How long should a total reset take?

[MPINDY]

I am trying to reset my computer to its original state, removing all personal files. I’ve went through every step and it has been resetting for sometime now. It stayed at 36% for a couple of hours at least. How long is this process normally? I just want to be sure my computer is not frozen. 

[Raj_05]

Hi @MPINDY,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

Resetting an HP All-In-One Desktop to its original state can vary in time depending on several factors, including the size of the hard drive, the amount of data, and the overall speed of the system. Here are some general guidelines and troubleshooting steps to consider.

Typical Reset Duration

• Small Hard Drives/Minimal Data: Usually, this process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Larger Hard Drives/More Data: For systems with larger hard drives or significant amounts of data, it could take 2 to 4 hours or even longer in some cases.

When to Be Concerned

• If your computer has been stuck at 36% for more than 3-4 hours, it might be indicative of an issue.
• Sometimes, the progress bar may appear stuck, but the system could still be working in the background.

Steps to Take if the Reset Seems Stuck

1. Wait a Little Longer: Ensure that the process is indeed stuck. Sometimes, certain stages of resetting can take longer.
2. Check for Signs of Activity: Look for signs that the computer is still working (e.g., hard drive activity lights, sounds).
3. Power Cycle (as a Last Resort): If the computer seems completely unresponsive for an extended period, you might consider a power cycle:
   • Hold the power button down until the computer shuts off.
   • Wait a few minutes, then turn the computer back on.

If the Reset Fails

1. Attempt Reset Again: After a power cycle, try initiating the reset process again.
2. Use Recovery Media:
   • If you have recovery media (USB/DVD), you can use it to perform the reset.
   • If not, you might need to create recovery media from another computer.

Steps to Reset HP All-In-One Desktop

1. Access Recovery Options:
   • Turn on the computer and repeatedly press the F11 key until the Choose an Option screen appears.
2. Choose "Troubleshoot" then select "Reset this PC."
3. Select "Remove Everything":
   • Choose the option to remove all personal files, apps, and settings.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support