How to factory reset a UC Compute TSC2 ThinkSmart device

Goal

After completing this how-to you will have learned to factory reset.  This process can be used to reset the Lenovo TSC2 ThinkSmart in order to bring the device back to factory defaults.  

Step 1

To create bootable Recovery Media:
 
Note: Once bootable Recovery Media has been created, it is usable for all devices of that type.  The image is not serial number restricted.
 
 

1.     Go to LenovoRecovery - Lenovo Support US.

2.     Enter the Serial number for your device.

3.     Choose your language.

4.     Click Digital Download.

5.     Check the box “I accept the Terms and Conditions”.

6.     Click Next.

   
 
7.  Sign in with your Lenovo ID.
8.  Enter customer information (your info).
9.  Click Submit.
10.  Click Digital Download to download the recovery media.

 
11.  Locate USBRecoveryCreator.exe in downloads and run it.
12.  Click Download Recovery Files and Create a Recovery USB Key.
 

 
13.  Enter your Lenovo ID.
14.  Click Sign in.
15.  Click Next.
 

 
16.  Select Download Location.
17.  Click OK.
Note: You can create a folder named Lenovo Recovery or something similar to save it for future uses.
Example:
18.  Click Download.

19.  Insert a 32gb USB drive into your computer.
20.  Once download finishes, click Next.
 

 
21.  Select your USB from the list and click Next.

22.  Click Yes.

 
23.  Once finished, it gives you a choice to keep the files or delete them.  Choose No, Exit and you will be able to create this recovery media again by running the USBRecoveryCreator.exe at any time.  Then choose Create Recovery USB Key and point to the folder you created when downloading the files.
 
Once you have the bootable Recovery Media created continue to Step 2 to re-image the device.

Step 2

Re-image device:
 
 

1.     Turn the device off.

2.     Plug in the USB drive.

3.     Turn the device on.

4.     Repeatedly press F12 until a boot menu appears.

5.     Choose the USB drive.

6.     Click Ok.

 
Re-imaging process will start and finish without user intervention.  You will be brought back to the original "out-of-the-box" condition.  Once the device has been reconfigured, please follow these steps to ensure a successful deployment:
 
 

1.     Click HERE for available drivers for your device.

2.     Download and install all available drivers from Lenovo's website.

3.     Manually update MTR.  Click HERE for those instructions.

4.     Install all available Optional updates through Windows Update.