Oh boy, I messed up bad (computer help)

[Furioso]

Ok, so I screwed up my computer, REALLY screwed it up, I am going to have to restore everything to factory default, erasing everything and all that, and I made my peace with this...but, I can't find the CD to back up the computer! What do I do, oh great computer wizards of the escapist!

PS: Also I would like to back up my steam games, no way I am redownloading all of it, I managed to find the "back up game files" and as we speak they are being transported to a folder in an external hardrive, but what do I do once I get my computer back? Just copy those files somewhere? Thanks for your help in advance, and I am pretty much computer illiterate, so don't skip steps you might think are no brainers


Edit: It's a Vista

 

[FurthestLocutus]

OS?

 

[NiceGurl_14]

You've pretty much figured it out. Back up what you want/need and if you really must do a system restore (which depending on the OS, you can w/o a disk) then google how to do it. For Windows XP, while it's booting up, hit ctrl + F11 it will take you to a confirmation screen and wipe your system.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

Also I would like to back up my steam games, no way I am redownloading all of it, I managed to find the "back up game files" and as we speak they are being transported to a folder in an external hardrive, but what do I do once I get my computer back? Just copy those files somewhere? Thanks for your help in advance, and I am pretty much computer illiterate, so don't skip steps you might think are no brainers

Yeah just copy the files back to the various steam folders they came from... then run them all through 'verify integrity of game cache' in steam (right click on each game and pick properties and pick the local content tab)... That should help steam and your machine get everything sorted.

 

[Rastien]

Possible solution is to purchase a new harddrive, to play it safe disconnect your old harddrive plug the new one in. Install your OS onto this hard drive then just plug your old one back in and refrence everything from it.

Not sure if this is an option but its what i have been doing for some time.

 

[Furioso]

You've pretty much figured it out. Back up what you want/need and if you really must do a system restore (which depending on the OS, you can w/o a disk) then google how to do it. For Windows XP, while it's booting up, hit ctrl + F11 it will take you to a confirmation screen and wipe your system.

Can you do that with Vista?

 

[antidonkey]

Many factory build machines don't come with install discs anymore so you might not actually have them. They will have a hidden partition on the hard drive what contains all the factory software. Getting the factory restore to start can vary so I'd suggest you hit up the manufacturer's website and see what they have to say on the whole subject.