Resetting settings on a computer usually means one of three different things: restoring BIOS/UEFI firmware settings to factory defaults, resetting the operating system to its original state, or clearing an application's configuration. Choosing the right method depends on whether the machine still boots normally. If the system boots, the reset is a software operation you can complete in a few minutes. If it does not boot, or a BIOS password or a corrupted firmware setting is blocking startup, you need a hardware-level reset.
Restoring BIOS/UEFI Settings to Defaults
The BIOS or UEFI firmware holds low-level settings such as boot order, Secure Boot state, serial port configuration, power-on behaviour and fan or watchdog policies. On most industrial computers and mini PCs:
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In the BIOS setup screen: press
F9(Load Optimized Defaults) orF7on many AMI-based firmwares, thenF10to save and exit. The exact key is printed on the BIOS legend screen. -
Clear CMOS via jumper: power off, disconnect the 12V adapter, move the CLR_CMOS jumper from pins 1-2 to 2-3 for about 10 seconds, then move it back. This erases the RTC/NVRAM contents.
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Remove the coin cell: on boards without a jumper, unplug power and lift the CR2032 cell for 30-60 seconds. This also resets the real-time clock, so you will need to set date and time again.
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**Dedicated reset pinhole or button
