Asus E200H Factory Reset: Windows 10/11, F9 Recovery, eMMC Issues, Clean Install

User question

How to factory reset this laptop

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

• For an Asus E200H (or virtually any modern Asus Windows-10/11 notebook) the quickest “true” factory reset is:

1. Power the machine off, then power it on and tap F9 repeatedly.
2. When the Asus / Windows Recovery screen appears choose Troubleshoot → Recover Windows to factory state / Reset this PC → Remove everything.
3. Confirm the warnings and let the process finish (20-45 min on an intact eMMC).

• If F9 does not start the recovery, boot into WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) or use Microsoft installation / recovery media and run Reset this PC → Remove everything (Cloud Download preferred).

• When all software methods fail, create a bootable USB with Microsoft’s Media-Creation-Tool and perform a clean installation, deleting all existing partitions.

Detailed problem analysis

1. Recovery options hierarchy
   a. Asus OEM recovery partition (F9) – restores the original image that shipped with the laptop.
   b. Windows Reset (WinRE) – reinstalls Windows while optionally downloading a fresh copy (“Cloud Download”).
   c. External recovery / installation media – bypasses any corrupt on-disk data and installs a clean OS.

2. Underlying theory
   • The E200H uses soldered eMMC storage. The Asus factory image resides in a hidden GPT partition flagged 0x27. Pressing F9 during POST triggers the Windows Boot Manager to chain-load that image.
   • “Reset this PC” leverages WinRE’s Push-Button Reset feature; on Windows 10 2004+ it can either reconstruct Windows from the “winre.wim” on disk or download the latest build (≈4 GB).
   • A clean install removes every existing partition, then Windows Setup creates EFI System, MSR, Primary, and Recovery partitions afresh, guaranteeing a “like new” software state.

3. Why automatic-repair loops happen
   • Corrupted system files, failed updates, or bad eMMC blocks break the normal boot sequence. WinRE launches automatically but can be stuck in recursion. A full reset rewrites the failing OS files; if that still fails, suspect hardware.

4. Indications of hardware trouble
   • The eMMC does not appear in BIOS, or Windows Setup reports “We couldn’t create a new partition” / error 0x80070057.
   • SMART/Health in BIOS shows 0 GB or abnormal values.
   • In those cases, the mainboard (eMMC is soldered) would need professional replacement.

Current information and trends

• Windows 11 uses the same Reset this PC workflow but adds “Local reinstall from recovery image” vs. “Cloud download” transparency.
• Microsoft now digitally licenses the machine via “Device Hash” – after any clean re-install Windows will auto-activate as soon as it reaches the Internet.
• Asus bundles MyASUS; on newer models the restoration image can also be recreated from that app or downloaded (≈15 GB) from Asus Cloud Recovery.

Supporting explanations and details

• Key boot shortcuts (Asus, 2024)
• F2 – UEFI/BIOS setup
• ESC – one-time boot menu
• F9 – Asus recovery (if partition present)

• Deciding between reset variants
• Keep my files – quick troubleshooting when data is important.
• Remove everything – safest when malware, sale, or severe corruption is suspected.
• Remove files and clean drive – DoD-style overwrite; unnecessary unless de-commissioning the unit.

• Cloud vs. Local reinstall
• Cloud ensures latest cumulative update and avoids local corruption but needs stable Wi-Fi.
• Local saves bandwidth; fails if the on-disk install.wim is damaged.

Ethical and legal aspects

• Data privacy – factory reset irreversibly deletes local user data; always inform end-users and obtain consent.
• Licensing – reinstall only the same Windows edition (Home vs Pro) to stay compliant; the embedded product key will auto-select.
• Copyright – use only Microsoft-supplied ISO / Asus Cloud image to avoid unlicensed software.

Practical guidelines

1. Before starting
   • Plug in AC; battery drops mid-flash can brick EFI partition.
   • Back up documents with WinRE → Command Prompt (notepad.exe → Save As) or a Linux live-USB if Windows will not boot.
2. Performing the reset
   • Method A (Preferred): F9 → Asus Recovery.
   • Method B: Force-enter WinRE (interrupt boot 3×) → Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
   • Method C: USB install media → “Repair” or clean install → delete partitions.
3. After reset
   • Connect to Wi-Fi, complete OOBE, and let Windows Update pull drivers.
   • If touchpad/WLAN is missing, download E200H drivers from https://www.asus.com/support.

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

• On a 32 GB eMMC the reset may fail for “not enough space”; choose Remove everything or boot from USB.
• Soldered eMMC is not user-replaceable; failed storage = motherboard replacement (often uneconomical).
• Recovery partitions can be lost if the disk was repartitioned previously.

Suggestions for further research

• Investigate Windows 11 recovery via /ResetConfig for scripted fleet deployments.
• Monitor eMMC health with eMMC Health Check in BIOS or third-party CrystalDiskInfo in portable WinPE.
• Evaluate moving to cloud-based device management (Intune Autopilot) for automatic re-provisioning.

Brief summary

Tap F9 during boot, choose Troubleshoot → Recover Windows to factory state / Reset this PC → Remove everything, and follow the prompts. If the recovery partition is corrupted, boot WinRE or Microsoft USB media and run Reset this PC (Cloud download) or a clean install. Always back up data, keep AC connected, and if even a clean install fails suspect eMMC hardware faults.

Disclaimer: The responses provided by artificial intelligence (language model) may be inaccurate and misleading. Elektroda is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the presented information. All responses should be verified by the user.