Safely setup a used computer - Step-by-Step Guide

[@Broccoli_32]

I don't know what it is but you are just so comforting when I'm trying to do something with my pc, it feels like I'm watching Bob Ross

[@NJP76]

Indeed! The "Bob Ross" of Tech. I love that analogy. I can almost hear him talking about "lots of happy megabytes". For the record, I am a fan of Bob Ross (RIP).

[@kimberlywillis8865]

Your comment encouraged me to pay close attention!

[@vinland2663]

IKR!

[@JourneyTo20XX]

Couldn't stop giggling. This man could've cut all the "Get ready" loading screens but he chose to wait with us through most of it making small talk to make the wait less awkward 😆😆😆 subbed!

[@infotruther]

i was thinkingvthe same thing to lol

[@wesackerman9637]

I am 79 yrs old and you are the only one that makes it simple enough for me to get things done. Thank You. , You are better than Bob Ross (whom I love). I have watched a lot of his videos and still can't paint.

[@bugzorc]

He Man, could you give an advice on how to survive that long, and also how to take care of ur body

[@JasonSilus]

I got a computer from my school that they allowed me to keep because they were buying all brand new models. But it had all of the admin restrictions on it, and wouldn't allow me to do a full reset. This guide worked to install a brand new version of windows without the administrator restrictions that would normally block me from using it for recreational and personal use. Thanks so much!

[@thielnineteen]

I know that this is a 6 year old video but I will be sending this video to all of my company's customers that question whether or not our refurbished computers are legitimate or trusted. I work for a great company called Discount Computer Depot that is one of the few "Microsoft authorized refurbishers" so all of the computers are completely wiped and reinstalled with windows 10 (for now, but possibly windows 11 in the future). You would be surprised by the amount of people that are upset that they have to go through the process of setting windows up themselves. They call in asking if we can do it for them because they hate having to go through the few steps to set windows up. We have to tell them that it is a clean install for their benefit and security and unfortunately our policy won't allow us to set it up for them. Thank you for making this video. It will help our customers to better understand that the way we do things is for their benefit.

[@TechDeals]

Thank you for the kind words! Cheers!

[@jeffamy5060]

Probably the best video on the internet to demonstrate this process. I bought a used laptop on craigslist and sure enough found out the seller intentionally installed spyware which would have compromised all of my personal information and passwords had I not wiped the drive as demonstrated in the video. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video.

[@aviewfromthesaddle4160]

I've just bought my first refurbished rather than new machine, and this is a fantastic guide thank you. I was tech-savvy twenty years ago but I'm well out of the loop with modern OS systems and this guide was just what I needed to satisfy my data security concerns of buying a used machine. Thank you. Update: my refurb helpfully booted straight into windows, and had four partitions set up. This guide has been very handy for sure!! I would have factory reset it anyway, but wouldn't have got there so quickly without this very clear process to follow, so thank you again.

[@paulofmars]

Thanks for taking the time to go through the slow boring steps for new people to see with you. Some parts are routine but others are so critical. people just don't know which is which.

[@jenkityjenks]

This video is 8 years old but laid out everything perfectly and even had the same things happen to my new "used" pc that happened in the video. Thanks!

[@GeeksofallagesPi]

As a Tech myself I was so happy to see a "go back to basics" video like yours. :) I do this like clockwork so much I forget people need to be informed of this safety tip.

[@TechDeals]

Thanks, glad you liked it! :) Likewise, it was only buying this machine and turning it on to "Preferred Customer" and seeing stuff like uTorrent installed and I was thinking, "well, I have to nuke this", then I thought, "wait a minute, I'll bet a lot of people don't know to do that!"

[@shawnainthekitchen8011]

After you wipe the system clean do you install an anti-virus program?

[@monkeyseemonkeydo432]

@@shawnainthekitchen8011 No you leave it completely unprotected (joking)😂…I have been told it’s best to install an anti virus…

[@PaulWilliams-bo6oh]

Thank you for this great step by step video on how to load Windows 10 software into a PC. I followed your steps, loaded Windows into a five year old desktop computer, and got it working! Now the PC can be used. You video save me money and frustrations. Thanks for helping us "fixers" to be able to do the work ourselves. Glad I been a subscriber for many years.

