Solutions to majority of problems related to Restore/ Recovery / MSI F3 factory Reset

Bsl K

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Hey MSI Enthusiast. Greetings..
Today, i am going to share the working solutions to the common problems faced by MSI users when it comes to MSI Factory reset/ Recovery. Since this post tries to address multiple problems, this going to be a little long post. bear with me..
I have MSI Prestige 15 A10SC, it had chinese windows 10 Home edition when i bought it. But now i have win 11 pro. I have changed the msi recovery image to latest win 11 manually. And MSI Factory Reset is still working with latest recovery image of win 11. Follow this post to learn on how to do it.

If you have one of these common problems then this post might help you
  1. 1. Accidently deleted Recovery partition (BIOS_RVY)
  2. 2. Get error " The recovery procedure from RecoveryDVD has not been successfully finished..."
  3. 2. F3 MSI factory reset option missing.
  4. 3. Multiple recovery partitions present like 900MB, 500MB, 300MB...
  5. 3. Want to use F3 msi factory reset but afraid that recovery files are old windows
Even if you are one who prefers clean install by windows bootable USB, rather than MSI F3 Factory reset because you think that factory reset will take you to older bloated windows, then i believe this post will be also helpful to you, because i am going to show you on how to manually change the factory reset files to latest windows so that you can get the latest reset of windows 11 rather than old windows 10. I think its better to have recovery on the go rather than USB, because it fast, only takes 4 minutes to reset. USB is for last resort only.

Don't underestimate MSI recovery software, its really useful. It is like "the power of sun in palm of your hand".

I am going to give you probable explanations and logic, and show how to do it. This is going to be a little long post so bear with me please.

PROBABLE CAUSE
-If you have accidently deleted Bios_Rvy partition, then don't worry. you don't need old backup files because i will show you how to manually create recovery partition and add latest image of your current windows which can be restored by f3 msi factory reset.
-If you get 2nd error, even if your recovery partition is intact then the most probable cause is the location of BIOS_RVY partition on your ssd.
-If f3 recovery option is missing, and has multiple small recovery partitions, most probably this is because you probably have clean installed windows by old traditional DESTRUCTIVE method from USB by formatting C drive and installing. Never do that, Please understand the logic behind it.

LEARN LOGIC
A/C to Microsoft, for GPT disk partition, it should be in following order. ( i am talking about partitions, not volume)
-[system-MSR-windows-winre], and then you can have other partitions like D, E ,F... See UEFI/GPT-based hard drive partitions

When we first buy MSI laptop, its in the same order.[system-MSR-windows-Winre tools-BIOS_RVY] check the attached image.
1 factory partition.jpg


But as most of us like to shrink single C drive and create other partitions, this mess up the order and now your new partitions order will be like [system-MSR-windows-D-E....-Winre tools-BIOS_RVY]
2 after creating multiple partitions.jpg


Now this causes problem, when there is a major feature update, windows will create new winre partition next to C drive and orphan the older "Winre tool", where older recovery file was that contains f3 MSI factory reset option, resulting in loosing the F3 factory reset option. why windows does that? check MICROSOFT GPT PARTITION
So make sure that winre/ winre tool partition is just next to C. if not then manually do that. google it and you can do it yourself.

If you get the error " The recovery procedure from RecoveryDVD has not been successfully finished...", then its probably because BIOS_RVY partition is not the last partition. I had this problem, i made my partitions in order [system-MSR-windows-Winre tools-BIOS_RVY- D-E-F] which resulted in that error. Later i realized that BIOS_RVY partition should be the last one for MSI recovery dvd software to detect it. later i manually changed it which made it work again.
Wrong BIOS_RVY location.jpg



MANUALLY CREATE BIOS_RVY IF DELETED (and update it to latest image)
If you already have BIOS_RVY partition, then you don't have to follow this step.
If you have deleted that partition then, no worries, you can create a partition yourself. And apply the latest image of current updated windows .SWM file. you don't need older bloated files.
you can use mini tool or other partition tool or CMD if you are comfortable with it.

  • Shrink the end partition, e.g. mine was F partition. shrink it and created 15GB partition. Name that partition "BIOS_RVY"
  • create a folder named "RecoveryImage"
4 BIOS_RVY partition.jpg

  • Now you have to put the image of the system which you want to set as recovery image. Follow next chapter.
(I clean installed win 11 by mounting iso file, then running setup file and remove everything. This way i was able to retain my MSI factory reset option from that win 10. [ Non destructive method to clean install windows]
Installed drivers and few basic software. Ran ccleaner and windows default cleaner, deleted unwanted files. [ to make the captured image smaller as possible]
Now when i thought the best state of my pc. i did following ..)


REPLACE FACTORY IMAGE WITH LATEST ONE
If you already have BIOS_RVY partition, then follow this chapter to update the image to the latest one, or you can use the existing one if you like. You should assign a letter to access that partition from cmd, it will loose its letter when restarted, so its safe to assign a letter for temporary access.

