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Hard Reset
Hard Reset
Hard Reset
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Hard Reset
DeveloperFlying Wild Hog
Publishers
DirectorMichal Szustak
Designers
  • Michal Szustak
  • Klaudiusz Zych
Artists
  • Pawel Libiszewski
  • Zbigniew Siatecki
  • Lukasz Zdunowski
ComposerWojciech Blazejczyk
EngineRoad Hog Engine
Platforms
ReleaseWindows
  • WW: 13 September 2011
Redux
Windows, PS4, Xbox One
  • WW: 3 June 2016
  • PAL: 8 June 2016[1] (PS4)
Amazon Luna
  • US: 20 October 2020
GenreFirst-person shooter
ModeSingle-player

Hard Reset is a 2011 first-person shooter game developed by Flying Wild Hog[2] and released for Windows in September 2011.[3] The game features a cyberpunk plot within a dystopian world, and draws inspiration from the works of William Gibson, Neal Stephenson, and Philip K. Dick to create its story, setting and atmosphere.

In 2012, Hard Reset received a free expansion titled Hard Reset: Exile, and was then bundled as Hard Reset: Extended Edition. In June 2016, a remastered version called Hard Reset Redux was released alongside versions for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One with upgraded graphics and new weapons and enemies.[4] Redux was made available for Amazon Luna in October 2020.[5] The game received mixed reviews from critics.

Gameplay

[edit]

Hard Reset is modeled on video games such as Quake and Unreal, which results in more straightforward gameplay than most contemporary first-person shooters. The various stages have secret areas with hidden pick ups such as health and ammunition. The environments are designed similarly, as there are explosive barrels and various vending machines outfitted with electroshock anti-vandalism defenses, that can trigger splash damage by being shot at, scattered throughout the levels, which the player can use by luring enemies near them. The game lacks a multiplayer mode, which was a chief criticism.[2]

Unlike most old-school first-person shooters, which feature a liberal variety of guns and throwable weapons that can be stored in a magic satchel-style inventory, Hard Reset features only two weapons, the CLN Modular Assault Rifle, and the EEF-21 Plasma Rifle. Both weapons have unlockable firing modes, the Modular Assault Rifle including the option to strap add-ons such as grenade and rocket launchers, and the plasma rifle allowing railguns and stasis modules.[6]

Exile and Extended Edition

[edit]

Hard Reset: Exile is a free expansion for Hard Reset. It was first released in March 2012 as a part of the boxed Hard Reset re-release called Hard Reset: Extended Edition.[7] The expansion is available for all Steam owners of Hard Reset for free since July 2012.[8] Hard Reset: Exile features a few new weapons, levels, enemy types, and a boss. It further continues the story of James Fletcher, as he journeys into the outer city's robot-controlled territory and tracks down the Corporation's secret weapon that is self-aware and blocks the path toward the "Resistance" bases.

Reception

[edit]

Hard Reset and Hard Reset Redux received "mixed or average" reviews from critics, according to the review aggregator website Metacritic.[9][10][11][12]

Reviewers cited the visual quality and the intensity of the gameplay as strong points, evoking comparisons to other "old-school" shooters as Serious Sam or Painkiller. Common points of contention were the game's relatively short length, limited level design, and the perceived difficulty.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
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Hard Reset

