Rebooting your computer and deleting everything can be a daunting task. It may seem like a simple procedure, but it can take a lot of preparation and time to complete. However, if you have a virus or your computer is running slow, sometimes a reboot is necessary. In this article, we will guide you through several methods to reboot your computer and delete everything.
Video Tutorial:
Things You Should Prepare for?
Before you proceed to reboot your computer and delete everything, here are some things you should prepare for:
1. Backup important files – Before you proceed, you should backup any important files that you want to keep. You can do this by transferring them to an external hard drive or uploading them to a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox.
2. Important software license and activation keys – If you have any licensed software, you will need to have their activation keys to reinstall these programs after you delete everything.
3. Internet connection – You will need a stable internet connection to download operating system installation files.
Method 1: Reboot and Reset Your Computer to Factory Settings
This method will restore your computer to its original factory settings. It will delete everything on your computer, including your personal data, files, and installed programs. Follow these steps to perform the reset:
1. Go to your computer’s Settings.
2. Click on Update and Security.
3. Click on Recovery.
4. Click on Get Started under the Reset this PC section.
5. Select Remove everything.
6. Choose Just remove my files or Remove files and clean the drive.
Pros:
– This method is easy and doesn’t require any technical skills.
– It’s a great way to clean up your computer and start fresh.
Cons:
– You will lose all your personal files and documents.
– You will need to reinstall all the programs and drivers that were installed before.
Method 2: Use a Windows Installation Disk
If your computer does not allow or complete the reset procedure, you can use a Windows installation disk to accomplish the reboot. Here are the steps:
1. Insert the Windows installation disk into your computer.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Press any key to boot from the installation disk.
4. Select your language and other preferences and click on the Next button.
5. Click on Install Now.
6. Accept the License Terms and click on Next.
7. Choose Custom (Advanced) installation.
8. Select the partition that you want to delete and click on the Delete button.
9. Click on the New button to create a new partition.
10. Select the new partition and click on Next.
Pros:
– You can use the installation disk to install any version of Windows you want.
– It can fix any problems with the original operating system.
Cons:
– You need an installation disk that corresponds to the version of Windows that you currently have installed.
– You will lose all your personal files and documents.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party Tool
There are several third-party tools that you can use to reboot your computer and delete everything. These tools can help you securely delete everything on your computer. Here are the steps:
1. Download a third-party tool like CCleaner or DBAN.
2. Burn the downloaded ISO file to a CD or USB flash drive.
3. Insert the CD or USB flash drive into your computer.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Press F12 to enter the Boot Menu.
6. Select the CD or USB flash drive and press Enter.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to delete everything.
Pros:
– Third-party tools offer added security in deleting everything on your computer.
– You can use some of these tools to clear the hard drive beyond recovery.
Cons:
– These tools can be more complicated and require technical skills.
– You may encounter compatibility issues with certain hardware or drivers.
Why Can’t I Reboot My Computer and Delete Everything?
There are several reasons why you may be unable to reboot your computer and delete everything. Here are some of the most common issues and how to fix them:
1. Error messages – If there are any error messages when booting or resetting your computer, it may indicate that there is a hardware or software problem. You can try using a diagnostic tool to check for hardware issues. If it’s a software issue, you can try updating drivers or using a system restore point.
2. Locked files or folders – If you cannot delete certain files or folders, it is likely that they are in use by a running program. You can try to close all running programs or use a third-party tool like Unlocker to unlock the files.
3. Malware or viruses – If your computer is infected with malware or viruses, they may interfere with rebooting and deleting everything. You can use a malware removal tool like Malwarebytes to remove the malware or viruses.
Additional Tips
– Check the manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to factory reset your specific computer model.
– Make sure you have the correct installation disk or USB flash drive that corresponds to your operating system.
– Make sure to backup any important data before proceeding.
5 FAQs
Q: Can I use System Restore to reboot my computer?
A: System restore is a tool to restore your computer to a previous state, but it will not delete everything. It’s not recommended to use it for this purpose.
Q: How long does it take to reboot my computer and delete everything?
A: The time it takes varies depending on the method you choose and the speed of your computer. It can take a few minutes to a few hours.
Q: Will resetting my computer remove the operating system?
A: No, resetting your computer will not remove the operating system. You will need to reinstall it if you want to start fresh.
Q: Can I factory reset my computer using the command prompt?
A: Yes, you can use the command prompt to factory reset your computer. However, it’s not recommended for beginners.
Q: Why can’t I delete everything on my computer?
A: There may be several reasons why you cannot delete everything on your computer, such as locked files, malware, or system errors. Refer to the section above for solutions.
In Conclusion
Rebooting your computer and deleting everything can be a stressful process, but it’s necessary at times. You can choose from several methods to accomplish this task, including resetting your computer to factory settings, using a Windows installation disk, or third-party tools. Before you proceed, make sure to back up your important data and have the necessary tools ready. We hope this guide will help you reboot and delete everything on your computer successfully.