Just bought a laptop and want to wipe it clean

JAMES VTI S · 18-05-2014 11:56PM #1

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

iggy · 19-05-2014 12:29AM

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

www.dban.org

johndoe99 · 19-05-2014 09:41AM

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

JAMES VTI S · 19-05-2014 10:20AM

I got do CO with the machine.

FSL · 19-05-2014 03:59PM

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 · 19-05-2014 04:47PM

Is the label on the back

JAMES VTI S · 26-05-2014 10:42AM

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

PropJoe10 · 26-05-2014 11:04AM

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

JAMES VTI S · 26-05-2014 11:05AM

Product key ?

MarkR · 26-05-2014 11:09AM

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 · 26-05-2014 11:12AM

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 · 26-05-2014 11:15AM

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

JAMES VTI S · 26-05-2014 12:04PM

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. · 26-05-2014 12:07PM

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

JAMES VTI S · 26-05-2014 12:12PM

LOL easy ...... drivers folder ?

A2LUE42 · 26-05-2014 01:16PM

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 · 26-05-2014 01:24PM

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 · 27-05-2014 12:44PM

Does it have a hidden partition ?

JAMES VTI S · 27-05-2014 12:50PM

No idea to be honest

MarkR · 27-05-2014 12:51PM

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

PropJoe10 · 27-05-2014 12:58PM

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 · 27-05-2014 06:36PM

What would it cost roughly to get this done

vectra · 27-05-2014 07:39PM

Messaged you there.

AlanS181824 · 27-05-2014 07:41PM

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

MarkR · 28-05-2014 06:10AM

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 · 28-05-2014 08:17AM

I friend has sorted it out

MarkR · 28-05-2014 01:55PM

Really shiny red car?

JAMES VTI S · 28-05-2014 02:20PM

MarkR wrote: »

Really shiny red car?

?

vectra · 28-05-2014 07:55PM

MarkR wrote: »

Really shiny red car?

:cool:

MarkR · 29-05-2014 10:25AM

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

JAMES VTI S · 29-05-2014 11:42AM

It's a silver car

Just bought a laptop and want to wipe it clean

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