How to WIPE your hard drive and DELETE viruses from your PC!

[@HeribertoMillan-p4o]

Brother when I tell you I’ve been up all night trying to factory reset my computer because I’m getting ready to sell it… it’s now 1am and I been doing this since 4pm… I finally found your page and this was the answer after the factory reset refused to work… I truly thank you and appreciate the time you take out to give us this help…

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Wow, thank you so much! I appreciate the support 👍

[@Lecker_Pizza]

I just wanna from the depth of my heart, thank you so so much ❤️🙌. You have saved me, I thought i had no options when i was locked out of my pc after it crashed and the system was corrupted. I was worried for days thinking about another expensive bill to fix or buy a new pc. You have saved me time, money, stress. I wish i could buy you a crate of beers or something. I literally cannot thank you enough. ❤❤❤

[@Lecker_Pizza]

You also educated me a lot and that is invaluable 🙌

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Thank you. I appreciate that so much!!! There are links in every video if you want to support me chsnnal, but it's not necessary. Your comment warms my heart

[@PhilWane]

Really helpful guide - thank you. I knew the general principles and have done installs in the past but I wanted something tailored to recent versions of Windows (specifically 11). Nice clear walkthrough and some good tips and explanations as to why you might want certain options. I wanted to do a fresh install as about to give a laptop to a relative so wanted none of my Microsoft account details left on it (home or work). If nothing else it would lead to confusing messages for my relative. Bonus tip was the benefits of setting up a local account on the machine as they will have a Microsoft Account but I do not know the details. We can now hand over a working laptop and sort that later if that's what they want. Thanks again. Now subscribed to your channel.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Thank you, glad to have you on board 👍

[@DJUnknown-]

Thank you so much dude my laptop was running really slow due to viruses, malware, ect and nothing I tried work apart from this! Thank you so much!

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

So glsd to hear it! 👍

[@rustynorley6885]

This works! Thank you! I'm not good with complicated stuff but this was as easy as pie! It has given me a sense that I can do almost anything related to computers with the right instructions and YOU gave me the right instructions. Thank you so much!!!

[@kor2525]

I don't usually write any comments, but this video is incredible! Attention to detail, awesome pasing, excellent explanation and pretty cool tips along the way... It's just a well rounded awesome video with everything I was looking for. Thank you so much! Please keep helping people like me !

[@DavidOldenburg1]

I've always wiped but now you have malware that can survive a full wipe. Crazy

[@Obsidian_23]

Wym how

[@gx8307]

@@Obsidian_23its because of the cash file

[@blazeop6741]

then what to do?

[@gx8307]

@@blazeop6741 you have to buy bew ssd

[@JuneMikaels]

​@@Obsidian_23There is no virus that does that unless its state sponsered and at that point it isnt your fault but Microsoft or your motherboard manufacturer

[@DosBear]

Mission accomplished but I went about it in a much different way. I did what you recommended with regards to deleting all the partitions including the recovery partition and then I had to do everything else through command prompt/DOS. Luckily I could select the repair option & was able to access the DOS box. ;) It wouldn't let me format otherwise. I was able to use the same method as I did in order to fix a flash drive earlier in the day. Diskpart. Then once formatted I had to change it to GPT through DOS as well and like magic I now have windows installed. I can't thank you enough for your help as much of your advice came in very handy. I will stick to using local account for now and avoid Microsoft as you recommend as well. So I have a wiped internal hard drive now and that's just fine by me. Thanks man.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Wow that's a lot, but thankfully you got it squared away! Good job 👍

[@rhichkheedeinstein4535]

Bro thanks so much. You're the best. I've been struggling with a stupid virus. I even reset the machine but it didn't do any good. I'm very grateful

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

So glad to hear this!!! Rock on!

[@SAMZIRRA]

After watching the fourth video by this gentleman, I have decided that I trust him so much, I would join any cult he is leading, vote for any office that he’s running for, and probably let him borrow my car with my daughter. I trust him that much joking aside. This man has saved me hundreds probably hundreds of hours of grief and stress that I have been dealing with after building my first PC. I had several of those “God, where was this guy last month?!” moments. Thank you sir for the help!

[@D.von.N]

Some of the screens here ring the bell. I also reinstalled my Win10 earlier this year, also HP. But instead of going this complicated way, I downloaded their recovery tool, it needed a usb larger than 32GB and followed instructions. I had my data backed up previously. It took me throughout the entire process and got my Win10 freshly installed, whether it needed some extra driver or not. The manufacturer's own recovery tool should have contained all that was needed. That was my experience.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Agreed, that's usually the best option, especially since it's guaranteed to make it factory perfect. And usually the recovery creation option is preloaded so you can make your own disc. Sometimes you have to go to the vendor, and it's not always free. Glad you got it squared away 👍

[@dalemihocik4732]

Hey, thanks so much for this tutorial. The laptop at my church was locked as the password, pin, and key code [48] number were lost. I thought I might take a shot at correcting that with some help from KZbin and you came through for me and my church. When I got to 17:12 in the video my keyboard stopped working but the way around that is to expand the CMD box to full screen. Again, thanks to you we saved the cost of a repair, and we really didn't have the funds to do so.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

You just made my November! Thanks!!! ❤️

[@rhondae8222]

I appreciate all of your videos/content. Thanks a lot. 👍 🙂

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

My pleasure!

