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Laptop Maintenance and Repair
Easy Ways to Reset a Gateway Laptop to Factory Settings: With & Without Password Download Article The ultimate guide to restoring your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings Co-authored by Spike Baron and Darlene Antonelli, MA
Last Updated: October 23, 2024 Fact Checked
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Using Built-in Windows Settings
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Using Gateway Recovery Without Password
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Using Windows Reset Without Password
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This article was co-authored by Spike Baron and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Spike Baron is a Network Engineer & Desktop Support Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the owner of Spike’s Computer Repair. With over 25 years of working experience in the tech industry, Spike specializes in PC and Mac computer repair, used computer sales, virus removal, data recovery, and hardware and software upgrades. He has worked as an IT Systems expert for numerous companies, including Huntington Health, Blackbox, Honda, and Manufacturers Bank. In his spare time, Spike also builds and restores computers. He has his CompTIA A+ certification for computer service technicians and is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 332,531 times.
If your Gateway laptop is crashing frequently or won't boot into Windows, it may be time for a reset. Luckily, there are three ways you can do this – with and without the password. Read on to learn more about resetting a Gateway laptop, with or without the password.
Quickly Reset a Gateway Laptop
If you can log in with the password, go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery > Reset this PC. If you can't, click the Power menu on the login screen, press and hold Shift as you click Restart, then go to Troubleshooting > Reset this PC.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Using Built-in Windows Settings
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1 Open Settings. This is the most recommended method since you don't have to back up your files.
2 Find "System Recovery." It's in different places based on your Windows version:
Windows 11 - Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
Windows 10 and lower - You'll find this in Settings > Update & security > Recovery > Reset this PC.
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3 Select Keep my files. This is the best option if you have a lot of personal files and no backup.
However, if you have a backup and want to start your Gateway fresh, select Remove everything.
4 Select to reset using the cloud or a local install. The option you choose will also change how your Gateway is updated.
Cloud - Reinstalls Windows OS over the internet. This does not include tools, apps, and settings that came with the manufacturer.
Local - Uses the files on the computer to restore Windows OS. You can also download the tools, apps, and settings from the manufacturer.
5 Continue through the "Reset this PC" wizard. The page immediately after you select "Cloud" or "Local" is called the "Additional settings" page, where you can see what the reset will do. This includes a list of what's being deleted (if you selected "Remove everything") and a "Change settings" option.
Click Next to continue.
6 Click Reset. You can read the items that will be removed from your laptop before continuing. You can stop by clicking Cancel at any time to create a backup.[1]X Trustworthy Source Microsoft SupportTechnical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source
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Using Gateway Recovery Without Password
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1 Start with your Gateway off and plugged into power. If the laptop is on, shut it down. It also needs to be plugged in so it will stay on for the duration of the reset process.
2 Turn on your Gateway and press Alt + F10 as soon as the logo appears. You may need to press the keys a couple of times for them to register. This will load the Recovery Manager.
If prompted by the Windows Boot menu, press Enter.
3 Select Completely Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults. You will be asked several times to confirm that you want to proceed. Starting the restore will erase all the data on the disk and then reinstall Windows and the programs that came with your laptop. The restore process can take up to an hour to complete.
4 Create your account and start using your computer. Once the restore process is complete, the laptop will act as if it has been turned on for the first time after you purchased it. You will be prompted to create a Windows account and configure your personal settings.
Advertisement Section 3 of 3:
Using Windows Reset Without Password
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1 Restart your laptop while holding ⇧ Shift. Even if you don't know the password, you can use this method instead of this one.
From the login screen or from the desktop, if you can log in, click "Power" to open the Power menu, then press the Shift key on your keyboard as you click Restart in the Power menu.
2 Select Troubleshoot. It's next to an icon of some tools.
3 Select Reset this PC. It's usually the first option.
4 Select Keep my files. This is the best option if you have a lot of personal files and no backup.
However, if you have a backup and want to start your Gateway fresh, select Remove everything.
Select Remove everything if you don't remember the password and can't access your laptop. This option will allow you to create a new account and start fresh.
5 Select to reset using the cloud or a local install. The one you choose will also change how your Gateway is updated.
Cloud—This reinstalls Windows using the cloud, so you need internet access. It does not include the tools, apps, and settings that came with the manufacturer.
'Local—This option restores Windows using files already on the computer. It will also install the manufacturer's tools, apps, and settings.
6 Continue through the "Reset this PC" wizard. The page immediately after you select "Cloud" or "Local" is called the "Additional settings" page, where you can see what the reset will do. This includes a list of what's being deleted (if you selected "Remove everything") and a "Change settings" option.
Click Next to continue.
7 Click Reset. You can read the items that will be removed from your laptop before continuing. You can stop by clicking Cancel at any time to create a backup.[2]X Trustworthy Source Microsoft SupportTechnical support and product information from Microsoft. Go to source
If you've completely wiped the laptop and reinstalled Windows using the factory reset process and the problem still isn't gone, the cause is likely a hardware component. Computer repair specialist Matt Ham suggests that installing a new hard drive or installing new RAM are both fairly straightforward processes and may be able to fix your problem.[3]X Expert Source Matt HamComputer Repair SpecialistExpert Interview You may need to contact Gateway for factory service if these don't help.