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A hard reset on an Android phone, synonymous with a in official Google documentation, is the process of restoring the device to its original factory settings by erasing all user data, , and configurations, often performed via hardware buttons when the device is unresponsive or locked. This procedure is commonly used for severe software issues, such as persistent crashes, , or , and has been a standard feature since the introduction of Android in 2008. In practice, a hard reset can be initiated through the device's settings menu under options like "System > Reset options > Erase all data ()" when the phone is operational, or via using a combination of power and volume buttons if the device is frozen or inaccessible. Google recommends backing up important data beforehand, as the process permanently deletes everything on the device, including photos, contacts, and installed applications, rendering them irrecoverable without prior synchronization to a or . Following the reset, the phone restarts in its initial setup state, requiring users to sign in with their Google account and potentially reconfigure features like , apps, and security settings. Distinguishing a hard reset from a or is crucial, as the former involves a complete , while the latter merely reboots the device without altering stored information. Official guidelines emphasize ensuring the device is charged to at least 70% and connected to or post-reset for seamless account verification, which helps prevent issues like Factory Reset Protection (FRP), a security feature introduced in to deter unauthorized use on stolen devices. Over the years, the implementation of hard resets has evolved with , incorporating enhanced and security measures to ensure data is thoroughly wiped, as analyzed in academic studies on Android's factory reset mechanisms.

Overview and Definitions

Definition of Hard Reset

A hard reset on an is a procedure that restores the device to its original factory settings with the currently installed version, effectively erasing all user-installed applications, , , and settings. This process is particularly useful for resolving severe or when the device becomes unresponsive, ensuring a clean slate without retaining any user modifications. In official documentation from Google, the term "hard reset" is used interchangeably with "factory reset" or "," confirming their equivalence in functionality and purpose for Android devices. Unlike a , which simply restarts the device to address minor glitches, a hard reset comprehensively wipes user content to eliminate potential sources of deeper issues. The scope of a hard reset involves clearing the device's internal storage of all personal files, accounts, and , while preserving the core installation in its current version, thereby simulating the without requiring a full OS reinstallation. This erasure occurs across the user data partition, ensuring no remnants of prior usage persist after the reset completes.

Terminology Variations and Misconceptions

In general computing and older mobile devices, the term "hard reset" typically describes a forced or that does not erase user data, often achieved by holding down the power button until the device shuts off and . This contrasts with a , which is a standard initiated through software menus, and is commonly used to resolve temporary unresponsiveness without any . On , however, "hard reset" specifically refers to a full restoration to factory settings that erases all user data, , and configurations, making it synonymous with "factory reset" as defined in official documentation. Google Support explicitly states that factory resets are also known as "hard resets." A common misconception is that a hard reset on Android is equivalent to simply restarting the device, but this confuses it with a basic that preserves all data and settings. Instead, performing a hard reset via hardware buttons or irreversibly wipes the device, distinguishing it from non-destructive restarts recommended for minor troubleshooting.

Comparison to Other Reset Types

Soft Reset

A on an Android phone is a simple restart process that closes all running applications, clears temporary data in , and refreshes the without erasing any user data, , or settings. This method is particularly useful for resolving minor issues such as , , or caused by . Unlike a hard reset, which restores the device to factory settings and erases all personal data, a involves no and functions similarly to , preserving all stored information and configurations. It serves as a non-destructive step, often recommended before escalating to more intensive measures like a hard reset when initial attempts fail. For responsive , performing a basic typically involves pressing and holding the power button until the power menu appears, then selecting the "Restart" option to initiate the . This straightforward procedure usually takes only a few seconds and can be repeated as needed for everyday maintenance without any risk to the device's contents.

Factory Reset

A factory reset on an Android phone restores the device to its original out-of-the-box state by erasing all user-installed apps, personal data, accounts, and custom settings, effectively returning it to the software configuration it had upon initial purchase. This process is synonymous with a hard reset, as officially documented by Google, where the terms are used interchangeably to describe the comprehensive data wipe that resolves severe software issues. The overlap between "factory reset" and "hard reset" stems from historical documentation practices in 's development since its , where both phrases refer to the identical procedure of the device's internal storage, which can be initiated either through the settings menu when the device is operational or via using hardware buttons when it is unresponsive. This equivalence avoids confusion in technical contexts, emphasizing the procedure's role in without distinguishing between the initiation methods. A key aspect of a factory reset is that it triggers Factory Reset Protection (FRP), a security feature introduced by in in 2015, if previously enabled by adding a and setting a screen lock. FRP requires verification of the previously synced Google account credentials after the reset to prevent unauthorized access by thieves or unauthorized users. This measure ensures device ownership is tied to the owner's Google account, adding a layer of post-reset security. In scenarios where initial is needed, a —such as a simple —may serve as a preliminary step before resorting to a factory reset, but it does not involve .