[@TechDeals]

Glad it helped

[@ericgraham7026]

You are the best, most clear speaking, tech guy I’ve seen to date. Excellent. Thank you.

[@billydent2]

I'm not tech savvy, but can research and follow instructions. After lots of other tutorials, this finally made sense of things, saved me money and much frustration. THANKS! SUBBED!!

[@seanferguson5460]

Really appreciate the details. So often when I watch a how-to video things work smoothly -- in the video -- but when I try to do it on my machine there are frustrations that weren't addressed.

[@shawns.2851]

I really, really liked this. I am awaiting delivery of a refurb. and have never done an install before. I'm also not very computer literate! I believe that this will be my guidance for my "sticker" version of 10. You've answered all my questions, and relieved a lot of stress. I only wish this could have been a step by step video. But, there's no way that it could have been, given the fact of not knowing what the seller has performed/not performed. I am impressed with your down to earth knowledge, and have subscribed. Thanks again! 😃

[@patrickmusson4571]

The hardest part of a Windows 10 install is thinking of something to do when the files are being copied and you don't want to just sit there. Read a book or something. Also, do yourself a favor and go to the channel of a computer tech guy who teaches PC building and how easy it is, Carey Holzman. His channel goes with this one really well.

[@jakegarrett8109]

Actually the hardest part is fixing windows after you fresh install it. I had a brand new NVME SSD, Titan Xp, and my Ryzen 1700 I put Windows on 4 days ago. It completed, but Edge couldn't click on anything (so I couldn't download Chrome because it requires you click accept and install button). Had to install Firefox, then use Firefox to install Chrome... Its stuff like this that always happens (if it didn't happen to you, you just haven't noticed it yet). Its also easiest to remove all drives but the one you want (this time it didn't even let me install it with my 3TB drive plugged it). And yes, I immediately tried reformatted and reinstalling Windows hoping this would fix it, but same thing. And yes, I've used DVD, multiple different USBs, and even SSD's through USB converter to put the windows install tool on (and my internet connection is great with Gigabit speeds even), so its just windows, it just never works. Linux? Never had an issue with Linux, super simple, never an issue. No blue screens (common on Windows, its actually my screensaver as a joke), and insanely stable which is why every major system and server is running Linux. Its also incredibly difficult to hack unlike Windows, which pretty much can be cracked with a sneeze. I actually have a cool program made by High school student that can remote open programs, transfer files, and do whatever (no passwords needed, how convenient!). I use that to remotely crash friends computers spamming open every game at once or locking them out of the system. Nothing malicious though, just for fun with consent, but its seriously way too insecure.

[@guccioreo5360]

Jake Garrett stop advertising linux

[@jakegarrett8109]

Just telling the truth. It's no mystery why all the main servers like Google, Amazon, etc use Linux. Its reliable, fast, and it works. If I had to guess the top 3 highest suicide rates and occupations, it would be: Rock stars, drug dealers, and then Windows server technicians. (I feel sorry for those guys)

[@vinland2663]

i love how this video is so well made, very easy to follow and very informative for those 25 mins.

[@mtn85]

i came across this video randomly in my feed, didn't realize it was 2 years old until you mentioned it, haha. but great tips for being safe with a used pc.

[@hersheybang]

Out of all the youtube videos about my pc dilema, this is the only video that worked for me and now my issue is solved. Thank you so much.

[@bobeklund9128]

Great job explaining how to prepare a computer for sale or donation. You remained "On Point" while taking care to explain why simply deleting files and apps isn't enough! My Dell XPS 13 is currently in the reboot/reset process at 27% complete.

[@PrettyPunctuality]

I just bought my first refurbished PC. This was incredibly helpful and easy to understand. Thanks! :)

[@SoUtHMeMpHis]

Great advice for people who might buy used PCs from yard sales,goodwill,flea markets,pawnshops,and want ads,all pawnshops do not check for viruses,malware,or remote spyware,I love the 2018 hairstyle better tbh.

