Maximum PC

I have a laptop that is in need of a fresh start. I recall that in “The Olden Days” you got and install Disc that came with your computer. I know that all the recovery data is “supposedly” stored on the computer's hard drive that has been partitioned. Here is my Question: How do I get to this recovery data to restore the computer back to its original condition? And its not so much about this computer as much as it is about restoring a computer to its initial settings.

Thanks Suzie

It depends on the individual laptop, from my experience.
For instance, the manual for my mom's Toshiba Satellite says that you need to press F12 while booting up in order to get a menu which includes accessing the Recovery procedure.