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how long does reset this computer take?

Anonymous
2023-08-09T12:23:16+00:00

Recovery saves my files mode, screen shows getting things ready, and this shouldn't take long, but seems to be stalled. How long should I wait? Norton virus scanner is stalling too. Reason I am attempting to use recovery mode.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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  1. David-M 115.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-08-09T12:58:59+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    I understand that the reset procedure is stalled.

    This procedure does not take too long. Check the LED indicating HDD/SSD activity.

    If the LED is blinking, do not turn off the computer and wait to see if the procedure will finish normally. If the LED is off and doesn't show any activity, probably the reset failed.

    If the reset failed, try starting the procedure again and see if it will proceed normally on a second attempt.

    You will need to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). In your case, to do this, you will repeatedly turn your device off, then on:

    1. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device; (If the device is ON when starting the procedure)
    2. Press the power button again to turn on your device;
    3. On the first sign that Windows has started (for example, some devices display the manufacturer's logo with spinning dots when starting), hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device;
    4. Press the power button again to turn on your device;
    5. When Windows starts, hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your device;
    6. Press the power button again to turn on your device;
    7. Allow your device to fully start. You will enter WinRE.

    Reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/rec...

    • On the Choose an option screen, select "Troubleshoot > Reset this PC", and then follow the on-screen instructions.

    If the reset procedure gets stalled again, there might be some damage to the recovery files.

    The best option, in this case, is to do a clean install using an installation media.

    If you don't have one, create using the Media Creation Tool. Access the link below and click on "Download tool now".

    https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/win...

    Run the tool on a working computer, select "Create installation media for another computer", and follow the on-screen instructions.

    You can create the installation media on an empty USB flash drive with at least 8GB.

    If you have important files that you need to recover, follow the instructions below to be able to transfer the files to an external storage device.

    1. Start your computer using the installation media;
    2. Choose the language, select "Next" and press "Shift + F10" to open the Command Prompt;
    3. In Command Prompt, type the command below and press Enter.

    notepad

    1. Notepad will open. Click on "File" and select "Save As";
    2. A window will open that allows you to browse the files on your computer. Through this window, you can make a copy of your files.

    Note: There will be other partitions that are usually hidden in Windows. The system partition, which is usually (C:), should be (D:), and your files will be in the "Users<username>" folder.

    After backing up your files, do a clean install as instructed under "Use the installation media to perform a clean install" in the article below.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/rei...

    In your case, start the computer using the installation media and proceed from step 4.

    Feel free to ask back any questions.

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