Use "DISM++" software, its portable and small in size, to capture the image. ( you can use cmd if you want)
it will capture in .wim format (system backup)
convert that wim file into .SWM using same software. (SD/WIM Conversion)
5 DISM++ copy.jpg


when executing the conversion, it will ask for the size, select 4GB, it will break that .wim file into multiple .swm files.
The file should be named "install". you will get multiple files like install.swm, install1.swm, install2.swm..
Copy all those files to "RecoveryImage" folder in BIOS_RVY Partition.
6 Manual RecoveryImage.jpg


If you already have BIOS_RVY, just assign a letter, it will be temporary, and delete/backup to another location all the install.swm files there and paste/replace the newly created files.
you don't have to follow next step. Next step are for those who are manually creating BIOS_RVY partition.

Now either use diskpart command or use partition software to change the partition to recovery partition.
if you use cmd, diskpart, use
set id="de94bba4-06d1-4d40-a16a-bfd50179d6ac"
gpt attributes=0x8000000000000001

if you prefer partition software, google it on how to do it.
Thats it.

F3 RECOVERY OPTION
This step is very important, it will further save you from loosing the current f3 msi factory reset option, if you already have it, and prohibit windows from further creating useless smaller multiple recovery partitions for winre.
first check if your winre is in 4th partition or not by running command "reagentc /info" in cmd. If not then change it. How? Either google it or ask me in comments, i will try to assist you.
WINRE LOCATION CHECK.jpg


If you still have MSI factory reset option intact from windows 10, it will not work even if its there. you have to use F3_Recovery_USB by MSI once to update the current f3 option to make it workable in win 11.
If you don't have recovery option then you have to use that F3_Recovery_USB files from F3_Recovery_USB website to proceed with recovery option.

Aslo don't forget to rename C drive to "Windows".
THATS IT. IT will work..

But make sure that your partitions are in order. Check the image to see my partition order. it should be in order for it to work.
3 WORKING PARTITION.jpg


I have tried myself so i am sharing this experience here.

Please BACKUP YOUR OPERATING SYSTEM in case something goes wrong.
But i am sure it will work ,if your first four partitions i.e. [system-MSR-windows-winre] are together and last partition is BIOS_RVY.

I hope this will help you. If you find it helpful. Please share it with others in need. Sharing is caring.
 

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  • 3 WORKING PARTITION.jpg
    3 WORKING PARTITION.jpg
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I've tried to get MSI to give me the original image for my GF63 thin 9sc and they wanted to have me pay for the flashdrive. It was their techs that told me to install the OS from the Media Creator and I told them that isn't the original image and by them tellin me to goto the MSI website to DL the SW and drivers wasn't going to do what I needed. Does your method create the factory image?
 
I've tried to get MSI to give me the original image for my GF63 thin 9sc and they wanted to have me pay for the flashdrive. It was their techs that told me to install the OS from the Media Creator and I told them that isn't the original image and by them tellin me to goto the MSI website to DL the SW and drivers wasn't going to do what I needed. Does your method create the factory image?
Now you don't have to pay them for USB.
Just use the tutorial and have it all by yourself..
 
This is what mine looks like, as far as I can see it all looks normal. However, I can't factory restore my laptop, can you tell me what I need to please? Also, I noticed when I assigned a letter to the each of the partitions I noticed they are empty, there should be a few install.wim files in the BIOS_RVY partition right, and what should be in the remaining partitions? And I downloaded that new F3 USB Recovery from MSI but is that why it didn't work? Why would installing Windows 11 clear them out?:

Screenshot 2022-05-09 230026.jpg
Screenshot 2022-05-09 230026.jpg
diskpart.jpg
 
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This is what mine looks like, as far as I can see it all looks normal. However, I can't factory restore my laptop, can you tell me what I need to please? Also, I noticed when I assigned a letter to the each of the partitions I noticed they are empty, there should be a few install.wim files in the BIOS_RVY partition right, and what should be in the remaining partitions? And I downloaded that new F3 USB Recovery from MSI but is that why it didn't work? Why would installing Windows 11 clear them out?:

View attachment 159643View attachment 159643View attachment 159644
The partitions look good. As you have said that your hidden recovery partitions are empty, that means there are no recovery files to recover from. I don't know why is it that your recovery partitions are empty, but they should not be.
Installing windows 11 won't sabotage your recovery partitions because they cannot delete recovery partitions or files inside them. I can't say why this is the case. But what i can say is that if you follow the procedure, you can make your own MSI recovery. Just follow the tutorial.

WinRE tools partition should have two folders, Recovery and WinRE, Inside WinRE there should be two folders (WindowsRE and Logs) which are system hidden, Inside WindowsRE is Winre.wim along with other 3 Files.
BIOS_RVY should have Recoveryimage folder. Inside that should me multiple install.swm files.
 
Screenshot 2022-05-10 194644.png
IMG_20220510_204140.jpg


This is my current drive setup on Windows 11. I am missing the WinRE partition, but loading it from the USB (using the MSI WinRE tool) seems to get me in the MSI Recovery. I followed your instructions in placing the drives in the correct order and renaming C:/ to Windows however I still encounter errors saying they are not in the right layout.

