a windows 8 DVD , right ??

You don't need Windows 8 DVD, because you have an OEM PC that came with Windows 8 preinstalled.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo G580
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3230M
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, standard user account
    Other Info
    UEFI firmware (BIOS) embedded Windows 8 product key.
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