how to reinstall factory settings w/o CD

[MeCheap]

I need to format my laptop and reinstall the original settings but I dont have access to the CDs. I heard that the hard drive has a hidden partition to restore factory settings. But I don't know how to access that partition. Can somebody please help?

 

[amdskip]

What's the computer?

 

[MeCheap]

hp pavilion

 

[amdskip]

Here's what I found:

Starting recovery when the computer is booting

* Turn on the computer.
* When the initial blue HP screen appears Press the "F10" key.
* A Recovery menu will appear.
* Click on "NEXT"
* and then click on "YES"
* Your system will now go through the product recovery

 

[btbam]

what if your on a compaq?

and why doesnt my bios show the advanced tab?

 

[MeCheap]

f10 just takes me into bios. there's no option to format or do anything but change the internal clock

 

[TheITguy]

More info what is the model on the pc some models are diff than others