[@RBZ-1]

Hands down the best step by step I have seen for this. All the variables, including questions I still had from other videos, were answered in this one!

[@Shmurda_Inc_YT]

The amount of PC knowledge I have gained from you is immeasurable. Thank You!

[@BarryAllen..]

I was about to purchase a pc on eBay and you video came to mind, had to rewatch to remember what to do. Many thanks.

[@ChromaMatrix]

I've been coming to your channel for a few weeks now and only just noticed that I'm not subscribed to you. I fixed that. I really like your channel. It has helped me several times and I'm grateful to you for it. Thank you.

[@MichaelMolli]

Very neat and fool proof instructions, thanks very much.

[@boingkster]

If you've never installed Windows before this is a must watch video - I wish I'd seen it years ago! I've now got a nano-USB stick with Win10 installer, NVidia and Radeon drivers, overclock utilities and hardware monitor on it. Its my one-stop PC creator!

[@billydent2]

Definitely. Thumbs up

[@chunkymonkey55555]

The fool part I shall be putting to the test sir,

[@kenlemmond673]

Thought I did everything right but ran into a problem with drivers.

[@ekaterinar.7677]

So many thanks, still a life saviour for those who are just users getting a used pc

[@monkeyseemonkeydo432]

Trustworthy individuals are so valuable in this life The other comments have reminded me to subscribe

[@iandavis8755]

I did virtually everything you talk about in this video to an HP 500-339 that I bought used/refurbished from a local computer repair shop. I made the mistake of going for the PRO version of 8.1 from Edge, and had to go back and get the normal home version. Install went really well, partitions were removed and recreated by the OS install, and it was up and running about 90% problem free. I had to go find LAN control, GPU and display drivers from MSI/AMD/ATI and install them, and now the machine is showing no errors. Your video was SUPER helpful, and now I am looking at other videos of yours about updating/upgrading parts, as mine is at least 3 model years old now...likely doing an SSD swap and going from 8GB to 16GB ram, and then eventually a different graphics card and larger power supply. Thanks again for all you do!

[@markkoz.4867]

Dude! You're rad! Everyone should hear this before they turn on a new independently accessed PC. 👍

[@Casiian_]

Just what I needed, thanks. Call me paranoid, but I rather be safe than sorry.

[@theralhaljordan7337]

Found a computer next a Walgreens dumpster. Got a fresh install of win 10, thank you!!

[@MrKZdemos]

channel is getting better

[@007Peye1]

you saved me! Thanks! :) I bought a used laptop, and when I got it , the exact thing that happened here happened when I turned it on. I panicked and didn't know what to do! Thank God for KZbin! Very awesome, helpful and easy instructions!

[@flipicaneze]

A clean Format/Restore is always the first thing I do when I get a used, refurbished, or even new. Mostly to get rid of bloatware.

[@jaaess2]

A very thorough and informative set of instructions on how to do it right and lessen the chance of trouble. Thank you. It was a great lesson. I wonder if when I have this computer unplugged and working to bring up the refurbished one if I will remember some of all of this. Thank you.

[@Kyle-pj2vc]

Before you remove everything, use belarc advisor to pull any keys to paid software off the computer onto a spreadsheet to reactivate. Because why not?

[@venividivici4253]

As a well reputable seller on eBay for 3 years, this is how I sell my desktops and laptops. I reset the whole system and when the customer turns it on, they are greeted with the windows 10 setup.

[@dodgeramsport01]

Veni Vidi Vici question is do you ebay salers report your earnings you earn from EBay?

[@inquisitive.lurker]

ugggh at this very moment Windows 10 started up "Hi, We're happy you're here" immediately to the desktop like the man said 😲😲 . Glad I knew about this video a week earlier

[@michaelmcist]

So glad I found your channel, I now save your, how to, videos. Thank you so much for these simple to follow tutorials, greetings from Ireland.