I need to perform the recovery as I'd like to get back on the factory OS that comes preinstalled with all drivers. It's a hassle having to evade the Windows 11 internet setup requirement and waiting for drivers to be installed from Windows Update.

I would really appreciate some help before I send it to be factory reset in the MSI repair centre...
 
View attachment 159661View attachment 159662

This is my current drive setup on Windows 11. I am missing the WinRE partition, but loading it from the USB (using the MSI WinRE tool) seems to get me in the MSI Recovery. I followed your instructions in placing the drives in the correct order and renaming C:/ to Windows however I still encounter errors saying they are not in the right layout.

I need to perform the recovery as I'd like to get back on the factory OS that comes preinstalled with all drivers. It's a hassle having to evade the Windows 11 internet setup requirement and waiting for drivers to be installed from Windows Update.

I would really appreciate some help before I send it to be factory reset in the MSI repair centre...
I followed a guy on YouTube and he had a working solution for when F3C Recovery doesn't work, you still need to have the recovery partitions (mine were empty sadly after a failed MSI Burn Recovery), I'm not sure if the correct order matters but you could give it a go...
 
I followed a guy on YouTube and he had a working solution for when F3C Recovery doesn't work, you still need to have the recovery partitions (mine were empty sadly after a failed MSI Burn Recovery), I'm not sure if the correct order matters but you could give it a go...

I just tried this, but the directory doesn't exist for me...
 
View attachment 159661View attachment 159662

This is my current drive setup on Windows 11. I am missing the WinRE partition, but loading it from the USB (using the MSI WinRE tool) seems to get me in the MSI Recovery. I followed your instructions in placing the drives in the correct order and renaming C:/ to Windows however I still encounter errors saying they are not in the right layout.

I need to perform the recovery as I'd like to get back on the factory OS that comes preinstalled with all drivers. It's a hassle having to evade the Windows 11 internet setup requirement and waiting for drivers to be installed from Windows Update.

I would really appreciate some help before I send it to be factory reset in the MSI repair centre...
Check where is your winre file at. use "reagentc /info" in command prompt. make sure it is on that 604MB recovery. it should be on 4th partition.
assign letters to those two recovery partitions and make sure files are there.
Share the Screenshot of reagent cmd and files from those recovery partitions here so that i could try to assist you better.

One thing though, i have never tried bitlocker, your drives seems to have bitlocker on. it may be the problem. so try disabling it for recovery process..
 
Check where is your winre file at. use "reagentc /info" in command prompt. make sure it is on that 604MB recovery. it should be on 4th partition.
assign letters to those two recovery partitions and make sure files are there.
Share the Screenshot of reagent cmd and files from those recovery partitions here so that i could try to assist you better.

One thing though, i have never tried bitlocker, your drives seems to have bitlocker on. it may be the problem. so try disabling it for recovery process..


Screenshot 2022-05-11 143157.png


I think this is where the problem lies. Seems like Windows RE doesn't even exist on my install. I did nuke a Windows RE partition the first time I was clean installing, but I guess it doesn't automatically create one? What are my options here?
 
Check where is your winre file at. use "reagentc /info" in command prompt. make sure it is on that 604MB recovery. it should be on 4th partition.
assign letters to those two recovery partitions and make sure files are there.
Share the Screenshot of reagent cmd and files from those recovery partitions here so that i could try to assist you better.

One thing though, i have never tried bitlocker, your drives seems to have bitlocker on. it may be the problem. so try disabling it for recovery process..

Screenshot 2022-05-11 144038.png


By the way, my Huawei laptop has everything intact. Reagentc shows as enabled and I can see the recovery files in the folder. It runs Windows 10 and is a completely different brand of laptop. What are the chances I can copy and paste these into my MSI? Would that be too risky?
 
View attachment 159684

I think this is where the problem lies. Seems like Windows RE doesn't even exist on my install. I did nuke a Windows RE partition the first time I was clean installing, but I guess it doesn't automatically create one? What are my options here?
This is why in the post i said clean install using usb and deleting partitions is a destructive method of installing windows and people should avoid it. Any ways now for the solution, you can either copy winre from other laptop or windows iso file and manually add it. You can google it.
 
This is why in the post i said clean install using usb and deleting partitions is a destructive method of installing windows and people should avoid it. Any ways now for the solution, you can either copy winre from other laptop or windows iso file and manually add it. You can google it.

I just tried playing around with "Repair your computer" from a Windows 11 ISO however none of the options worked, they all displayed errors. I will try copying from the other laptop, hopefully it doesn't mess it up any further.
 
View attachment 159685

By the way, my Huawei laptop has everything intact. Reagentc shows as enabled and I can see the recovery files in the folder. It runs Windows 10 and is a completely different brand of laptop. What are the chances I can copy and paste these into my MSI? Would that be too risky?
It probable can't be done and you should not do it.
 
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