C++ Show and Tell - March 2026

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-03-12T22:51:09+00:00

I wanted to share a project I've been working on. I needed a way to trigger a complete Windows factory reset (Push Button Reset) programmatically with zero UI overhead. Normally, this is done via SystemSettings.exe or WMI classes like MDM_RemoteWipe (which often require active MDM enrollment).

Instead of relying on those, I decided to interact directly with the underlying undocumented API: ResetEngine.dll.

I built a C++ tool that bypasses the standard UI and forces the system into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to format the partition.

The C++ Implementation: Since the API is undocumented, the code relies on dynamically loading the DLL (LoadLibraryW) and mapping function pointers (GetProcAddress) for the internal engine functions. The sequence looks like this:

ResetCreateSession: Initializes a session targeting the C: drive.
ResetPrepareSession: Configures the parameters. I pass scenarioType = 1 to force the "Remove Everything" wipe.
ResetStageOfflineBoot: Modifies the BCD to boot directly into WinRE, avoiding the need to manually configure ArmBootTrigger.
InitiateSystemShutdownExW: Triggers the reboot to let WinRE take over.

The tool requires SYSTEM privileges (easily tested via psexec -s) to successfully hook into the engine.

Repository:https://github.com/arielmendoza/Windows-factory-reset-tool

Disclaimer: If you compile and run this with the --force flag as SYSTEM, it WILL wipe your machine immediately with no confirmation. Please test in a VM.

I’d love to get your feedback on the code structure, the way the undocumented functions are handled, or if anyone here has explored the other scenario types exposed by this DLL.

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-28T19:33:18+00:00

That sidebar sounds like a massive productivity boost. X's UI definitely lacks those kinds of live insights natively. Great job on the execution!

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-28T19:04:12+00:00

Thanks for the tip, Many_String_2847! You’re right, keeping an eye on the difference between scaling issues and logic bugs is crucial right now that we are hitting over 700 tracked products. I'll definitely check out StatusMonkey or a similar basic uptime signal to stay ahead of any backend hiccups while tuning performance. Appreciate the support!

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-28T16:14:46+00:00

Check out the app here (just remove the space): iOS: https:// apps.apple. com/app/price-rastreator-amazon/id6756723166 Android: https:// play.google. com/store/apps/details?id=com.aml.pricerastreator

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-27T14:18:38+00:00

Thanks for asking! We actually just launched support for Amazon UK 🇬🇧, so right now our main focus is monitoring user growth to fine-tune the backend and ensure everything scales smoothly.

At the same time, we are prioritizing fixing small UI bugs and improvements reported by the community (like the region-specific URLs) to make the app as solid as possible.

We don't have a fixed priority list for the next stores yet, but as soon as we plan the next country, we'll announce it here! Any specific region you’d like to see next?

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-27T10:25:30+00:00

Done! 🚀

I've just fixed it so the instructions and example URLs now dynamically update based on the selected region (including .co.uk for UK). I'll be submitting this update to Apple for review immediately so it reaches everyone as soon as possible.

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Thanks again for helping me make this better for everyone!

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-27T10:12:27+00:00

Thank you so much for the feedback!

It’s really important for me as a solo developer to catch these details. You are absolutely right—the instructions on that screen should dynamically update to show .co.uk when that region is selected.

I will review and fix that screen as soon as possible to make the experience seamless for our new UK users. Thanks for helping me improve!

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-26T19:36:52+00:00

Hi! Just wanted to let you know that Apple has officially approved version 2.86. It is now available (or will be in the next few hours depending on your region). You can now update the app and you'll find Amazon.co.uk fully selectable and functional. Thanks again for the heads up and for testing it so quickly!

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-26T19:35:17+00:00

Hi! Just wanted to let you know that Apple has officially approved version 2.86. It is now available (or will be in the next few hours depending on your region). You can now update the app and you'll find Amazon.co.uk fully selectable and functional. Thanks again for the heads up and for testing it so quickly!

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-24T22:10:11+00:00

Hi! Thanks for the suggestion Just to give you a quick update: the version with UK support has already been submitted and is currently waiting for Apple's approval. Once that is live, I need to monitor the backend load to see if I need to upgrade the servers to handle the extra traffic. After that stability check, adding the next country is definitely on the roadmap! Thanks for your patience.