[@JoseyStranded]

Perfect timing for me. I was just about to do this.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Excellent! Glad it helped 👍

[@TheCosta5000]

Hey my dude your videos are excellent. Finally someone explains how to do stuff for noobs like myself. Your vids are very easy to follow, your doing God's work😂.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

I appreciate that so much!!! ❤️

[@kitrodriguez992]

Wasn't having too much issues. Nothing too major, but my reagentc was disabled and I couldn't enable it for whatever reason. Something probably happened to my Recovery Partition so I just shoved all my files in a 1TB HDD and clean installed Win11 with my ventoy drive. Obviously, everything works like new now. Having a lil USB with everything you might need is sweet. 🤘 EDIT: Also, a little bonus. My Windows 11 ISO is a little bit older so I didn't have to worry about MS account bypassiing. Made things easier for me. Updated everything when I got into Windows. ✌️

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Nice!

[@johnpedersen8387]

Thanks for making this video for most Windows users. You told it a way so they can get a pc working again. ❤

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Thank you. That was my goal, been meaning to make this one for a long time!

[@thelitepredator]

Omg I love this man your videos are so oooo helpful ❤❤❤ I'm a technican I enjoy watching you explain computer technician tasks 😊

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Thank you, I really appreciate that 👍

[@pineappleroad]

13:45 Just be aware, if you are greeted with the new setup UI (which is used by default on Windows 11 24H2 media), your USB drive will appear on that list Usually the drive at the top of the list is the one you want to wipe, but i did come across one machine where the 24H2 installer listed my USB first Also, i have a file that i can copy to a USB drive to bypass the Microsoft Account requirement automatically (and the file also skips the wireless setup screen automatically) If you are not connected to the internet, the file causes the installer to jump straight from the keyboard layout to the create a local account screen If you are connected to the internet, the file prevents the Microsoft account screen from being shown The file does not replace any of the windows files on the USB, however, the file must be present on the USB during the installation stage for it to be detected, and the installer will behave a bit differently with the file present (for example, it will not offer the option to perform an upgrade, nor will it offer the option to use the recovery function)

[@frankwillimasugwu6938]

so just in case, u having issues accessing the command line like i did while trying to sort out the local account, here is what i did turn of ur pc (press and hold the power button until the screen go blank), try accessing the advanced settings go to configuration settings and locate the "hot key" section, turn it off, save changes and restart system, this should fix it, i fixed mine following these steps, don't forget to go back and turn it back on after succesfull installation

[@teddyclifton9101]

I love the clarity of your explanation computer videos. I have a problem that I have not been able to find a credible solution to yet. I am wondering if you have ever addressed it in any of your you tube videos? I recently salvaged a large number of internal SATA HDDs from a dumpster. I have found about 5 of them (using either/or file explorer or disk management ) been able to remove any existing partitions and reformat and re partition them to my own needs. I am using an external dock to do this connected via a usb to a laptop with windows 11 on it. However I have an additional 6-8 large HDDs that do not show up in either disk management or file explorer. Many years ago I did recover HDDs that had these same issues but (i am 85 and memory is not my strong suit ) I have forgotten how i did it. I will return occasionally to this video and see if you have offered any suggestions. I don't intend to install any operating systems on them. I just want to be able to use them for external data storage. Thank you--Fred

[@kashafkhan7402]

Thanks Man! You are only one i found soo helpful

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

I appreciate that 👍

[@BP-xp8tg]

Very very helpful thanks❤ 21:39

[@uajoku]

This is so helpful and handy. Thank you so much.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

My pleasure! Glsd you found it useful 👍

[@timetriad6199]

Forget the Library computers… Admin rights are required to run that tool… because it uses DISKPART to wipe and format the UFD (USB Flash Drive). Other than that, good video. 👍🏻 I run WDS with MDT from an ESXi Host VM.

[@johnmartinez269]

I just had this problem. Local library wouldn't let me DL because of admin issues

[@seniorbeatbox]

Most thorough video I’ve seen on wiping so far, thank you 🙏 one question, if I just want to wipe all the drives to recycle or donate my pc, I just delete everything listed in that Setup window? Cheers,

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

That's what I would do. Plus maybe connect the drive in an external enclosure (such as this: amzn.to/3N5HOTE) and run a scrubbing program on it. Probably overkill if there is nothing *ultra* private you want to disappear 👍

[@ChuckD-lu5mb]

Awesome Video Sir and thank you. Question, what brand of flash drive did you use in this video? Thank you Sir!

