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Posted 15 December 2022 - 08:18 AM
I have a Windows 8.1 laptop.I formatted the HDD ( not the recovery partition ) and installed Ubuntu 20.04 on it.I want to do a factory reset but obviously I dont have a Windows 8.1 DVD ( as this is a laptop ) Any idear how I can do a factory reset on this laptop,and what about the installed drivers.In case it matters,my laptop is a Lenovo G40.
Posted 15 December 2022 - 09:14 AM
Per the specs your computer came pre-installed with Windows 8.1. The below steps requires a Windows computer. Is one available?
Assuming by reset you want to remove linux and reinstall Windows 8.1 it should be noted that 8.1 supports ends in Jan 2023 so it may be better for you to install Windows 10.
That being said you can download the Windows 8.1 iso at the below link. Use Rufus with the iso to create a bootable USB flash drive. In Rufus you would select the GPT partition scheme. Press the select button and browse to the Windows 8.1 iso you downloaded. Press Start. Backup any info on the flash drive as it will be wiped. Attach the USB flash drive then press the Novo button on the laptop which will give you a boot menu. Select the USB flash drive.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8ISO
Follow the BC clean install guide for Windows 10. The steps are exactly the same for Windows 8.1 you would use the diskpart GPT command as outlined in the guide.
If you wish to install Windows 10 instead of Windows 10 you can create a bootable iso of Windows 10 using the Media Creation Tool on a Windows computer.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Posted 16 December 2022 - 07:32 AM
Hi John,
I tried what you have suggested but it did not work.I tried 2 Win 8.1 DVDs from MS and I got a black screen with a pattern of dots on it.I then downloaded a pirate copy of Windows 8.1 and I got a black screen with a blue square with a cross on it ( A picture of a window )
I am Really brassed off with this and will never touch Linux again.All I did was install Ubuntu and it has destroyed my BIOS so that I cant do a factory reset.
Posted 16 December 2022 - 08:05 AM
When you booted the Windows 8.1 DVD did you at least get to the first screen asking for what language? Did you use the Novo button for the boot menu?
Posted 18 December 2022 - 07:14 AM
Hi John,
I think I know what the problem is.Ubuntu takes up the whole partition so there is no room to install Windows 8.1( or anything else for that matter ) I am going to go on the internet and on the Ubuntu forums and find out how to partition a HDD in Ubuntu.After I have unallocated space on my HDD I will try to install Win 8.1 again.I will report back in this thread how I got on,give me a couple of days.
Posted 18 December 2022 - 12:14 PM
You can remove the Ubuntu partitions by following the Windows 10 clean install guide.
When you boot the Windows 8.1 install media can you get to the screen asking for language?
Posted 18 December 2022 - 12:53 PM
I have a Windows 8.1 laptop.I formatted the HDD ( not the recovery partition )
Have I missed a reason why the OP cannot use the factory recovery partition.
PSU guidance - 10 stripe - Johnny Lucky - PC Mech - PSU Review Database PSU Lemon List Which power supply do you need?
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Please note that I do not respond to members who have previously abandoned - not concluded their earlier topics, the assistance here at BC is 100% free, please use this service and not abuse it, knowing the outcome good or bad is valuable information that we all may learn something from.
Posted 18 December 2022 - 01:04 PM
Good Point. I think when Ubuntu was installed it may have wiped the Advanced boot options partition and or the factory reset partition but I can't confirm that. If still available then doing a boot and hard shutdown three times should bring up the options allowing a reset.
Posted 18 December 2022 - 01:30 PM
To say that I am confused would be an understatement, checked their previous thread and the OP has already solved this very same issue, thread here 
PSU guidance - 10 stripe - Johnny Lucky - PC Mech - PSU Review Database PSU Lemon List Which power supply do you need?
Due to differing time zones not all of us can always be around at the same time and on occasion there may be a delay between replies.
Please note that I do not respond to members who have previously abandoned - not concluded their earlier topics, the assistance here at BC is 100% free, please use this service and not abuse it, knowing the outcome good or bad is valuable information that we all may learn something from.
Posted 18 December 2022 - 01:40 PM
Thanks for pointing out that link. Shows you how bad my memory is getting.
Posted 18 December 2022 - 01:43 PM
As confused as me then John 
PSU guidance - 10 stripe - Johnny Lucky - PC Mech - PSU Review Database PSU Lemon List Which power supply do you need?
Due to differing time zones not all of us can always be around at the same time and on occasion there may be a delay between replies.
Please note that I do not respond to members who have previously abandoned - not concluded their earlier topics, the assistance here at BC is 100% free, please use this service and not abuse it, knowing the outcome good or bad is valuable information that we all may learn something from.
Posted 18 December 2022 - 06:08 PM
@ PussEKatt
As on the 25th November you posted -
Thanks guys,what you posted worked a treat,I have Windows 8.1 back now.
Thanks again,much appreciated.
I am curious as to why you felt it necessary to start this topic on the 15th of December unless this was a different laptop from the one in the earlier topic.
No matter, topic closed to avoid any further confusion.
Chris Cosgrove
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