clean a computer?

Question

I just bought a laptop from a friend of mine and I want to get rid of everything she had on there. The OS came with the computer and I don't want to get rid of that. is there an easy way to do this without losing the OS?

Answer 1

well u need to reload windoes inorder to get rid of everything, it will install a new windows on it...

Answer 2

I am assuming that since you are asking the question this way it did not come with the original disks. The only other way to get rid of everything is to manually delete it. I usually create a new user account, make sure the account is given administrator permissions, then log into that account and delete the account of the previous owner. You can also search the registry and change the owner information. I also go through the add/remove programs menu and remove anything useless

Answer 3

Hi. It's not just the OS that you need to keep. Each machine has a driver set for the particular devices installed and other files. If you just want to empty personal stuff, open all the "My xxx" files (My Documents, etc.) and delete everything.

Answer 4

If you have access to the OS cd, just reinstall the whole thing.
If you dont, format the hard drive

Answer 5

i dont think it is possible now, however if teh laptop has two drives. c: fo rteh OS and d: for other documents then yes. otherwise i suggest erase everythgi by urself, or ask your friend if he/she has teh CD so you can reintall windows and have the laptop fresh. good luck

Answer 6

First you can wipe the surface w/ a damp towel, clean inbetween the keys with a small paintbrush. you won't loose the Old Stain if you wipe around it!! hope this gets your computer nice and shiny!!!!