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Resetting {{project_name_short}}: A Factory Reset Guide
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|description=Guidelines on how to reset {{project_name_long}} to its original settings. Learn how to restore configuration files to defaults, re-install meta-packages, and revert the system closer to vendor defaults.
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Guidelines on how to reset {{project_name_long}} to its original settings. Learn how to restore configuration files to defaults, re-install meta-packages, and revert the system closer to vendor defaults.
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For those looking to revert their system to its initial state, a term often used is <code>factory reset</code>.<ref>Within the context of {{project_name_short}}, the term <code>factory reset</code> isn't entirely accurate, since, as of this writing, the platform pertains solely to software and isn't tied to hardware. Technically, there are no "factory defaults". Yet, the phrase <code>vendor settings reset</code> might be less intuitive, whereas <code>factory reset</code> is more universally understood and has a more familiar feel.</ref> Two primary methods are available:

* '''A)''' '''<u>Re-installation Approach</u>:''' For a thorough reset, delete {{project_name_short}} (or for VM users: simply remove the desired VMs) and then install the latest stable version of {{project_name_short}}. This approach is more thorough and will revert the system closer to vendor defaults. Do note, this means important user data needs to be backed up and migrated if necessary. For more insights, refer to [[Operating_System_Software_and_Updates#Update_vs_Image_Re-Installation|Update vs Image Re-Installation]].
* '''B)''' '''<u>Settings Reset Approach</u>:''' This approach strives to restore settings to vendor defaults to the best extent possible. However, it's not flawless and might not undo all user modifications or address all issues.
** [[Debian_Packages#Re-install_Meta_Packages_and_Safely_Run_Autoremove|Re-install Meta Packages and Safely Run Autoremove]]
** [[Configuration_Files#Reset_Configuration_Files_to_Vendor_Default|Restore Configuration Files to Vendor Default]]
** [[Desktop#Xfce_Settings_Reset|Xfce Settings Reset]]

= See Also =
* [[Operating System Software and Updates]]
* [[Recovery]]
* [[Disaster Recovery|Strategies for Disaster Recovery Post-Compromise]]

= Footnotes =
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[[Category:Documentation]]