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Thanks for the compliment. Can't quite remember, but the link should be in the description 👍

[@ChuckD-lu5mb]

@@AskYourComputerGuyGracias Señor and Cheers From Sunny Warm Puerto Rico Island

[@littlebigt0e]

You should mention that some people might need to install a LAN driver from the mobo manufacturer after doing this. After doing this video, I had no Internet connection. Had to install the Lan driver via USB. It's a minor inconvenience but some people might not know to do this.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Agreed. I mentioned the importance of backing up drivers in another video for this exact reason (EVERY Windows user should do THIS *right now*! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYizm4Kdds-latE), but you're right, I should have mentioned it again here. Usually a LAN driver is embedded in Windows, even a generic one. It's kind of rare for Windows to not give you ethernet capability. Thx for the tip 👍

[@NGT_C7]

Many thanks for the videos you upload, I've had a lot of help from them. Re the recovery partition, is there any possibility this may / could also be or get infected. Thanks, best wishes for a great week.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Unfortunately, yes it can.

[@NGT_C7]

@@AskYourComputerGuy thanks 🙂

[@eyesuckle]

Also, if you're re-loading Windows from the recovery partition of a very old computer (like mine) that was running, say, an older version of Windows 10 or maybe even Windows 8 when you bought it, you will spend a very looooooong time after your computer is up and running again downloading and installing service packs and patches to this older windows version to bring it up to date. Whereas if you use the method described in this video, presumably your recovery stick will load a fairly current version of Windows 10 or 11 and you won't have to spend days bringing it back up to date.

[@Techkomsan]

Great Video sharing for Windows users.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@k.chriscaldwell4141]

My PC’s hard drive melted down in the Spring of ‘22. All my data-SW, music, & files-is on other drives, SATA & USB. I have a Belarc file that tells me what I have installed and what versions. New drive in, reload OS, install critical SW, and back up in less than 6-hours. The key is having files on other drives and having backups.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Agreed!

[@rhondae8222]

This video is is similar to your video from a month ago titled: "Windows PC company locked? Here's how to get around it!" That video saved me a lot of money. Following your video (DIY) instructions, I was able to unlock and restart my Dell computer after using the USB to download and copy "create windows 10 installation media" and then uploading it to my then locked Dell (2020) windows 10 computer. However, I did not have any important documents/files on this computer; therefore, I chose to wipe it clean. Lol 😊

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Perfect, glad it helped!!!

[@ravenkf142]

you can use your smart phone to download windows using an otg adapter, in a emergency

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Yes in an absolute emergency - difficult, but absolutely doable!

[@keojiabrown6807]

I bought a usb and adapter from walmart and did this with my phone using ventoy. It was easy.

[@trustabyss]

Can you describe this process with Ventoy? Are you using your phone like a Ventoy flash drive? I'd like to know how you're doing that.

[@keojiabrown6807]

@trustabyss If your talking about me since my laptop is busted and it's the only pc device in the house I did not have the option to make a bootable drive from a pc. So I researched and seen with android you could make one with your phone using the app ventoy. I went to Walmart and got a onn usbc to usb adapter and a sandisk 32gb usb. With that I then followed yt video instructions on how to make a bootable drive with your android phone using ventoy. This is one of the videos I watched: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGGZZJqVjNmnaJYsi=HPnK-vDZCbE55OzF I can attest to the fact that it does work.

[@bambihasantlers4744]

Why do I need a 8 GB stick? Can't I use a smaller one ?

[@bobby4339]

I really like your Win reinstall video and your DATA backup videos. However, what about reinstalling applications? Is there a happy medium where we can get a “fresh” Win install (I.e., clean registry, etc) with Applications (maybe even selected) , then manually copy over data files from a USB/Data Drive/etc. Again, like your videos. Thank You.

[@hughmartell7987]

Thanks very much for all your videos. I'm still using Windows 7- any suggestions for a repair?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Unfortunately you can't download a Windows installer anymore, but you can always try F8 at startup and try safe mode, hopefully see if that works and maybe troubleshoot from there

[@robesveldt]

What is the difference between a quick and a full format on a new hard drive? Which is best to use on a new hard drive.

[@Maddie-zv3gv77]

Very helpful video. Thank you!!

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

You're welcome!