[@bishb25]

I just bought a used PC off E-bay and was toying with whether or not to do a fresh install of windows. This video has me convinced it's necessary. Especially since the seller setup Win7 with user accounts and passwords and I found a remote login client running in the background. Thank goodness I have not connected the new (to me) PC to the Internet or transferred any of my personal data yet!

[@TechDeals]

Thanks for the feedback and comment, glad it was helpful!

[@ilovelimpfries]

I like this guy, it's like watching those how to videos from the late 90s.

[@HotdogSosage]

Awesome vid as usual, i'd strongly suggest making a "how to build a pc" video where you just put the pc together from components. Everyones done one and its standard however its a great way to get regular loyal noobs who will stick to you forever, also every good youtube has their own individual delivery, which you have too. Your own unique delivery will make that "build" video unique and it would probably be the one i'd suggest to my first time builder friends.

[@TechDeals]

Thanks, glad you like my videos! Have you seen my $350 Gaming Build video? I've done one, I have more planned...

[@CyberNatasha]

Thank you very much I just got back from buying a second hand Microsoft surface and wanted to make sure it was as safe to use as possible! :)

[@DwayneRidgwayOfficial]

So glad I saw this before I sold my computer! It had Windows 8.1 and I reset the whole thing. Was about to set it up again before I watched this video, now I won't look like a criminal trying to steal data!

[@jhanna5724]

you're the best! i just bought a very cheap used dell optiplex from a local seller and there was a illegal version of windows 10 with a bunch of installed programs on it. it also wouldnt let me reboot the system but with your help i did it :)

[@501man9]

I followed these simple instructions and it worked perfectly for me. Thank You

[@SteveAcomb]

Whoa, the computer I just bought is the same Lenovo ThinkCentre as yours, and even had the same “preferred customer” account set up! 😂 What a coincidence! Great video

[@matthewday7565]

I'd make some amendments... 1. Before connecting the untried system to your network, ensure that all other systems and resources are disconnected - alternatively connect via a "guest network" facility, otherwise embedded malware could attack your systems from inside of the router firewall. 2. Check "Update & Security", Activation - if it says "digital licence", then you have a keyless activation, otherwise you may need to retrieve the key in case it's not the label key 3. After Install from media, remember to reset the boot options if changed, it will be quicker than polling for other devices before the system drive and avoid accidental booting from other devices. 4. If stuck for drivers, try Iobit Driver Booster free - unlike many bait and switch updaters, this actually covers the most important things in the free version and is good at finding those awkward ones that were originally inherited from an upgrade

[@WolfRealtorVeniceFL]

Your video is PERFECT! I was able to reset my computer to factory settings! Your video is very precise and easy to follow- thank you!!!!!

[@eukat3ch]

Even if i do allready know these things.. you have such a nice way to explain these things to people who need the information.. keep it up!

[@awuma]

Better off cleaning it and installing Linux on it (e.g. Ubuntu; 18.04 LTS is coming out soon). :-) By the way, this is the best PC how-to channel I have encountered.

[@michaelbandeko3519]

Thanks, I watched this video yesterday because I had bought a refurb from Amazon. Lo and behold exactly what you described happened when I booted it the first time. I did a clean install this morning using your video step by step. BTW I thought the desktop (HP Elite 8300) was a great deal $200 with a 4 year extendended warranty.

[@fernia5565]

Do y mean Hp elitebook 830?? How is it now? Is that good laptop?

[@robpet4424]

Clear, concise instructions........keeping video as a reference . Well done !

[@charautreal]

I basically knew all of this, but the video is really entertaining, and it is actually good advice for newbies lol

[@lukebarker547]

Great video again deals man- I'm more impressed you picked up a PC with Windows installed on it for $100!

[@nilsw8076]

probablythis is just an old win 7 key, worth less than 20$. a harddrive of that age is worthless, maybe the highest value is in the case or the WiFi card.

[@nilsw8076]

ok. he said it came with win 10 pro, which can be bought for under 30$.

[@TechDeals]

The i5-2400 machines are really cheap right now, it isn't as fast as a "modern" chip, but honestly it is closer than you think.

