Just bought a laptop and want to wipe it clean

JAMES VTI S

How can i wipe a pre-owned laptop i just bought, its on windows 7 and is a toshiba satellite

iggy

I use dban. Wipes it completely.
Then reinstall Windows.

www.dban.org

johndoe99

http://howtoformatacomputer.com/format-windows-7

JAMES VTI S

I got do CO with the machine.

FSL

You can download Windows 7 (the same version as on the laptop) from Microsoft and use the key on the sticker on the laptop to activate it.

If the sticker is missing/unreadable there is a utility available which will display the activation key on the laptop.

I think its called magic Jellybean or something like that.

JAMES VTI S

Is the label on the back

JAMES VTI S

So how do i go about clearing everything with only the activation key ?

PropJoe10

Do you have the activation key? It should be on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop.

JAMES VTI S

Product key ?

MarkR

Hi James, you can reinstall the operating system fairly easy. A point to note is that if there were any additional paid for software on the computer (Microsoft Office / Photoshop and the like) then wiping and reinstalling will remove that software.

That being said, your computer would have a few possible options for allowing you to reinstall. It may come with a recovery partition (a hidden part of the hard drive that you can install from), a recovery disc (less common now) or software on the laptop that allows you to create your own recovery dvd's.

What model laptop do you have?

A2LUE42

Run Belarc advisor to get any keys from it before you wipe it or do a new install. Save the info to a usb key or email it to yourself.

PropJoe10

Yep, the product key. You will need it when you're doing a Windows reinstall.

JAMES VTI S

It's a Toshiba Satellite, this sounds like i could end out pulling my hair out.

Is doing this really a DIY job ?

thomas anderson.

Yes it is, easy peasy. Dont forget to copy the drivers folder too and save it to a usb/cd

JAMES VTI S

LOL easy ...... drivers folder ?

A2LUE42

Is this what you are trying to do?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5dEOm1EJBw


Or what is the current state of the laptop, and what is it exactly you are trying to do and, as importantly, why?

sentient_6

I recently did a factory reset of the girlfriends windows 7 toshiba recently as per this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHeAQBMFieA

vectra

Does it have a hidden partition ?

JAMES VTI S

No idea to be honest

MarkR

It's fairly easy, just need to find out exactly what computer you have.

PropJoe10

I hope this doesnt come across wrongly, but if you're not sure or confident of what you're doing, it might be as well to get someone to look at it for you. If you happen to be in the Waterford area, PM me, I'd be happy to sort it out for you.

JAMES VTI S

What would it cost roughly to get this done

vectra

Messaged you there.

AlanS181824

Do a fresh install of Windows using the CD and it should wipe it.

MarkR

If you're around Limerick or Shannon James, I'm willing to give you a hand. It doesn't take long to actually get it done.

JAMES VTI S

I friend has sorted it out

MarkR

Really shiny red car?

JAMES VTI S

MarkR wrote: »

Really shiny red car?

?

vectra

MarkR wrote: »

Really shiny red car?

:cool:

MarkR

Thought it might have been a certain VRS owner helping you out. Glad you got sorted.

JAMES VTI S

It's a silver car