[@infinity.8]

Sure this video will help more in windows 10 bcuz windows 11 its a waiting time 👍👍

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

👍

[@misterhoudi2824]

Bro is a pro 💪💪

[@tubeDude48]

1 more step that should be taken BEFORE doing a fresh install, would be to get the Driver's for that computer, from the manufacturer of that PC! Otherwise you could be WITHOUT a way to connect to the Internet since Windoz may not figure that Network Driver! --- Yes, I do understand about possibly keeping the Recovery Partition. I've worked on computer since 1976. I was a Network Engineer for 45 years

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Which is why I mention DriverMax in the last part of the video - back up your drivers and you'll be fine after the Windows reinstall 👍

[@tubeDude48]

@@AskYourComputerGuy - It was a pain in the A$$ to work with those people! They tried to screw me over; so I emailed to BBB!

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

@tubeDude48 I've never had an issue. Download the software, back up drivers, done.

[@charleshines5700]

There is a Powershell command that can backup the drivers. Reinstalling the missing ones is similar in a way to doing that thing with the rapid storage. Just make sure to put them on a drive you won't be wiping. I had a laptop that came with Windows 11 and I backed up the drivers this way from it before going to Windows 10 and they all worked. Windows 11 is just Windows 10 with more spyware and that annoying "click to show more" in all of the menus. In the early days of Windows 11 there was a registry fix that removed that annoying part of the GUI but Microsoft in their infinite stubbornness made it not work. They are just too stubborn to let you have a tolerable version of Windows!!

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

You aren't wrong, but most novice users will have zero idea how to do that 🤷‍♂️

[@jmaros15]

@ 16:02 I wish you asked the viewers to disconect the internet cable from their PC because it automatically connected me to the internet!

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

I believe I actually mentioned that in the video 🤷‍♂️

[@jameswray2756]

Thanks for the info.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Absolutely! Glad you found it useful 👍

[@emowoly]

I’m downgrading from 11 to 10 because my laptop is having a lot of bugs with windows 11 and this was really helpful thanks!! I’ve reset my computers before but I’ve never done a clean install from a usb and had no idea how to do it

[@Techkomsan]

This video really good

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

So glad you found it helpful!! Thanks!

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Thank you ❤️

[@UnaNeary]

Thank you so much for making this. I had done this once before, years and years ago, but could not remember every detail and nothing like a clean copy of Windows. Over time we collect so much junk that clogs up and slows down our system. Have you got a video about a good backup and restore? So that when we do a clean install of Windows, we can then restore our pictures documents and videos, to the new one. I use File History but it seems to encode all the back up files. How do we restore personal files to the new copy of Windows? That would be an awesome one if you have a link to that as well.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Thank you for the comment! No, not exactly as you asked...but i did make a video on how to backup your personal files IF you can still access Windows. Looks like I need to make another video! Thanks for the idea 👍 The definitive guide to backing up your PC kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXW8fH-wopJ4g9E

[@jmm9106]

thx for video, it worked for me:). whats the difference with this method you are showing and to do a windows reset?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

A Windows reset just replaces the Windows system files and *supposedly* will get you working again. It gives you the option to save or delete your personal files. It does not keep any programs you have installed after initial setup

[@Sonya_Makepeace]

I often format my drives. I've never gone a whole year without formatting a drive.

[@mafia_pup2882]

Hello, I keep getting the blue screen when im playing heavy games, i did some virus detection and removal theres like 300+ of infected files and 11 pups detected, but when i get the blue screen it says System Service Exception, dont know what else to do :(

[@BustedBattery]

I had the exact same problem. Just follow this tutorial, it worked for me.

[@DominikCanadija]

thx bro u help me i have a malware 2017 thx fore helping me i need to fine my usb

[@sendabenothmane2801]

First of all, thank you for this amazing video. I would like to ask if this process allows me to wipe only the C drive while keeping the D drive as it is?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Great question! 100% yes, just make sure you delete the correct partition! :)

[@sendabenothmane2801]

@@AskYourComputerGuy thank you so much

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

@sendabenothmane2801 you bet 👍

[@DominicMazoch]

A bunch of ham radio ops are taking older computers and converting them to penguins. Want to see your vid

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Thank you. Looking forward to taking an old laptop and making it useful again 👍

[@Mytwistedvoices]

I just loaded a PC with Windows 11. It doesn’t look the same as your video. The installer wanted an internet driver. When I couldn’t find it, windows just asked for a direct connection.

[@HazeOfWhearyWater]

Protip: As the man says, DO NOT CONNECT TO A NETWORK DURING THE INSTALL. Unless you want a Microsoft account jammed down your throat.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Agreed

[@Moonchi2000]

What do you mean ? Like do not connect to wifi ? How would I install it then ?

[@HazeOfWhearyWater]

@@Moonchi2000 Yes. Do not connect to WiFi or a wired internet connection while running the installation. Install Windows with the .ISO installation file or disk or thumb drive like normal. Afterwards you can connect to the internet.

