i have just got my old computer out and need to take it back to factory settings can anyone give me advice on how to do this. computer is running windows millenium if this is any help.

Fresh install?
Thats where you erase all data on the computer and reinstall the operating system.
Or just uninstall all the software, its not as good as fresh install as programs leave alot of byproducts even after you uninstall them but if you dont have operating system disk it should do.
Sorry if i misunderstud ur question :)

Thanks for your reply. I have no discs for this computer now so dont think i can do a fresh install. Just thought there was a way you could take it back to factory setting in safe mode and wipe hard disc clean. Any help on this matter wil be gladly recieved. Thanks.

When you say wipe it clean do you mean so it's completly blank so you can sell it? Or are you wanting a clean install of windows? If it's a clean windows install and you have no recovery disks then you are doomed. Some companies stick a clean image of your hard drive on the computer, if you pressed f10 or something when it starts up in gives you the option to do a factory restore. Your computer may have such an option if you are lucky.

you need a windows cd and do a format really

If it's for selling, download an ISO image of Linux and use that to format and install Linux on your old box.

If you don't fancy a 650Mb download PCW Magazine usually has some Linux distros on it's cover disk.

No it not to sell the computer i just want it up and running as when i got it with a clean hard drive,at the moment it is in a mess windows media does not work, system restore will not work so just thought if i did a clean sweep it would be ok to use for the children. Done a restore to factory settings some years ago in safe mode with the help of tech support i had with the computer and cant remember how it was done but this is not a option now. Thanks again for your help.