Abstract: A method and apparatus resetting device drivers to their factory-installed state, without requiring reinstallation of the operating system, to return the computer to a functioning condition. A back-up component is provided that backs-up and stores all associated device drivers, as originally installed by the computer manufacturer, onto non-removable media inherent to the computer system along with their preferred order of installation. A reset component is provided that retrieves the drivers from their storage location and resets, restores, or reinstalls the drivers as required, in their preferred order, as originally installed by the computer manufacturer. The reset component can be invoked automatically by a novice user, requiring little or no interaction, or it may be accessed through a graphical user interface (GUI) by a technician.