[@davidinchcliff4560]

What crap so you need more thann1 flash drive for the drivers. What next, what crap

[@HazeOfWhearyWater]

@@davidinchcliff4560 No. You do not need two thumb drives. Just update over the internet -- post installation.

[@JasonWestaway]

Hi Scott, Thanks so much for the video. A question about that is when you are at the Media Creation Tool For example, originally my laptop came with Windows 10. But is compatible with Windows 11. In that case, which Media Creation Tool is the safest to download? Thanks again and Take care.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

I would create whichever OS came with the pc. If you are upgrade eligible, you can always do that later

[@JasonWestaway]

@@AskYourComputerGuy Huge thanks!

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

You bet 👍

[@roberthunter6927]

Beware that the recovery partition may have been infected with malware. So if you buy a new Laptop or PC, back up this partition [to a USB or whatever before you even do your first install. You will need to boot an operating system or rescue environment to do this via USB. Hirens or Linux is fine. Obviously, if you just boot into the new machine, it will tr to install windows 11 straight away, so you have to change the boot order to USB so that the hardware boots to the 'rescue" system on the USB] If you are living on a desert island with no friends, have a Linux rescue disk [or USB]. You will be able to download Microsoft windows with it [if the desert island has internet]. No need to worry if the Microsoft windows download servers can understand Linux, because they actually use Linux! 🙂 You might actually find it easier to download a Microsoft ISO or installation media using Linux because it only makes MS users go through all the hoops. Another thing when installing Win11 is to select "world" as your region, and you don't get all that bloatware. Then you can change to your own region later.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Great tips!

[@xellaz]

Better yet, wipe Windows and install Linux instead! 💪😎👍

[@FlowerGreen-x9w]

Which Linux ver???

[@HazeOfWhearyWater]

@@FlowerGreen-x9w Mint is the easiest transition from Windows.

[@Renji801]

Does doing this method, keep your windows product key activated? Or is it recommended to deactivate your windows key before doing this process?

[@feliciamoore2024]

when I go to the folder to load the drivers the drivers are not showing up in the folder at all so I can't select anything, and I followed your video step by step

[@beachismyreligion6378]

Thank you for this! Do you have a work-around for the “newer computers” to bypass the connect to internet once installed? The F10 prompt wouldn’t work to pull up cmd prompt when on that screen- and was only allowed to move forward once I connected. Thanks!

[@PC4USE1]

Back in the old days,when I was repairing and selling pcs as a side line,I used to do Format C:/mbr to completely eliminate a virus infection prior to reinstalling Windows. I haven't used Windows since Win 7 was deprecated so I don't know if that command is still valid.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

It is

[@daunefortfield8597]

Time stamps would go crazy

[@shu-wenlu5581]

Hi Scott: 8/8/2023 My old computer with Windows 8 stopped working. After watching many of your videos, I (1) replaced it with a brand new Samsung SSD, (2) reinstalled Windows 8 and (3) upgraded successfully to Windows 10. I was very happy with it. 5/5/2024 After my computer acted up with the blue screen of death, I reinstalled (1) Windows 8 and (2) upgraded it to Windows 10 within 3 hours. 7/25/2024 I got another blue screen of death. I ran out of luck this time. Now I successfully reinstalled Windows 8 and CANNOT upgrade to Windows 10. Back in November 2023 I created a Windows 10 installation media USB and ran it 2 days ago. It asked for the Windows 8 product key and I did not have it when I wanted to keep my files and applications. I do have a Windows 8 product ID though. Will it work if I contact Lenovo tech support and get the product key? I wonder if the new Samsung SSD was defective. I am now also considering purchasing and replacing it with a new WD hard disk drive. If I do put in with a new WD hard disk drive and follow your instructions in this new KZbin, will it work? Thank you.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Yes I would try to get that key. That's likely why you can't upgrade to Windows 10, because Windows 8 isn't activated. And to your last question, yes it will work even with a different drive. Just have to activate Windows first

[@shu-wenlu5581]

@@AskYourComputerGuy Sorry I did not make myself clear earlier. My Windows 8 was activated when I ran Windows 10 installation media USB. Do you still think no Windows 8 product key was the culprit? I watched other KZbins on this topic and read there were folks still ran into trouble when ran Windows 10 installation media USB from Windows 8 because with Windows 8 product key CANNOT and will not work when Windows 10 installation media USB. Is that true? Thanks for your quick reply.

