Windows failed to reset to factory default


  1. Dave1gDe7
    Posts : 3
    Windows 10
       New #1

    Windows failed to reset to factory default


    I have an Aspire AXC-603-ES13 PC.
    It originally came with Win8.1 but has been upgraded to Win10 some years ago. I planned to resell the machine so I followed the steps to reset it to factory default, but was surprised to see, when it was finished, it once again asked for my login, instead of being a fresh install. I cannot log in as I receive a “User Profile Cannot be Located” error. I’ve attempted to reboot in safe mode(standard and with network enabled) but it keeps asking for my log in and says my password is incorrect, even though it is. I was able to only log in with Safe Mode Command Prompt, but it was just a flashing white screen. At this point I can’t get in to fix the error (perhaps a corrupt NTUser.dat). I can’t reset it again as it will not Cloud Download Win10. I can’t use a Local Install from a USB as I do not know my Windows Digital License to make sure it installs with an authentic version of Windows 10. I can’t get in to see my even Digital License. Basically, I am stuck.
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  3. dalchina
    Posts : 45,795
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       New #2

    Hi, if all you wish to do is provide a clean machine for sale, just clean install Win 10.

    You do not need to know a license code - your digital activation rights are held on a MS server against a hash of a form of your PC's hardware id, excluding RAM, disk.

    Activation should be automatic.

    A true factory reset would take it back to Win 8.1. You may not even have the appropriate partition on your disk now.

    Note that a clean install (tutorial available in the huge searchable Tutorials section of course) means you
    - delete all existing O/S partitions.
    - install to unallocated space

    It is possible to install Win 10 with either a local account or a MS account.
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  4. SIW2
    Posts : 5,070
    several
       New #3

    If you want to put it back to factory, it should be possible if the acer recov is still intact.

    have a look at the recov partition with diskgenius free version.

    you will be able to see the files on the recov partition and post screenshots .

    Free Download DiskGenius Online
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  6. Dave1gDe7
    Posts : 3
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       New #4

    Thank you both for your quick replies! I will give your suggestions a try!
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  7. Megahertz
    Posts : 7,207
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP - Lubuntu
       New #5

    Don't waste your time trying to do a reset or factory recover. Do a clean install. It will clean all partitions and start from scratch.

    I suggest you build the USB Win 10 22h2 installation drive using MCT
    Don't change BIOS settings

    Windows can be installed in two ways: Legacy-MBR or UEFI-GPT
    To install as Legacy-MBR you must boot the installation drive as Legacy
    To install as UEFI-GPT you must boot the installation drive as UEFI.

    As you have a UEFI BIOS, you should install as UEFI-GPT
    Detach any other drives (SATA or Power cable) from the MB.

    During POST, press F12(?) to launch the boot menu. You will see two options for the USB drive. USB UEFI (Name) and USB (Name). Select USB UEFI (Name) if you want to install as UEFI-GPT or select USB (name) if you want to install as Legacy-MBR.
    Go to install and delete ALL partitions on the main drive till you have one and only one unallocated space and then proceed.
    As you're going to sell the computer, use a local account, don't enable updates or connect to the internet during installation.

    Windows 10 Clean Install
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  8. Dave1gDe7
    Posts : 3
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       New #6

    Mission accomplished! Thanks everyone!
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  9. dalchina
    Posts : 45,795
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       New #7

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