[@TechDeals]

It had Windows 7 Pro, upgraded to Windows 10... The hard drive is probably worth $20, the real value is the CPU, the i5-2400 still holds its value fairly well and having it installed in a working computer with 8GB of RAM is the real value. The irony is that this machine came with a WiFi card, which I promptly took out! I've added a GT 710 GPU to compensate for the completely terrible HD 2000 Intel graphics and this will become a media computer.

[@johncunningham5435]

I ended up with a great deal from eBay; fully loaded Alienware laptop with 250GB solid state drive, 500GB hard drive, and a mSata 32GB SSD. But like you I ended up resetting Windows 10 Pro for the same reason with the exception of choosing to remove all files and clean all drives. The seller also included a new power supply along with a brand new gaming mouse and Alienware mat. However, I did not buy it for gaming, I just wanted a high quality used computer with a i7 quad core processor. The only upgrade I made, "8-16GB of ram",as a final gesture he included the DVD slot drive if I wished to swap out the secondary hard drive. "Thank you for outstanding presentation"

[@emdubya]

Just came across this when looking for help! Fantastic advice and guide. Your an asset to the industry. Thanks

[@leexgx]

One note about this if your not using a blank hdd/ssd (from new) you should go into the repair option First and command prompt and diskpart select correct disk and use clean command (make sure correct disk is selected as disk 0 might be the USB pen drive, the clean command has no confirmation when ran) Deleting partitions does not reset the drive completely (also any issues with the gpt or Mbr layout will persists including viruses that load into the bootloader, tends to be a MBR layout issue on that one)

[@Edman_79]

Except these days, it becomes dangerous even to put your usb stick to unknown machine. Word is turning to a very unpleasant place. But still, great video, good job. I very much like the fact that you take the time to explain everything.

[@XerotoLabs]

such a important topic . for sure a must do for 'new to you' refurb rigs

[@bbycrts]

This is the BEST tutorial for this stuff I have ever seen!

[@charcoalanderson8010]

Thanks so much, man! My new (used) computer is wiping everything now. It's nice to know I can feel safe using. You were hilarious and informative

[@TechDeals]

Glad I could help!

[@monams2514]

So glad I came across this and hopefully it is all still the same since it was produced some 4 years ago. Thank you!

[@FrankMillerPsychMD]

Fantastically thorough with all the right details and explanations.

[@TheTurnipKing]

Protip: if you don't trust the install of Windows, you obviously cannot trust it's factory reset feature.

[@Voltaic314]

True but that's why he used a new copy of Windows to do the reset

[@vstoykovbg]

I don't trust Windows at all. Even the genuine one directly from Microsoft's website.

[@kieranbrown1506]

what OS do you use?

[@huey1153]

@@kieranbrown1506 probably kali lmao

[@ll-xe7zl]

what do i do i bought a refurbished pc

[@yuki_haiia]

Very helpful even now! Getting a new pc soon, it's always good to be prepared. Thank you!

[@JohnSmith-td7hd]

Hey I did this but now my keyboard doesn't work on the setup screen!

[@bakerboisp]

Even tho it's information I've gained common sense about from years ago, I still love your videos.

[@radarriffk7336]

Thanks a LOT. I need all the help I can get. I think I can do most of this.

[@STONE69_]

This is the Best instructional Video on this topic on KZbin... Thank you Sir.

[@So_Real]

Getting my machine tomorrow, if anything goes wrong I’ll make sure to come back.

[@So_Real]

Just got it. I connected it to the monitor and it says “Power Saving Mode” and then just a black screen. What should I do?

[@markc7889]

Thank you so much for the video. I bought a Lenovo Thinkpad x1 carbon 2nd gen on eBay with digital license (I do not have the key if any). I turned it on. It booted to desktop saying I am a local user for windows 10 pro. Thank for your advice. I reset it via recovery and rebooted it with factory setting asking me to put it my location, language, etc. I have been using it with a few driver problems. I then bought a optic drive but I have not figured out making it work. ??My question for you is if I lose the digital license when I download windows 10 from Microsoft based on your instruction. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks.