Technical Aspects

How a Hard Reset Works

A hard reset on an Android device, synonymous with a factory reset, initiates a series of internal operations to restore the system to its original state by erasing user-installed data and configurations. This process begins when the device is booted into recovery mode, a specialized environment separate from the main , typically accessed through the using specific hardware button combinations. The bootloader, which is the initial loaded upon device power-on, unlocks access to the recovery partition, allowing the device to load the recovery image instead of the standard Android system. Once in recovery mode, the device displays a menu interface where the wipe data/factory reset option can be selected, triggering the core wiping mechanism. The recovery binary, executed from the recovery partition (defined in the device's partition map, such as ), identifies and targets key partitions for reformatting. Primarily, it wipes the /data partition, which stores all user data including apps, settings, and personal files, by reinitializing its (typically ) and erasing contents while potentially preserving specific metadata like encryption flags at the partition's end. Simultaneously, the /cache partition, which holds temporary system files, is also reformatted to ensure a clean slate. This step does not affect the , which contains the core Android operating system files. Following the partition wipes, the recovery mode performs any device-specific cleanup via methods like WipeData() in the recovery code, ensuring additional user data outside is handled if applicable. The process then concludes by rebooting the device, where the reloads the main system from the intact , now operating without the previously stored user data. The entire internal process typically takes 5-10 minutes, though it can vary up to an hour depending on the device model, storage size, and hardware specifications.

Effects on Device Data and Software

A hard reset, equivalent to a factory data reset on Android devices, permanently erases all user data stored on the device's internal storage, including , photos, , and . This process removes all and their associated data, uninstalling them completely and leaving no trace of user modifications on the internal memory. , if present, are generally unaffected by the reset unless the user explicitly selects an option to format them during the process, allowing data on to remain intact in most cases. In terms of software effects, a hard reset restores the device to its original factory state, reverting the to the currently installed stock Android version or, in some cases like using the Update & Software Repair tool, to the most recent available version. This eliminates user-installed apps and their data, as well as certain stored in user partitions, but does not remove or , effectively wiping out non-standard software elements in user data areas. While it can resolve certain by clearing corrupted files and configurations, it does not address underlying hardware problems, as the reset targets only software and . The process is irreversible without prior , as there is no built-in mechanism to undo the once initiated, making reliance on cloud or external backups essential for data preservation. The occurs through of the relevant , which overwrites pointers and renders the data inaccessible through normal means.

Usage Scenarios

When to Perform a Hard Reset

A hard reset on an Android device is typically recommended as a last resort for resolving severe software-related issues that cannot be fixed through simpler . It is particularly appropriate when the device becomes completely unresponsive due to persistent software glitches, such as being stuck in a boot loop where the phone repeatedly restarts without loading the properly. In such cases, a hard reset can restore the device to a functional state by clearing corrupted system files and settings. Another common scenario for performing a hard reset is when a user has forgotten their lock screen password, , or pattern, and no alternative access methods like are viable, especially if the device is locked out after multiple failed attempts. This procedure erases the tied to the forgotten credentials, allowing the user to regain access after the reset, though at the cost of all data. Severe malware infections that compromise device performance or security, despite attempts to remove them via , also warrant a hard reset to eliminate by wiping the entire system. Additionally, users preparing to sell, trade in, or dispose of their should perform a hard reset to protect their personal information by erasing all user data, apps, and configurations from the device. However, a hard reset should not be used for minor issues like temporary freezes or app crashes, where a soft reset—simply restarting the device—is sufficient as an initial step. It is also inappropriate for , such as a malfunctioning screen or battery, in which case should be sought instead of attempting a reset that would not address the underlying physical problem. For beginners encountering issues, it is advisable to always try less invasive fixes first, such as clearing the cache partition through recovery mode, before escalating to a full hard reset to minimize .