[@katrinameckler2473]

Hi I haven't watched or used the information in this video yet. And new subscriber as well. I have a question. My computer has a virus, (I don't know what kind or name of it) , and I want to try to save the photos before I do a complete wipe. Any suggestions for how to save photos? The computer is a Dell Optiplex GX 1, running Windows XP . Thanks in advance for your response 🙂

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Thank you for the sub! To answer your question, if it were me, there's two ways to do this. One is to remove the hard drive and install it in another machine or external drive reader as a secondary drive. Then you can access your files and copy them off. Replace the drive and reinstall Windows. The other option is to create a Hirens utility disc on an empty flash drive. You can boot to that disk and copy the files from within its Explorer-like interface. Once you have your files, you can safely restart the PC and reinstall Windows. Here's how to create the disc (the first is a Windows installer, then second is the Hirens). Hope it helps! [2024 MEGA update!] 2 USB boot drives EVERY Windows user should make before it's too late! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppqWmZSLa81km9U

[@katrinameckler2473]

@@AskYourComputerGuy But what about the virus? If I save photos to another external drive, won't the virus be in the new external drive with the photos? I'm confused about the virus. Thank you for your help in advance.

[@iamdeserie9455]

How do you know what key stroke to use to get the boot menu to come up? I have a MSI P65 Creator

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

F11 for MSI 👍

[@alphabeta1094]

After a clean install of WIN 11 do i have to go back into the boot manager and select C drive, or can I just remove the USB flash drive and start up?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Nope,just remove the drive and reboot

[@DominicMazoch]

Can Guy Fawkes see the BSOD better with glasses?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

LOL

[@pwnder1104]

I tried to download the rapid storage technology for my laptop but there are only a networking, chipset, audio, graphics, card reader, pointing device, Bluetooth, camera, software and utility, and ELAN fingerprint driver. I’m stumped by this and when I downloaded intels rapid storage technology file for any intel device It was only an exe file not a folder. I am confused and could really do with your skill and knowledge of this to help me soon. Thank you so much :)

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Try extracting the exe and see if extracts into a driver folder. If not, get the RST drivers from Intel's website directly and you should be fine 👍

[@pwnder1104]

@@AskYourComputerGuy Woah! Didn't know you're that quick! Thanks man! I will try this.. such a pain though haha

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

@pwnder1104 I agree, but it's definitely worth the effort if you want your drives visible 👍

[@pwnder1104]

@@AskYourComputerGuy thanks man! It worked! Though it only worked after I did a command in the terminal for the exe file but the laptop is up and running :)

[@garthdryland]

3:20 I'll point out that currently, you can simply download Win11 if you had Win10 and want to upgrade anyway (which you should really do as Win10 licence will expire soon if using Win10) and use the Win10 key to replace the one that comes with the Win11 download. You need to replace it to get full functionality. NB: You can only do this if Windows tells you your computer can be upgraded to Win11. Most new computers will be okay to upgrade. Old computers may not be. It tells you if you can in control panel / window updates. Check if you can before starting the reinstall process.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Agreed 100%, but there are many people, myself included, who do not like Windows 11 and would rather stay "unupdated" with Windows 10. But you're not wrong 👍

[@garthdryland]

@@AskYourComputerGuy i recently found out both Win 10 and 11 are keylogging every key stroke so im moving to linux. Linux Mint 22 to be precise. A great OS for anyone who wants to move away from windows or dual boot as I am just in case I need windows for some programs. Most programs run in linux these days. Even NVIDIA drivers which is what held me back for years are now easily installed in linux mint. Win 10 appears to be providing an extended licence, but not for free. Apparently the cost doubles yearly. I agree, Win10 is better but that keylogging is pretty suss lol

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

@garthdryland agreed on the ridiculous "extended" support fees. What crap. Can't speak to the key logging, that seems like lawsuit-fodder if true, hope it's not! Working on a "switching from Windows to Linux" video, hope you'll stick around for that

[@TheRealCheckmate]

"You mean like, with a cloth?"

[@kbroadstock]

I have found some time I had to wipe the drive compleatly on another PC as there was something left on the drive.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

That's why regular backups are so important...you never know when Windows is going to throw up on itself 😂

[@WFF1191]

Followed your steps, question! My window show multiple recovery files labeled as disc 0 partition 1-2-3 , should I keep all three since they show as recovery?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Unless you need the extra space, I would leave them all. Better to have recovery option available later if you don't need the extra storage space 👍

[@WFF1191]

You are an absolute life saver!!!! This worked perfectly and.. I forgot I had synced all my files and apps via Microsoft so everything came back 🎉. Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@starsandpeaches6]

?? My desktop is working enough to create the flashdrive with Win11 creation tool. So I hope I do the next step right - do I turn off computer, then as it boots (Dell) hit F12?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

On a Dell, yes. Then select the flash drive if you wish to boot to it 👍

[@alphabeta1094]

Something is wrong. After following your video with an apparent successful install, I'm back at the "Install Windows 11" screen. Or is this related to setting up drivers etc.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Make sure your flash drive isn't the first boot device, or make sure to remove it and restart

[@wirygamez1869]

Hi I’ve recently found your videos any videos for removing spyware? I believe my password storage was compromised on my laptop

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Give TronScript a try. Read the instructions and the pinned comment, but it's a pretty bad a55 script! Clean ANY malware or virus off ANY Windows computer with one FREE and SIMPLE program! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5m6qIxugdRnl8k

[@miserabledreamer]

Hello, sry if this is a stupid question, but can I put the driver for the intel rapid storage thing onto the windows boot usb before i start the whole process? I don't have another pc to switch to and add the file once I've already started the process... i also don't have another usb stick lol (btw ty for this video!)

