Computer help forum: Computer reset self to factory default

and I suspect very difficult for a Windows computer to reset itself back to factory settings as there would need to be some sort of keyboard input to get that going.

First thing first, if this really has happened then the best way to get your files off is with a Linux Live CD, like Ubuntu Live. This is an Operating System wholly contained on a CD. The CD is inserted, the computer started, and it boots into Linux from the CD. No changes are made to the hard drive. You can get Ubuntu downloaded and burned to a CD as an iso from here;
http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download
and Google has other options.

The great thing about this is, if the hard disk is readable Ubuntu will read it and you will be able to navigate to your personal file folders and copy them to some other external media, eg a memory stick or external USB hard drive.

That way whatever happens, your files are safe. I have to say they would have been safe anyway if you had had backups, but such is how we learn.

Once that is done and with the system closed down and the CD withdrawn, you can then investigate whether the computer really has reverted back to factory default, or whether there is some other explanation.

I hope that helps.

Mark

with the option of a free upgrade to Win.7?

If so, re-insert that disk and renew your upgrade to Win. 7.

From any browser and, from this Support Page of Asus, download all files available from that page. Do the Bios Flash first, though, then the rest of them. The Bios was found having a major bug with its own storage setup matrix.
http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx?SLanguage=en-us

Good Luck!