Reseting computer to factory settings.

Hey there,
I have a Gateway MG1 (P-6872h) computer, vista 64-bit OS, and lately it has been acting up really bad. I wanted to reset it to factory settings, but I have a few of questions. When I first got my computer, no discs came with it so I have been reading up on how to make recovery discs of the operating system using the hidden partition on my hard drive, but my gateway has no gateway recovery center, nor does it have a system restore. Does this mean I cannot make back up discs of the operating system or my applications, or will there perhaps be an option when I actually go to reset it?

Secondly, will I need the microsoft operating key to be able to activate the partition on my hard drive, or will it not need it?

I know to get into the boot settings I have to press alt f10, and from there do I just follow the instructions?

I have my files backed up on an external hard drive so I'm ready to reset it, but I just wanted to be 100% sure of this process before I went and screwed something up. Thanks for your help!

Welcome
During boot keep pressing,quickly f11 if does not work try holding it down during boot.
You will lose your stuff, If you want to save your stuff post.

With f11 not key needed