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Community Q&A
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Question My Gateway NV56R14u won't reboot. It only shows the cursor. How can I fix it? Community Answer Press F8 during boot-up. Select "repair my computer" from the list. Restore your PC to an earlier date. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
Question My laptop is trying to reboot but it ends up shutting off and trying again. It has been going on for days now, and I don't think it's going to stop. How can I get around this reboot loop? Community Answer The hard disk may be broken, or there is not enough RAM, or it could be may other things. Take it in to a computer repair shop to have them look at it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question Where can I find a reboot disk for my Gateway computer? Adam Hendi Community Answer Gateway can supply them to you for around $20 CAD. However, if you're under warranty, you can just send it in. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
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↑ Matt Ham. Computer Repair Specialist. Expert Interview
About This Article
Co-authored by: Spike Baron Network Engineer & Desktop Support This article was co-authored by Spike Baron and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Spike Baron is a Network Engineer & Desktop Support Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the owner of Spike’s Computer Repair. With over 25 years of working experience in the tech industry, Spike specializes in PC and Mac computer repair, used computer sales, virus removal, data recovery, and hardware and software upgrades. He has worked as an IT Systems expert for numerous companies, including Huntington Health, Blackbox, Honda, and Manufacturers Bank. In his spare time, Spike also builds and restores computers. He has his CompTIA A+ certification for computer service technicians and is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. This article has been viewed 332,531 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 13Updated: October 23, 2024 Views: 332,531 Categories: Laptop Maintenance and Repair In other languages Spanish Russian French Indonesian Dutch Italian
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Spike Baron Network Engineer & Desktop Support Click a star to vote Co-authors: 13Updated: October 23, 2024 Views: 332,531
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Download Article The ultimate guide to restoring your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings Co-authored by Spike Baron and Darlene Antonelli, MA 
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Co-authored by: Spike Baron Network Engineer & Desktop Support This article was co-authored by Spike Baron and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Spike Baron is a Network Engineer & Desktop Support Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the owner of Spike’s Computer Repair. With over 25 years of working experience in the tech industry, Spike specializes in PC and Mac computer repair, used computer sales, virus removal, data recovery, and hardware and software upgrades. He has worked as an IT Systems expert for numerous companies, including Huntington Health, Blackbox, Honda, and Manufacturers Bank. In his spare time, Spike also builds and restores computers. He has his CompTIA A+ certification for computer service technicians and is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. This article has been viewed 332,531 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 13 Updated: October 23, 2024 Views: 332,531 Categories: Laptop Maintenance and Repair In other languages Spanish Russian French Indonesian Dutch Italian 
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1 Open Settings. This is the most recommended method since you don't have to back up your files. 
2 Find "System Recovery." It's in different places based on your Windows version: 
3 Select Keep my files. This is the best option if you have a lot of personal files and no backup. 
4 Select to reset using the cloud or a local install. The option you choose will also change how your Gateway is updated. 
5 Continue through the "Reset this PC" wizard. The page immediately after you select "Cloud" or "Local" is called the "Additional settings" page, where you can see what the reset will do. This includes a list of what's being deleted (if you selected "Remove everything") and a "Change settings" option. 
6 Click Reset. You can read the items that will be removed from your laptop before continuing. You can stop by clicking Cancel at any time to create a backup.[1] Advertisement 
1 Start with your Gateway off and plugged into power. If the laptop is on, shut it down. It also needs to be plugged in so it will stay on for the duration of the reset process. 
2 Turn on your Gateway and press Alt + F10 as soon as the logo appears. You may need to press the keys a couple of times for them to register. This will load the Recovery Manager. 
3 Select Completely Restore Operating System to Factory Defaults. You will be asked several times to confirm that you want to proceed. Starting the restore will erase all the data on the disk and then reinstall Windows and the programs that came with your laptop. The restore process can take up to an hour to complete. 
4 Create your account and start using your computer. Once the restore process is complete, the laptop will act as if it has been turned on for the first time after you purchased it. You will be prompted to create a Windows account and configure your personal settings. Advertisement 
1 Restart your laptop while holding ⇧ Shift. Even if you don't know the password, you can use this method instead of this one. 
2 Select Troubleshoot. It's next to an icon of some tools. 
3 Select Reset this PC. It's usually the first option. 
4 Select Keep my files. This is the best option if you have a lot of personal files and no backup. 
5 Select to reset using the cloud or a local install. The one you choose will also change how your Gateway is updated. 
6 Continue through the "Reset this PC" wizard. The page immediately after you select "Cloud" or "Local" is called the "Additional settings" page, where you can see what the reset will do. This includes a list of what's being deleted (if you selected "Remove everything") and a "Change settings" option. 
7 Click Reset. You can read the items that will be removed from your laptop before continuing. You can stop by clicking Cancel at any time to create a backup.[2] 
Community Answer Press F8 during boot-up. Select "repair my computer" from the list. Restore your PC to an earlier date. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5 
Community Answer The hard disk may be broken, or there is not enough RAM, or it could be may other things. Take it in to a computer repair shop to have them look at it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4 
Adam Hendi Community Answer Gateway can supply them to you for around $20 CAD. However, if you're under warranty, you can just send it in. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6