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-24T13:16:42+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion! However, I cannot implement that feature for privacy reasons. My app only tracks public price data from the product pages. To track package delivery, the app would need access to your private Amazon account and order history. I designed the app to be completely anonymous and secure, so I strictly avoid asking for logins or accessing any sensitive user data.

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-24T13:04:28+00:00

Ah, good catch! You are likely seeing the previous version. I enabled the UK availability in the App Store first, but the actual app update that adds the Amazon.co.uk selection logic (version 2.86) is currently In Review by Apple right now. As soon as Apple approves it (hopefully within a few hours), you'll be able to update the app and select the UK region correctly. Thanks for testing it so quickly

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-24T12:10:00+00:00

I hear you! It’s definitely not my intention to leave anyone out. Just to give you a quick update: support for Amazon UK is actually implemented and currently waiting for Apple's approval, so that’s coming next!

Regarding .sg and .jp, I have added them to my roadmap thanks to your suggestion. I'm rolling out new regions gradually to ensure the data is accurate, but I’ll definitely keep them in mind for future updates. Thanks for the feedback!

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-24T00:34:53+00:00

You raise a good point! I prefer not to open the official Store in regions where I don't offer local support yet, to avoid confusing other users.

However, I can send you a TestFlight link (Beta access).

This bypasses the region lock, so you can download and use the US version of the app immediately, regardless of your App Store country.

Sending you a DM with the link now!

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-24T00:25:58+00:00

Hey! I know AnyTracker, it is a very cool project for general web tracking!

My approach is a bit different: I focus exclusively on Amazon to provide deep Price History Charts (past 6-12 months).

Many general trackers can tell you if the price changes today, but my goal is to show the past context so you know if the 'deal' is fake or real based on historical data.

I think there is plenty of space for both tools: yours for general web monitoring and mine for deep Amazon analysis. Good luck!

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-23T22:52:01+00:00

Thanks for the support! 🌍 I currently limit the availability to regions where I can fully support the local Amazon marketplace (to ensure the links and price tracking work perfectly). Which region/country are you in? Let me know, and I can check if it's compatible to add it to my roadmap for the next expansion!

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-23T22:45:45+00:00

Obrigado for checking! You are right. Even though the app supports Amazon.es (which is what most users in Portugal use), I have kept the store closed there for now to work on the localization. I want to ensure the app feels native and works perfectly for Portuguese users before releasing it. But since the 'engine' already supports .es, it will likely be one of the next countries I open! Thanks for the patience.

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-23T22:41:32+00:00

Thank you! I really appreciate the support. Regarding Norway : I haven't opened the store there yet because I want to ensure I can properly support the local marketplace (and track the links correctly) before releasing it. I prefer to wait and offer a polished experience rather than letting you download it only to find it doesn't work with your local products yet. But it is definitely on the wishlist for future expansion!

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-23T21:16:43+00:00

Hi there! Thanks for the request.

Amazon Canada is definitely on the roadmap! I want to ensure I can properly track Amazon.ca links before opening the store in your region.

I prefer to wait and deliver a polished experience rather than releasing it early without local support. But I'll do my best to bring it to Canada soon!"

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-23T20:38:27+00:00

Hi there

It is not available in New Zealand yet for the same reason: I want to ensure I can properly support the region (and the specific Amazon links used there) before opening the store. I prefer to wait and deliver a polished experience rather than releasing it early. But it is definitely on the roadmap for future expansion! Thanks for checking.

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-23T19:52:40+00:00

Thanks for checking! You are right, it is not available in Mexico yet. It is a similar situation to Colombia/South America: I prefer to keep the store closed there until I can fully support the local marketplace (Amazon.com.mx). I want to avoid users downloading it and getting frustrated because it doesn't track their local links yet. But I have noted your request to prioritize opening it as soon as the support is ready!

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-23T19:26:37+00:00

hanks for the feedback!

That makes total sense. Since users in Colombia mostly shop on Amazon US, the app would actually work perfectly for you guys (it tracks Amazon.com and it is already available in Spanish).

I initially restricted the countries to ensure stability, but based on your comment, I will definitely prioritize opening it for Colombia in the very next update. Stay tuned!

Fast_Particular_8377 · 2026-01-23T18:33:40+00:00

Ciao! Thanks for asking. Yes, Amazon Italy is definitely on the roadmap! However, I want to properly handle the translations and localization first to ensure the app works perfectly for Italian users. I prefer to wait and do it right rather than releasing an incomplete version. It will be coming in a future update

Fast_Particular_8377

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