In the context of troubleshooting, what does 'Restore' refer to?

In the context of troubleshooting, 'Restore' refers to the process of returning a device to factory settings. This action typically involves erasing all content and settings on the device, essentially resetting it to the state it was in when it first left the factory. This can be particularly useful when a device is experiencing significant issues that cannot be resolved through less drastic measures, such as rebooting or updating software.

Restoring a device can help eliminate problems caused by software glitches, corrupted files, or erroneous settings that may have accumulated over time. It can also help prepare a device for a new user by wiping personal data and settings completely. While this process does solve problems, it is important for users to back up any necessary data prior to performing a restore, as it results in complete data loss.

In contrast, recovering data from a backup involves reinstating information that was previously saved, while reinstalling applications pertains to the installation of specific programs. Restarting all software would not typically be classified as restoring, as it does not involve returning the device to its original factory state.