Windows 10: Formatted external hard drive, reset computer for repair, some reason did a factory reset,...

lost all data from pc, formatted external harddrive so no data. PC went back to factory reset, no files programs , so use software program to gain data from the external harddrive , I clicked recover all , on the software to recover Documents , Pictures, Libraries, lost files, programs, not realising it got files and programs from my old windows 7 PC as well , download all to my to C:drive, so now need help to sort computer files and programs, any suggestions to sort out how to restore programs and files from windows 11, and sorting old files from windows 7, as I have multiple zip files, los

:)

 

factory resetting laptop with external hard drive

I'm having trouble factory resetting my computer because there's no storage on my windows drive but I do own an external hard drive but the computer always says that there are no usable drives even when my hard drive is connected and has enough storage
to be a backup drive and i can't do anything without having storage on my drive. Please help me find a way to get past this.

 

Factory Reset Win 7 (without disc)

Download an ISO of the Avira AV boot CD, burn it on your own computer, and then boot from that CD on your mom's computer and run a cleanup.

Seriously, you should just download a Windows disc and format the laptop. Best and easiest course of action.

"Information:
Many Toshiba laptops come with the factory software recovery image stored in a special (hidden) area on the hard disk. From this special hidden image, you can restore your computer to its factory-fresh software condition by following these steps:

To restore the original factory software image on your computer follow these steps:

• Make sure the computer is turned off ("Shut-down" from the Windows Start menu)
• Remove any peripherals such an external mouse, keyboard, monitor, USB flash drive etc.
• Make sure the AC Adapter is plugged in and working.
• Press and hold down the 0 (zero) key on the keyboard while powering on the computer. Release it when the recovery warning screen appears.
• If the recovery process offers a choice of Operating Systems, select the appropriate one for you.
• A warning screen appears, stating that when the recovery is executed all data will be deleted and rewritten.
• Click Yes to continue.
• When the Toshiba Recovery Wizard opens select "Recovery of Factory Software" or the appropriate option for your needs.
• Continue to follow the directions restarting as necessary.

Please note that the process may vary slightly from machine to machine, that you may be asked to insert disks (multi-disk packages) and that the process may take one to two hours to complete. The recovery process will require you to restart your computer several times.

As you use the recovery process you will have several options. One of these may be to create a custom size partition. Follow the directions on screen for this and other options as prompted. When in doubt, it's usually best to accept the default, or pre-selected option."

If you are incapable, or uncomfortable with following any of the recommendations on how to restore the laptop, then I recommend you take it to your local IT guy and ask him to do it for you. Sometimes the best of us have to visit a ripoff merchant to get something fixed, or even just tested...

 

factory resetting laptop with external hard drive

Your factory reset and your external drives have nothing to do with each other. Unless you created a system image on that external drive and need to restore PC back from that image.

If you want to reset your PC to out of box state or back to previous Windows 10 version, then do this first

hold down shift key

Select - Start Menu>>Power>>Restart PC

or

log off/sign out,

hold down shift key

Select - Power>Restart PC

or

use repair CD or install DVD

on start up options

troubleshoot

advanced

RESET PC

OR

On system start up keep pressing F11 or F12, usually F12 and if you get a response to reset PC do it this way.