How to factory reset Gateway laptop: Windows 10, Windows 7

Read on to find out how to reset your Gateway computer to its factory settings.

What do you need to know before you start?

Always remember to create a backup of your data before resetting your computer to factory settings, no matter the model. Also, don't forget to put your laptop to charge, as the process may take a while.

How do you reset a Gateway computer to factory settings on Windows XP?

For laptops under Windows XP, you can use the Gateway System Recovery:

• Restart your computer.
• When the Gateway logo appears, press the F8 key - you may have to do this several times.
• From there, select Repair your computer. 
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

How do you reset a Gateway computer to factory settings on Windows Vista?

This option restarts the computer and restores it to the factory installation of Windows using Gateway Recovery Management.

• 1. From the Windows Vista default Start menu, click All Programs >Gateway > Gateway Recovery Management
• 2. In the Gateway Recovery Management window, click Restore and then Restore system to factory default
• 3. In the Confirm Restoration dialog box, select Yes, and then click Start

Note: You will be prompted to enter your password if a password was set

• 4. In the Confirm Restoration dialog box, click OK
• 5. The computer will restart and Windows will load the files.
• 6. The Please wait a moment screen is displayed
• 7. In the Restore from factory default dialog box, click Next
• 8. In the Destination Disk Information dialog box, click Next
• 9. In the Notice dialog box, click OK
• 10. The hard drive partition will be created
• 11. The factory default installation will be copied to the hard drive
• 12. In the Finished dialog box, click OK
• 13. The Please wait a moment screen will be displayed and then the computer will restart
• 14. Windows will prepare to start for the first time - this may take a few minutes
• 15. Windows will continue setting up the computer before restarting.
• 16. In the Setup Windows screen, click Next
• 17. In the Please read the license terms screen, select 'I accept the license terms for each item and then click Next.
• 18. In the Choose a user name and picture screen, enter the appropriate information and click Next
• 19. In the Type a computer name and choose a desktop background screen, enter the appropriate information and click Next
• 20. In the Help protect Windows automatically screen, click Use recommended settings
• 21. In the Review your time and date settings screen, select the appropriate settings, and then click Next
• 22. In the Select your computer's current location screen, click the appropriate option
• 23. In the Thank You screen, click Start
• 24. Windows checks the computer's performance. Depending on your hardware, this process could take up to 15 minutes to complete
• 25. Windows prepares the desktop
• 26. The Gateway Recovery Management is installed
• 27. The installation is now complete

If this doesn't work, you can try following the same instructions as for Windows XP.

How do you reset a Gateway computer to factory settings on Windows 7 (without password)?

If your computer is under Windows 7, then you can follow the same instructions as for Windows Vista or Windows XP. You can also try these steps:

• Restart your computer.
• Press Alt + F10 when the Gateway logo appears - you may have to do this several times.
• From the Recovery manager select Completely Restore System to Factory Defaults.
• Don't forget that by confirming, you will lose all your data. If you don't want to lose your data, select Restore Operating System and Retain User Data. 
• You can now create a new account and start using your device. 

How do you reset a Gateway computer to factory settings on Windows 8?

There are many ways that you can factory reset your Gateway laptop under Windows 8 (and Windows 8.1):

System Recovery Tool:

• Go to Start.
• Select All Programs.
• Click Gateway Recovery Center.
• Select System Recovery. 

Troubleshoot:

• Start your laptop.
• Press the Shift key.
• Click the Power button. From there, select Start.
• Click Troubleshoot.
• Now, choose Reset your PC.
• From there, select Just remove my files. Select Reset.

Windows Safe Mode:

• Restart your computer and press F8 when the Gateway logo appears. You may need to press it several times.
• Next, select Restore computer.
• You can now follow the on-screen instructions. 

How do you reset a Gateway computer to factory settings on Windows 10?

You can try the same solutions as for Windows 8. 

How do I reset my Gateway laptop without a password?

If you want to reset your Gateway laptop to factory settings without a password, then you can follow the Troubleshoot instructions from the Windows 8 section of the present article.