How to factory reset Windows 7 without a CD or factory restore point

I'm clearing out some old PCs that are running OEM Windows 7 licenses. However, I do not have the previous installation disks and there is not a factory restore point in the list of the system restores. When I go to try to reset windows in backups and restore it only lets me choose disk or restore point, no factory reset settings.

I'm just trying get a clean slate on the hard drive and fresh install with none of the info on it. Outside of upgrading the system to windows 10 which is more user friendly, I'm at a loss, and even then I'd be saddling a machine that can barely run Windows 10 with no chance to turn it back once I do a clean reset.

Does anyone know of a way to achieve this? Is there a setting or menu that is hidden?

It was never done using System Restore Points.

If it came preinstalled:

Here are the Key/s to press at Boot to start the manufacturer's reinstall process for the operating system (new condition).

Acer – Press Left Alt + F10 Keys.

Advent – Tap F10 until Starting System Recovery appears

Asus – Press F9

Dell – Press F8 which will bring up Advanced Boot Options

Dell Alienware:

eMachines: Press Left Alt Key + F10

Fujitsu – Press F8

Gateway: Press Alt + F10 Keys - As Acer owns them: press Left Alt + F10 Keys as per Acer eRecovery

HP – Press F11 repeatedly

Lenovo – Press F11

LG – Press F11

Packard Bell: Press and hold the ALT key while pressing repeatedly the F10 key. Release the keys when a message displays that Windows is loading files.

Samsung – Press F4

Sony Vaio – Tap F10 until the Edit Boot Options screen is displayed

Toshiba – Press 0 (zero)

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And if you do have a Manufacturer's Recovery Partition on your Hard Drive and you can Boot into Windows, you should be able to make and have your own Recovery Disks from it to reinstall the Operating System in case of Hard Drive failure.

Look under Programs > your Computer Manufacturer's name > then their System Tools or Recovery Software Headings for them, depending how it is worded.

If you can not find any reference to it, contact the Manufacturer for advice on how to make those Recovery Disks.

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You can borrow the exact same edition of Windows 7 Retail DVD and use your Product Key on the COA sticker to reinstall the operating system.

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Hi Bill,

Definitely not picking snippets.

I read this thread in depth and the your process worked to factory restore a Toshiba laptop pressing 0 during start up.

I was repeating this with a HP laptop and it didn't work pressing F11.

I also thought it was appropriate to respond he because it had all the background of the process I used successfully for the Toshiba machine and I was thankful for that.

I am sorry you got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning.

Thanks

Sean

Factory reset is ONLY available on the OEM hard drive. If it has been replaced, not possible

How can I reset my windows 7 ultimate on my dell desktop

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000194228/restore-factory-reset-or-reinstall-windows-7-on-your-dell-computer

That is why I included this in my reply:

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You can borrow the exact same edition of Windows 7 Retail DVD and use your Product Key on the COA sticker to reinstall the operating system.

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