Was there a Problem Resetting Your PC? Here’s a Guide to Help

Was there a Problem Resetting Your PC? Here’s a Guide to Help

/ Shayne Sherman

Are you having problems resetting your PC? You’re not alone. This blog post will look at some of the most common issues people experience when trying to reset their PC and provide tips on how to troubleshoot them.

We’ll also show you how to perform a reset if all else fails. So don’t worry – we’ll help you get your PC up and running again.

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Use Startup Repair

If you are trying to reset your PC and can’t complete the action because the screen pops up with an error message, i.e., ‘there was a problem resetting your PC,’ it could be due to various reasons. It could be anything from a corrupted window, system crashes, or trouble loading backups. Using startup repair to fix the issue is a quick fix that your PC could use. Here are the steps to follow: 

Step 1: Launch startup repair by booting your device in safe mode. It could be done by booting a device with installation media or windows booting options. Boot device from media. And select the ‘repair your computer’ option from the popup window. 

windows repair your computer

Step 2: In the next window, select the option of Troubleshoot, followed by selecting advanced options.

advanced options troubleshoot

Step 3: Select the option of ‘Startup Repair’ in the next window. Once the process completes, your device will function without any error message. 

select startup repair

Run System File Checker When You Install Windows

System file checker scan (SFC) is a command-based tool that can repair windows images for Windows PE, Windows Recovery Environment (RE), and Windows Setup. If your device gives the ‘there was a problem resetting your PC’ error, running an SFC scan can detect the error by running a brief scan on all system files and folders and giving appropriate fixing methods. Here are the steps to run an SFC scan to resolve the problem. 

Step 1: Launch the command prompt by typing ‘command’ in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the option to launch it. Run it as an administrator with full privileges. 

run as admin cmd

Step 2: Type ‘sfc /scannow’ in the command prompt. Click enter to continue. The SFC scan will initiate, and the issue will be resolved as soon as it completes.

sfc scannow

Run DISM Scan if there is a problem Resetting Your PC

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is another command prompt Window line extension used to check system files for any error or damage causing functionality errors. It is also used to repair windows images for Windows PE, Windows RE, and Windows Setup.

In case of ‘there was a problem resetting your PC,’ DISM scan can also be used to fix the problem. If the SFC scan didn’t work, it is preferable to run a DISM scan. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the command prompt by typing ‘command’ in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the option to launch it. Run it as an administrator with full privileges. 

run as admin cmd

Step 2: Type ‘DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth’ in the command box. Click enter to proceed. It will start the DISM scan, and the error will be resolved once it completes. 

dism restorehealth

Restore Your PC from a System Restore Point

System restores are created to back up the whole data set available on your device. If your device shows any error like ‘there was a problem resetting your PC,’ then restoring the device to the last restore point could work. It will take your device back to a point where the error didn’t exist. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: In the main menu’s search bar, type ‘system restore’ and launch it. 

search system restore

Step 2: In the system restore window, select the option of ‘Create a restore point.’ 

create restore point

Step 3: In the next window, select the option of System Restore. 

system restore option

Step 4: Click Next to complete the wizard. 

click next on system restore

Step 5: If you already have a restore point, select the appropriate restore point and click next to continue. Follow the wizard to complete the action. 

select restore point

Rename System and Software Registry for System Restore

As the name implies, renaming the system and software registry can remove the error, i.e., ‘there was a problem resetting your PC.’ Renaming the system and software registry would restore the system files affected due to file corruption or virus/malware. In this context, using a command prompt can serve the purpose. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the ‘command prompt’ from the taskbar search box and double-click the option to launch it. Run ‘command prompt’ as administrator. 

run as admin cmd

Step 2: As the command prompt launches, in the prompt window, type the following commands and click ‘enter; after each command line. 

cd %windir%\system32\config

ren system.001

ren software.001

windir ren command

Step 3: Once all three command lines are executed, type ‘exit’ in the prompt to exit the window. Click ‘enter’ to complete the action. Restart your device and try to reset it to check if the error exists. 

Disable Reagentc.Exe if there is a problem resetting your PC

To repair the recovery environment boot image and all recovery-linked customizations, the reagentc.exe tool is used. If you are trying to reset the device, disabling the extension tool can help to resolve the error. Command prompts can be used in this regard. Here are the steps on how to disable the tool. 

Step 1: Launch the ‘command prompt’ from the main menu by typing ‘command’ in the search box, double-clicking the option, and clicking on ‘run as administrator.’ 

run as admin cmd

Step 2: In the command prompt, type ‘reagentc /disable’ and click ‘enter’ to continue.

reagentc command

Step 3: Close the command prompt by typing ‘exit’ and clicking ‘enter’ to complete the action. Restart the device and check if you can reset it. 