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Absolutely!

[@miserabledreamer]

@@AskYourComputerGuyty so much!!!

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

@miserabledreamer you bet 👍

[@fbifido2]

is it possible when using windows firewall to remove all incoming & outgoing rules, and only allow basic ports outgoing for Http/s, dns, time-sync, etc... ???

[@KamSuuu]

Does this work for when you have the automatic repair loop?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Absolutely

[@KamSuuu]

@@AskYourComputerGuyThank you so much for replying ❤️ :)

[@Obratim]

What about license and activating? Will it just be ok, or will "windows not activated" message appear in a week, and i will need to reactivate it? This question is consurning me because i've never activaged windows 10, just updated from windows 8 years ago

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Activation is tied to the hardware once done. You will automatically be reactivated with a digital license. I've done it thousands of times, never an issue 👍

[@4tmorris]

@@AskYourComputerGuy Didn't work for me. Win 10 wouldn't activate again after reinstall. I gave up and switched to Linux.

[@johnwilson7174]

Can you help? I've re-installed win 1o on my "Locked up" pc. Now I've lost my files and programs. Is there a way to recover them? Thanks

[@stubt7890]

If you download the installation media flash drive on a computer that you suspect may have a virus, will it still be a clean install or might it be infected?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

It’s always a possibility that a flash drive could be infected on an infected machine. Ideally, you want to download and install the flash drive on a clean machine, then run it on the infected machine. If you don’t have any other choice, it’s 50-50.

[@stubt7890]

@@AskYourComputerGuy Thanks! I'll re-download the media from a friend's computer and try again.

[@Lunatek369]

What if the usb drives aren't working on the laptop that you are needing to reset? And it doesn't have a cd-rom?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Only option you would have is to download the Windows ISO from Microsoft (not create the installer, just get the ISO). Then you could run it directly from Windows and reset

[@yvonneromero2392]

When I turned up the PC I where I want to do the thing, it didn't give any signal to my monitor Edit: Now it opens now, but normally, it is like my computer does not want me to enter the boot menu by any means.

[@DominicMazoch]

I have a W10 laptop computer that is small enough to put everything on a USB drive. Can I copy the whole hard drive onto it, and if I have to clean the hard drive, to use the USB as a direct copy?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Absolutely

[@selmonb921]

Never worked!! For 3 weeks been trying to figure out why a Lenovo Thinkpad T410 that came with 64bit Windows 7 pro installed, will now only except a 32bit re-install? I had to replace the old 160gb drive that came with the laptop, and have tried 2 different SSD drives, to re-install 64bit Vista, Win7 pro and the media installation win 10 pro 64bit...No success. But if i put in the Windows Vista 32 bit or Windows 7 32bit pro, it will install! But the 8gb "max for a T410" will only show 2.92 gb of usable Ram!

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

That's crazy. I would have returned it

[@mikepanchaud1]

Presumably, this would automatically enable ms widows derender? Is that considered good enough protection thease days?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

"Good enough" for some is absolutely not enough for others. Depends on the individual's personal habits.

[@colt5189]

Is there an easy way to say get factory drivers for say an HP laptop when doing a clean reinstall of Windows? I believe they came with some sort of driver disc you'd load, but when buying used, those discs usually aren't included. I had read of HP having a program you can download that would automatically install factory drivers? I had a computer in the past where the manufacturer sent me a replacement hard drive. And I took an image of that drive to save in case I need to do a fresh install as it came with the factory drivers and things already loaded.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

I would 1000% use DriverMax, save your drivers to a flash drive and reload them after Windows reinstall. And it's free EVERY Windows user should do THIS *right now*! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYizm4Kdds-latE

[@trustabyss]

I second DriverMax

[@supeerflow]

Yo idk if youll reply but ive been having to do this method for over like 9 months now and every 1 or 2 weeks i get a blue screen of critical process died or memory management i took it to repair shop twice but it still kept on happening whatdo u think i should do as this happened not too long after i got my new pc like 3 4 weeks in. Before this happened i did a disk cleanup and goofy me wanted more fps in a game and the vid i watched told me to do that so id did and after a bluescreen, if that helps

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Find and download memtest86. Sounds like you have bad RAM

[@supeerflow]

​@@AskYourComputerGuyAlright thanks ill try that soon!

