How and when to do a System Reset (Windows 8x)
If, after you’ve tried System Restore and System Refresh, you still cannot get your computer running properly, you still have another option with Windows 8x. That option is called System Reset. On previous version of Windows it was called using a recovery partition which was created by your PC manufacturer, only System Reset is much, much easier to use.
You should only use System Reset if you’ve tried System Restore and System Refresh first. These two options are best because neither of them will erase your personal files, folders, and settings. System Reset will. In fact, System Refresh will reset your computer to the same condition it was in the day you bought it…yes including all the manufacturer’s junk and trialware — but hey at least your computer will be running like new again.
You don’t need a Windows disk or bootable Windows USB to do a Reset— all you need to do is run System Reset.
To get started, press and hold down the Windows key and press the C key to open the Charms bar, click on the search icon (it looks like a magnifying glass) and type in “Recovery” (without the quotes). choose “Remove everything and reinstall Windows” from the list.
System Reset will delete all your files, folders, settings, data and apps — EVERYTHING and reinstall Windows. When you’re all done, your computer will be exactly as it was the day you first fired it up. System Reset should only be used after you’ve tried System Restore and System Refresh.
If you have an image backup, you should, of course, try that first, before you try System Refresh or System Reset. System Restore should be the first thing you try when you start having major computer problems.