[@ijiopu]

Mark C He now have a discord where it's more active , don't think he will reply here But, have you link your license to a Microsoft account ?? In theory when you do that you can install Windows again using that account and the license attached to it

[@jayskinscristines7771]

For me it would be best if you do a clean install via bootable usb or dvd media. You know why? Lets say when you turn on the device and it ask you to set up your username, language region and time like it was a brandnew pc, but then you didnt know that the one selling it installed the OS then he only do “sysprep” as out of the box experience? Still it is not safe right? So in my opinion better to format/clean install

[@fillaman103]

Very well made video super informative. Helped me out step by step for my used laptop I just got

[@directAction3389]

Got a refurbed optiplex a few months ago off Amazon. I got a BSOD when I tried starting it up. Had to do a reset after a bit of research. I chose to keep the files though. Now I'm frantically doing a full scan with windows defender thanks to this video. Also the hard drive was DOA so thankfully I already had an SSD to replace it with :)

[@j.rjunior5584]

What about entering the product key?

[@becky1925g]

I'm a grandmother and not very smart with computers. First off, is the biggest problem with a used computer that updates weren't done correctly and there may be a virus ? Or can the prievous owner somehow access the computer and steal your info ? If a virus is the biggest concern couldn't one just run an antivirus program before using ? I'm afraid if I wipe the hard drive I wont be able to get my os back. any comments would be greatly appreciated.

[@niktodt1]

It is always better to go with factory reset. Windows will stay on your computer. After the reset you will just set your settings like date and time. System will be just like new. Programs or documents left in harddrive by the previous user will be deleted but system will stay. Every Version of windows should have this option. If you are elder, I recommend you to use google chrome with adblock extension, it will disable the most anoining ads on the internet. Hope you understood me and that it helped you. I'm not english, sorry if there are some mistakes.

[@becky1925g]

thank you for your reply. Your English is very good. Yes, your answer helped me to understand how the resets works.

[@TudorGruian]

becky1925g Preety impressed of your skills on computers.My Grandma doesen't even know how to use the cellular

[@shawnainthekitchen8011]

Thanks for this video. It was very helpful. After you wipe it clean what's next? Antiviral security?

[@lse123polis]

Can you do a video, about OS Preinstalled vs Another OS you want have in a new laptop or new PC computer, Windows 10 Home vs Windows 10 Pro, or Windows 10 Home vs Ubuntu Studio, in other words, preinstalled OS on a new computer, has any advantage over the other OS you wanted instead, and you go and use the latter than the preinstalled OS…?

[@andrewprzelucki4232]

A preinstalled OS is just that - it was installed by someone else. If it was done by the manufacturer then there shouldn't be problems, but if you got a used computer then it's a good idea to do a fresh install by yourself. A brand new OS, preinstalled by the manufacturer should run correctly (it should be set up correctly). If you plan to install an OS by yourself, then take care to set up the drive(s) correctly and set up the installation correctly. They way you set things up will determine greatly the performance.

[@lanconra]

yet another informative and well done video. Good tutorial .

[@MrBobrossftw]

I could see you scream on the inside waiting on the hard drive.

[@Craigdna]

Excellent job and hard work in presenting. iYou definitely have a new subscriber. Thank you for sharing, and great topic.

[@armand631]

Using Express installation settings near the end there is no optimal, as the default "express" settings from Microsoft are a bit intrusive and sign you up to every bit if data collection type they offer.

[@Mytwistedvoices]

At some point my laptop became slow as tar. Thanks for the step by step process. I paid money to have this done a couple of years ago.

[@mohsinfareed1797]

Again Iam amazed how clear step but step explanation to do thins. i likeall your videos .Thanks man.

[@mintyfresh3152]

Take it apart, physically clean everything, put it back together, wipe hard drive, install your favorite Linux distro. Seriously though, excellent run through of doing a clean install of Windows 10. If you're staying in the eco-system for whatever reasons, this is exactly what you should do. I'd still recommend some physical house cleaning as part of the process though.