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

You should wipe any drive that has bloated and privacy-hating Windows on it. Stop being a consumer, start thinking about your data and who gets to see it.

[@leecmh]

For those forced to wide their Windows drives, install Linux instead and leave the constant adversarial relationship with Microsoft.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Not a horrible idea. Working on a Linux series, don't spoil all my fun lol

[@harblz57]

@AskYourComputerGuy FYI; KZbin is playing games with subscriptions again. I've had to re-subscribe to your channel every day for the last three days. 😡

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

That's interesting to know. Hadn't heard anyone having an issue with that. Thanks for letting me know!

[@Loveitdownunder]

My problem is that my HP laptop has decided to give itself a Bios Password (Honestly i never chenged it or even fiddled with the bios).Ive had this computer from new (8 years win 10). Despite hours of internet trawling and also trying the multitude of methods offered NOTHING work's.Thus i can't change the boot option to proceed ...😢...Ive tried bios battery and normal battery removal, cheat/generic codes from the Internet everything.. Geez....

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Not sure of a good answer here - never seen that

[@tpayne7635]

My computer gives me the error code 0xc000000f and I can't reboot or factory reset. It's windows 8 and lenovo c50-30

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

That 00f error could be a lot of different things, from driver failure, failing hard drive, bad boot configuration. I'd recommend watching this and start troubleshooting using Windows troubleshooting tools: BSOD | troubleshoot & fix *ANY* Windows Blue Screen of Death kzbin.info/www/bejne/maGYopWogNd3g6c

[@ChrisHolzer]

clean install works, unless the virus/rootkit infected the BIOS, which sadly is a thing.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

Sadly, sometimes yes

[@OverLordXenu]

Is this best option for a acemagic computer I'm afraid will come with malware

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

I’ve only heard about the malware issue with Ace magic on their mini PC'S. I had an ace magic laptop that had no malware from the factory. When in doubt, yes, I would probably err on the side of caution and do this.

[@illmannered1]

My laptop has been comprimised, there is malware actively trying to hijack it, so I'm waiting on a hard drive to back up my important files and then I'm going to wipe it.. I would like to keep the factory recovery stuff, but I'm worried that it could be comprimised as well. Is that a valid concern? It's an Acer Aspire 5, should I be able to get things back how they should be after wiping everything, including the recovery partition?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

You're probably fine. Hard to infect a recovery partition. Give it a try and then immediately scan to be sure

[@illmannered1]

@AskYourComputerGuy I ended up just deleting all partitions.. Everything seemed fine on the rescan, I don't see any negative impact. Thank you

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

@illmannered1 good deal 👍

[@jmm9106]

if i wanna wipe my hard drive so that no one can recover the data i have had on it, is your method above enough or do i have to do something else?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

I actually have a video on the drawing board about how to do this effectively so even NSA couldn't get your data 👍

[@ronb6182]

Just replace the hard drive with a solid state drive and do a clean install. 73

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

I would definitely recommend an SSD upgrade if and when someone needs to wipe their hard drive

[@ronb6182]

@@AskYourComputerGuy my idea is you still keep the old files if you keep the old drive. I have several hard drives and a few SSD. I had one that I bought that had win 7 but when I tried to register it I got the not genuine message. I know there are programs you can disable that message and use the operating system but I put Linux mint on another SSD and forgot about messing with win 7. I use 7 at work and don't have issues. Firefox works with office 365 so I don't use chrome anymore I also use duck duck go over chrome. I cannot use the true browser until I use 8 or 10 which I don't care to use.73

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

@ronb6182 👍

[@ronanoconnell7281]

Hey, I know I’m a few days late on this video but accidentally deleted the recovery partition when deleting the other partitions. Every thing seems to be working but is there something I should do to safeguard myself going forward?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

You can 1) reach out to your OEM manufacturer and get a copy of a recovery disc (if they still sell them) or b) create a Windows installer disc as well as a Hirens utility disc and that will solve 99.9% of your issues if you ever have a Windows issue 👍 [2024 MEGA update!] 2 USB boot drives EVERY Windows user should make before it's too late! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppqWmZSLa81km9U

[@cyberrider1765]

I assume i could do this if I would have to change the main ssd on my laptop...?

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

That is correct 👍

[@doncoons6761]

I have a Microsoft Account. That way I can get all my Windows updates. Then i have a Dell and can get all my Dell updates too. Question, If I do have a Microsoft Account how do I get my updates and No Serial number to download the updates. I do this process all the time. takes time, but well were it.

[@AskYourComputerGuy]

I don't use a Microsoft account and I get Windows updates with no problem. You don't need a Microsoft account to get updates. Just an activated computer 👍