ZOTAC GAMING ZONE - How to restore Windows with recovery image

This FAQ section will go through the process of downloading the official Windows recovery image on our website, making a recovery media USB, and restoring a ZONE handheld console using said USB.

Please keep in mind that doing so will erase everything on the device. Please back up important data.

You will need the following items:

• A separate PC to create the bootable USB (or the ZONE, if it is operable)
• A keyboard
• A USB 3.0 drive, with at least 32GB of storage space
• A high-quality USB hub or handheld docking station
• The ZONE with at least 80% battery charge, and plugged in to a power source

To create a bootable Windows Recovery USB drive:

1. Download the ZONE Windows Recovery Image from this link: https://www.zotac.com/page/zone-image-download
2. After acquiring the Recovery Image .iso file, download rufus from here. Rufus is a tool that can create bootable USB media from .iso recovery images. If you prefer not to install the program, download the "Portable Version" (rufus-4.5p.exe.)

3. Insert the USB drive into the PC.
4. Open Rufus. 

5. Select the drive you just plugged in from the “Device” drop down menu. Then, in the “Boot selection” section, select the Recovery Image downloaded in Step 1.
6. Set the settings to the same as the image above.
7. Once configured, click on “Start” to create the recovery media. Wait for the progress bar to complete before unplugging the USB from the PC. Please keep in mind that this step will erase everything from the USB drive.​

To reset the ZONE using the recovery USB:

1. Plug in the ZONE.
2. Through the official ZONE Docking Station or a high-quality USB-C hub, plug in both a keyboard and the recovery USB.
3. Turn the ZONE off by either holding down the power button until the indicator lights next to it turn off, or select “Shut Down” from the Windows Start menu.

4. Press the power button to turn the ZONE back on. As soon as the power button is pressed and the ZONE begins to boot, hit F7 on the keyboard until the boot selection screen appears.
5. A boot device selection menu similar to the one in the below image would appear. Use the arrow keys to select the recovery USB drive you have created (marked Partition 1) and press ENTER to confirm.

6. Wait for the recovery process to complete. Keep the ZONE plugged in to a power source until the entire process is complete. No further input is required.
7. Once the ZONE arrives at the region selection screen of the Windows setup process, it is safe to unplug the USB drive.

8. Proceed with Windows set up as normal.