Risks and Precautions

Performing a hard reset on an carries significant risks, primarily the irreversible loss of all user data, including photos, contacts, apps, and settings, as the process completely erases the device's internal storage. This total erasure means that without prior , the data cannot be recovered through standard means, emphasizing the need for users to understand that a hard reset is a last-resort option for severe issues. Additionally, if the device is protected by Factory Reset Protection (FRP), forgetting the associated credentials after the reset can result in the phone becoming locked and unusable until the correct account is verified, potentially requiring professional assistance or contact with the manufacturer. In some cases, attempting a hard reset incorrectly may lead to hardware damage. To mitigate these risks, users should always back up essential data to or an external computer before initiating the process, ensuring that cloud-synced items like contacts and photos are up to date. It is also crucial to verify and note down the credentials linked to the device to avoid FRP lockout post-reset. Furthermore, ensure the device has at least 70% battery charge or is connected to a charger to prevent interruptions that could brick the phone during the reset. From a legal and ethical standpoint, while a hard reset is primarily a personal troubleshooting tool, it can erase in , such as in cases of device seizure by authorities; however, for individual users, the focus remains on safeguarding personal data rather than evading legal scrutiny.

Instructions for Android Devices

Preparation Before Reset

Before performing a hard reset on an Android device, it is essential to back up important data to prevent permanent loss, as the process will erase all user information. Android's built-in backup feature allows users to automatically sync contacts, photos, and other essentials to a via the Settings app under "System" > "Backup," ensuring seamless restoration on a new or reset device. For additional files such as documents or videos, transfer them manually to a computer using or upload to cloud services like Google Drive or . Failing to back up can result in irreversible , highlighting the importance of this step. Ensuring the device has sufficient is crucial to avoid interruptions during the reset process, which can take up to an hour or more. Official guidelines recommend charging the to at least 70% and connecting it to a power source before starting. Additionally, connecting to or a facilitates any necessary downloads or verifications post-reset. As an optional precaution, users may remove the and any prior to the reset to safeguard stored on them and prevent potential or . This step is particularly useful if the cards are intended for reuse in another device.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hard Reset

Performing a hard reset on an , also known as a factory reset, can be done through the device's settings menu if it is accessible and responsive. This method is straightforward and recommended for devices that can be navigated normally. According to official documentation, begin by opening the Settings app on the phone. Navigate to System, then select Reset options, and tap (factory reset). Confirm the action by entering your or password if prompted, and proceed with the reset. For devices that are unresponsive or locked out, a hard reset must be performed using hardware buttons to access recovery mode, which serves as the entry point for advanced troubleshooting options. The general process involves first powering off the device completely if possible. Then, press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button simultaneously for about 10-15 seconds until the device vibrates or the appears. Release the buttons and use the volume keys to navigate to the Recovery mode option, then select it by pressing the Power button. After selecting Recovery mode, if "No command" appears, press and hold the Power button and then press the Volume Up button once; release both buttons to enter the recovery menu. In the recovery menu, use the volume keys to highlight "Wipe data/factory reset," select it with the Power button, and confirm the action when prompted. Finally, choose "Reboot system now" to restart the device. Variations in the hardware reset process exist depending on the manufacturer and specific model, so it is essential to consult model-specific guides for accuracy. For , the button combination varies by model—for example, Volume Up + Home + Power on models with a , Volume Up + Bixby + Power on models with a dedicated Bixby button, or Volume Up + Power on newer models without physical buttons—and the option is often labeled "wipe data / factory reset." follow the standard Android recovery process using Volume Down + Power, with the menu options aligning closely to the general method described. Always verify the exact button combinations and menu labels for your particular device model through official manufacturer support resources to avoid errors.