[@John_Krone]

Great great video, still very useful several years later. Thanks!!

[@matthewlinville7036]

Thank you for the video I watched your video on how to reinstall windows with a USB flash drive now I'm learning how to do it all on my own so thank you I had this issue with my laptop so I had to go on the other computer and download the media creation tool for windows 10

[@micheljauvin3536]

you are a must for the computer business excellent 10 thums up

[@Ravenomics]

This is my new favorite video on KZbin

[@joesilvestre5817]

I may have noticed windows media creation tool on edge browser? very useful tip in case if I do buy used/refurbed windows pc. thanks!!

[@elizabethgraham891]

I have been known to do a factory reset/clean install/recovery twice in a row when getting ready to sell - just to be SURE that *my* stuff is gone before it leaves the house. This includes a phone, a digital reader, a desktop, a laptop, or a tablet. I'd rather be paranoid than compromised. I have also done a recovery when a newly purchased device came up with *something* not looking like a factory reset.

[@andrewprzelucki4232]

A clean install on a desktop/laptop does not wipe the disk. It merely installs a fresh system, leaving old data on the drive. While the partition(s) may be formatted, this is not wiping. During a typical (quick) format only a new file system is created and old data is left as is until it will be overwritten with time as the disk is being used. Until that time, those disk areas won't be used and appropriate software can extract the previous data with varying levels of accuracy, depending on the software and intensity of search. If you want to WIPE files (disk areas), then you have to use software that has such functionality - meaning it will overwrite at least once all the disk areas that contained the data that you want to wipe. To wipe a whole disk means to overwrite all areas of the disk, including areas that have boot and partition information. This is done by writing to the device directly, not even to a partitions. And it's best to overwrite the whole (whole) disk several times with RANDOM DATA. I'm not sure how Android devices wipe though, but if they merely create fresh file systems then that does not remove old information.

[@kenantate1947]

Thanks for the help if you have an Acer the key is f2 or delete

[@kenantate1947]

@@0w3nn 🤷‍♂️

[@kenantate1947]

@@0w3nn so I'm not wrong. I just don't have multiple acer computers know that.

[@kenantate1947]

@@0w3nn I edited "or delete" on the post so we could help more people out

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

I got a refurbished Lenovo desktop computer with Windows 10 for $85 (I commented on another video)- on the first boot it did the proper SAFE initial setup, language, time zone, etc. **thumbs up**

[@TechDeals]

:) Nice, glad you got a good machine...

[@Ironrocker69]

Good ideas I make the Window installation USB (or DVD) before I start to save time.

[@mugiwara666]

Nice video. Its good to know what to consider normal and what not. Good food for thought.

[@52x32xm4]

Thanks, I appreciate this kind of tutorial video. Simple, easy to understand, and very helpful.

[@benkirimlidis]

really nice video. very detailed and I found the step by step process really helpful. thanks!

[@tombartholomew75]

Awesome!! Very helpful!! I appreciate you taking the time to make this video

[@RichardPatry52]

It would also be a good idea to go and verify Windows Activation status. It should be automatically activated, unless it had a pirated version installed previously or if it had an older version of Windows installed. Windows 10 will work even if it is not activated but there will be a few features that will not work like Personalization. It will also show you a small window saying that you need to activate it. I have been using Windows 10 since almost two years as an insider and I really like it. Like you said, when going back to Windows 7 you then see how old it feels.

[@TechDeals]

^ This is great advice! I plan to do a video on Windows 10 upgrades post July 29, 2016 and how to get legal copies of Windows in a future video, I'll be sure to cover this point.

[@norge696]

lots of those old computers that come with a copy of windows 7/10 were activated with Windows 7 Loader or KMSpico. Why buy windows for a $100 PC? They wouldn't make any profit. Not saying it's justified but it's what they do.

[@TechDeals]

I would only buy one of these computers that has a Microsoft COA on the side. In this case, it had a Windows 7 Pro COA The clean install of Windows 10 using the Windows 7 product key worked perfectly