How to reset a Windows Server 2016 PC to factory defaults?

Question

I have a very badly used server that is infected by a virus. Despite my best attempts, I was not able to inoculate the virus, even with third party antivirus software. The virus has totally wrecked the system: Task Manager is missing, SFC is unable to run, Windows Defender is unable to start, systemreset.exe does not execute, DISM online says there are no problems, and I am not able to open the Settings page.

I just want to reset the server to a blank slate; every important piece of data has been already copied to another hard drive. I am on the border of just wiping the machine and installing another OS :\

Is there a way to reset the server via CMD? Or do I have to use a USB stick to reinstall the OS?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Simplest solution is to boot from the install media, delete / recreate partition, follow the prompts to complete the install, patch fully, migrate roles over and move on.

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