Post-Reset Considerations

What Happens After a Hard Reset

Following a hard reset on an , the device completes the reset process and, upon selecting the restart option, displays a welcome screen similar to that of a brand-new device, initiating the initial setup process where users are prompted to select a language, connect to , and sign in with a to restore backed-up data and settings. This setup mimics the , requiring users to reconfigure preferences and reinstall apps, as all previous customizations have been erased. activates during this post-reset setup to enhance security against theft; the device requires verification using either the previously set screen lock or the credentials that were previously synced to it before allowing full access, and failure to provide these details will lock the device, rendering it unusable until the correct information is entered. This measure ensures that only the rightful owner or an authorized user can complete the setup after the reset. The initial boot and setup process after a hard reset may take longer than a —potentially up to an hour or more—due to the need for system reconfiguration, optimization of the , and any from the cloud, during which the device should remain powered and connected to a stable network. As noted earlier, this extended time aligns with the complete and .

Data Recovery Options

After a hard reset on an Android device, recovering data from internal storage is generally impossible without , as the process overwrites user data, apps, and configurations to restore factory settings, rendering the information irretrievable due to and . However, data stored on an may remain salvageable, as the reset typically does not format or erase the card unless explicitly selected during the process. One primary recovery option involves restoring from via Google Drive, provided automatic backups were enabled before the reset; this can recover apps, settings, , and some device settings, though it excludes certain files like those not synced, such as local media not uploaded to Google Photos. To perform this, users sign into their during post-reset and select the to restore, but success depends on the backup's recency and completeness. Third-party software like Dr.Fone offers features claiming to scan and retrieve lost files after a factory reset, but its reliability is questionable, with independent tests showing limited success in actually recovering or , often failing on modern Android devices due to built-in security. Users should approach such tools cautiously, verifying compatibility and avoiding unverified claims of guaranteed recovery.

References

  1. https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/4596836?hl=en
  2. https://support.google.com/android/answer/6088915?hl=en
  3. https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/archive/rja14/Papers/fr_most15.pdf
  4. https://www.android.com/intl/en_uk/articles/how-to-reset-android-device/
  5. https://source.android.com/docs/core/architecture/partitions
  6. https://www.wikihow.com/What-Is-the-Difference-Between-a-Hard-Reset-and-Factory-Reset
  7. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/soft-reset
  8. https://www.carlcare.com/ng/tips-detail/reboot-android-smartphone/
  9. https://www.techlicious.com/tip/how-to-reset-android-phone-without-losing-data/
  10. https://support.google.com/android/answer/9459346?hl=en
  11. https://source.android.com/docs/core/ota/nonab/device_code
  12. https://www.imobie.com/android-tips/how-long-does-a-factory-reset-take.htm
  13. https://www.itarian.com/blog/how-to-restore-android-to-factory/
  14. https://www.samsung.com/za/support/mobile-devices/how-to-perform-factory-reset-on-android-smartphone/
  15. https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS10002030/
  16. https://securis.com/blog/is-your-smartphone-data-safe-after-a-factory-reset/
  17. https://preyproject.com/blog/the-complete-guide-to-factory-reset
  18. https://www.quora.com/Can-I-reset-my-phone-with-an-SD-card-inserted-in-it-without-losing-any-data-on-the-SD-card
  19. https://support.google.com/android/answer/2819582?hl=en
  20. https://www.asurion.com/connect/tech-tips/how-to-restore-android-backup/
  21. https://support.google.com/drive/thread/337290843/i-have-lost-all-my-data-after-factory-reset-i-want-to-recover-all-of-my-data-including-all-files?hl=en
  22. https://drfone.wondershare.com/android-recovery/android-data-recovery-after-factory-reset.html
  23. https://www.gbyte.com/blog/dr-fone-review
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