Why is my computer telling me that it's unable to perform reset?

bluntc0ncussi0n · 08 Apr 2020

I'm doing a factory reset on my Lenovo Y920 running Windows 10 64-bit and I did the whole steps of reinitializing Windows to factory settings, but after the whole process ended it took me back to the same exact desktop I saw before attempting the reset, then a blue dialogue box that dims the rest of the screen, and tells me "can't perform reset" or something like that. What is going on with my system and why can I not reset it to factory settings? Please help.

zbook · 08 Apr 2020

Were you attempting to perform a reset save files or a reset remove files.

If either fail there are alternatives with similar results.

idgat · 08 Apr 2020

Corrupted restore partition ? Did you create a set of recovery diskd ?

Which "reset" option - Windows or Lenovo?

Why back to factory-default, which will be an older version of the OS requiring multiple updates. Download and create a widows installation boot disk with the latest version of Windows.

bluntc0ncussi0n · 09 Apr 2020

zbook said:

Were you attempting to perform a reset save files or a reset remove files.

If either fail there are alternatives with similar results.

It was to remove all files.

- - - Updated - - -

idgat said:

Corrupted restore partition ? Did you create a set of recovery diskd ?

Which "reset" option - Windows or Lenovo?

Why back to factory-default, which will be an older version of the OS requiring multiple updates. Download and create a widows installation boot disk with the latest version of Windows.

I did not do that. How do I create that?

zbook · 09 Apr 2020

Reset Windows 10

Alternative methods are using diskpart:
Erase Disk using Diskpart Clean Command in Windows 10

idgat · 09 Apr 2020

bluntc0ncussi0n said:

I did not do that. How do I create that?

Somewhere in the Start menu programs (usually in a folder name associated with the brand) there is a program top create recovery DVDs (usually needs about 3 discs).

However, this is not recommended (so why did I ask? .. wasn't thinking clearly, sorry) because it creates an out-of-date older OS version (as it came from the factory all those years ago) ... AND it (re)installs all the unnecessary proprietary bloatware (UGH!) that comes with a new computer.

If your intention is a complete wipe, best way is ..
- download and create a Win 10 boot USB with the latest version of Windows
Use the Media Creation Tool option
https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/soft...load/windows10
- disconnect the internet (avoids having to sign in with a Microsoft account
- boot from the USB
- you don't need a license key. When prompted, indicate you don't have one.
- during the installation process, when presented with the current drive structure, make sure you delete ALL/EVERY partition; install on a completely un-allocated drive (Windows will do its own thing)
- during the installation you will be prompted to connect to the internet - don't!. And Microsoft will think you're lying because it will ask you again - don't.

- complete the installation, connect to the internet. Your installation will be auto activated (Windows will phone home and your hardware configuration will be recognised as already having had Win 10 installed)

- when connected to the internet, you can then decide what collection of Windows bells-and-whistles/bloatware you want or don't want.

- sign in with your MS account if required (OneDrive, MS Office, synching Edge, etc)

- check the Device Manager that all hardware drivers are OK. If not, check the proprietary web site for drivers (Only for those hardware items not working. Let Windows worry about the rest)

CAVEAT : All the above is assuming the original problem wasn't caused by a failing/failed drive. Is it a HDD or an SSD ?