My computer was on the fritz and while I was having it worked on I borrowed a laptop from my sis. I ended up having it for a few months, but now she needs it back. Before I return it I would like to "clean" the computer and remove all files and programs and stuff, have never had to do this before is there an easy way to just erase everything minus the programs and essentials like that? Thanks in advanced for you answers. Peace.
2007-04-30 07:13:30 · 6 answers · asked by westygirl 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Since it isn't *your* computer, you should not delete anything she purposely put on. If you use restoration CDs or delete all the programs, she will not have her files anymore.
You may delete any programs that *you* installed, and delete any documents that *you* created, but leave her stuff alone.
Before you return the computer, do the following things:
>Delete programs (that *you* installed) via control panel // add-remove programs
>Delete personal files or put on CDs
>Delete user account (if *you* created it)
>Change back any settings you changed
>Spyware scan (lots of free stuff online - I recommend 'spybot S&D)
>Virus scan (lots of free stuff online - I recommend AVG Free Edition)
>Registry scan (to remove junk from un-installed programs - I recommend Abexo Registry Cleaner)
>Defragment the HD (to re-organize and speed up her computer)
>Physically CLEAN the computer (soft, water-dampened cloth over everything; get all the cheetos out of the keys and fingerprints off the screen)
>Round up all the parts (power supply, external CD or floppy disk, spare battery, etc...)
GOOD LUCK!
2007-04-30 08:03:18 · answer #1 · answered by duckyquack2007 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try starting the computer freash and start tapping on the delete key as it starts, if a recovery program comes up select a full re-load so it erases everything and it will return the computer to like new with no previous work saved on it.
2007-04-30 07:19:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to do disk clean up and defrag it. You can remove programs thru add/remove in control panel. Go thru and delete your files and then empty the recycle bin. good luck.
2007-04-30 07:19:33 · answer #3 · answered by Jan C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try add/remove programs, then go throught the list and get rid of all that you have installed.
2007-04-30 08:05:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your system restore points. If you have one that is just before you got the computer then restore it to that date.
Start>all programs>accessories>system tools>System Restore.
2007-04-30 07:53:37 · answer #5 · answered by rlh242424 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/cleansweep.mspx
2007-04-30 08:10:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