Factory settings
The computers factory settings are the settings and appearance the computer had when it was first purchased from the store. This means everything is erased from the hard drive and replaced by the original software, drivers, and operating system included with the computer. Restoring the computer to the factory settings is often done before a computer is sold, to help resolve a serious software issue, or because the user wants to return the computer to how it originally was.
To restore a computer to its factory settings often requires a restore disc that is included with the computer or is made using software included with the computer. Today, many newer computers no longer use restore discs and instead have a hidden partition on the hard disk drive to restore the computer to factory settings. If you've lost your restore disc or have replaced the hard disk drive and need a new disc, only your computer manufacturer will be able to provide you with a new disc.
Also see: Hidden partition