Refresh Windows from Windows Defender

As a repair tool integrated to resolve issues and errors linked to your device, windows defender can help fix ‘there was a problem resetting your PC.’ Windows defender can refresh the operating system and device, which can resolve the error. It is advised to perform a system backup to avoid data loss. Here are the steps to follow: 

Step 1: Launch ‘settings’ from the keyboard by clicking the windows key+I simultaneously. You can also type ‘settings’ in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the option to launch it. 

windows settings 4

Step 2: In the settings window, select the option of ‘update and security.’ Now select the ‘windows security’ option from the left pane in the next window. 

windows update and security

Step 3: Click on the option of ‘windows security’ to launch ‘Open Windows Defender Security Center.’ 

windows security homescreen

Step 4: Navigate to ‘Device performance & health,’ and in the ‘fresh start’ section, select the option of ‘additional information.’ 

device performance

Step 5: Select the “get started” option and complete the wizard to refresh your device. 

fresh start

Reinstall Windows After the “Resetting Your PC Error” Message Occurs

Reinstalling your Windows browser can affect the process of you resetting your PC. When you reinstall Windows, the function overwrites the pre-existing files on your PC that allow you to reset them. If you need to reset your PC, you should first take steps to reinstall Windows properly.

1. Open the Windows Control Panel.

2. Click on the “Programs and Features” link.

3. Select your Windows installation from the list of installed programs and then click on the “Uninstall/Change” button.

4. Follow the uninstallation wizard to complete the uninstallation process.

5. Once the uninstallation process is completed, restart your computer.

6. Download and install the latest version of Windows from Microsoft’s website.

Do Not Continue Downloads While Resetting Your PC

There are a few reasons why you should continue downloads when you reset your operating device. First, many of your apps and settings will be backed up and restored to your device after the reset.

You won’t have to spend time reinstalling your apps and configuring your settings. Any incomplete downloads that were in progress when you reset your device will resume automatically after the reset is complete. You won’t have to start from scratch on those downloads; you can get back to using your appliance quickly.

If you have a paid subscription to an app or service, resetting your device will not cause you to lose that subscription. A reset is a good option if you’re looking for an easy way to get your device back to its original state.

Check Your Default Settings After You Install Windows

Windows installations can be customized in many ways, and some of these customizations can affect the security and privacy of your computer. For example, standard Windows installations include features that allow Microsoft to collect telemetry data from your computer.

To help protect your privacy, it is essential to review your default settings after installing Windows and disable any features that you do not want to use.

Frequently Asked Questions About if there was a problem resetting your PC

What is the Windows Recovery environment screen?

The Windows Recovery environment screen is a blue screen that appears when the computer is starting up, and the screen provides options for repairing or recovering the computer.

What is a System Image?

A system image is the complete contents of a hard drive, including the operating system, applications, and user data. It can be used to restore a computer to its original state or to clone one hard drive to another.

Does System Protection Affect My PC when Resetting?

Having your system protection activated will guarantee that your PC memory will be restored to its original state after resetting it.

System protection protocols ensure that no media or other file data is deleted after resetting your device or any update is approved to be installed.

How do I Use System Restore Points?

Restore Points are created by Windows and allow you to restore your computer to a previous state. This can be helpful if you experience problems with your computer. To use System Restore Points:
1. Open the Start Menu and click on “Computer.”
2. Right-click on the drive where Windows is installed (usually C:) and select “Properties.”
3. Click on the “System Protection” tab.
4. Click “Create…” to create a new Restore Point.
5. Type in a problem description and click “Create.”
6. If you need to restore your computer, open the Start Menu and type “system restore” into the search bar.
7. Select “System Restore” from the results list.
8. Select the desired System Restore Point and click “Next.”
9. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your computer.

What is a USB Recovery Drive?

A USB Recovery Drive is a USB flash drive that you can use to start your computer if it doesn’t start correctly. The drive contains a set of recovery tools that you can use to help troubleshoot and fix problems with your computer.

What is a Restore Point Option?

A restore point option is a Windows operating system feature that periodically creates restore points. Restore points restore the system to a previous state if a problem occurs.

Why do Error Messages Pop-up when I Reset My PC?

When you reset your PC, the computer restarts, and your files and settings are restored to their defaults. If an error message pops up during this process, something went wrong, and the restoration process wasn’t successful.

Is a Computer Reset Bad for my Operating System?

There are several benefits to reset your operating system.
– A reset clears any memory leaks or issues causing your computer to run slowly.
– It can fix corrupted files or settings that may be causing your computer to malfunction.
– Resetting your operating system can help resolve software conflicts.
– Resetting your operating system can help keep your computer running smoothly and prevent it from becoming bogged down over time.

What is a Media Creation Tool?

A creation tool for media platforms are tools that allow you to create a new Windows installation or upgrade an existing one.

Shayne Sherman
Meet the author

Shayne is an expert on all things Microsoft Windows and computer security. As a Windows user of over 30 years, he has been featured on Business Insider, Yahoo, Tech Republic, Hacker Noon, Techopedia, and many other publications. Aside from entertaining at his home theater, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his English bulldog, Fergie.