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If you don't feel comfortable nuking and reloading it, take it to a shop. Tell them what files/programs you want to save. They can scan and save those files then reload the operating system from their shop copy.
In about a month you'll get a pop-up "You might have an unauthorised copy of XX operating System. Enter your license number now to continue using." At that point you just type the license number that came with your unit. Usually one is on the back of the machine and another on the operator's manual.
I have an Acer. They did not include a backup disc. The directions said to make one before you did anything else. When I had a problem, the techs said my backup would not load so I had to go the above route, except I had to reload my programs manually.
__________________ I'm not a boat expert, I just read THT!
If you don't feel comfortable nuking and reloading it, take it to a shop. Tell them what files/programs you want to save. They can scan and save those files then reload the operating system from their shop copy.
In about a month you'll get a pop-up "You might have an unauthorised copy of XX operating System. Enter your license number now to continue using." At that point you just type the license number that came with your unit. Usually one is on the back of the machine and another on the operator's manual.
I have an Acer. They did not include a backup disc. The directions said to make one before you did anything else. When I had a problem, the techs said my backup would not load so I had to go the above route, except I had to reload my programs manually.
microcrap almost always changes their OS codes. The code on the laptop almost definetly is vendor specific and won't work with a retail copy of windows, a corporate copy, or copy from another hw vendor.
Data can be saved, but programs have to be reinstalled as it rights to the registry and has related files in other locations on the HD.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kamper
If you don't feel comfortable nuking and reloading it, take it to a shop. Tell them what files/programs you want to save. They can scan and save those files then reload the operating system from their shop copy.
In about a month you'll get a pop-up "You might have an unauthorised copy of XX operating System. Enter your license number now to continue using." At that point you just type the license number that came with your unit. Usually one is on the back of the machine and another on the operator's manual.
I have an Acer. They did not include a backup disc. The directions said to make one before you did anything else. When I had a problem, the techs said my backup would not load so I had to go the above route, except I had to reload my programs manually.
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My Suzuki 200's have tons of Torque, please no more lame talk about having to change the oil. Fish On...
I am struggeling here I want to erase MS outlook basically I want this machine to be cleaned from internet explorer to MS office so when you turn it on its like a new machine. I have cleaned my hard drive etc. I thought you could bring everything to factory but this is proving more difficult than my gateway. All I had to do was press F10 during the launch then it sent me to a DOS type screen then problem solved
__________________ I don't always drink beer,but when I do it's Carling Black Label
System Mechanic, RegistryEasy and Crap Cleaner will let you permanently remove anything you want. They will also clean and fix registry issues, startup menu, and perform other system cleanup and maintenance. I like Registry Easy the best, but CrapCleaner is free, and does almost as much.
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Capt Will, 2002 G/W 282 Sailfish, F225's
USCG Master, 50 Ton; Towing endorsement
Indian River, De
When I want to do this I do one of 2 things... depending on how SURE I want to be data can't be recovered:
1.) When the machine will stay in my possession but I want to wipe it clean I'll just use a bootable with DELPART.
2.) If the machine will leave my possession... I buy a new hard drive and swap it out. NO ifs ands or buts about it!
Old hard drives that I have I make sure I have the data backed up first... then I tear them apart and physically destroy all the components.
IMHO it's best to KISS (Keep is simple stupid) ... and that means there is no such thing as wiping a hard drive clean. If the machine is to leave my possession... new hard drive!
I like Registry Easy the best, but CrapCleaner is free, and does almost as much.
I like CrapCleaner, too, but you need to be careful with its register clearer/fixer thingy. Just because it identifies something as an issue within the registry does not mean that issue should be "fixed". There are some problems with CrapCleaner's reg cleaner corrupting netframe stuff. I just don't know enough (or want to know enough) about the registry crap on my computer to know what is legit and what is not. That's all voodoo stuff in there.
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IGNORE LIST CONTENTS: Hydro, nautiduck, Greaser, sdkid
Remember, if you format the HD and have the installation disk (WinXP, i.e.) you ALSO need the drivers disk which is always a separate disk. Otherwise you will not be able to load network drivers and therefore won't be able to get on the internet and d/l updates.
I need to clean up lap top I would like to wipe it and bring it down to factory spec. How do I do this?
Its pretty easy. Just reinstall the OS disk that came with it. It will ask if you want to overwrite you current OS. Say yes and follow the instructions.
You will have to know the OS code. On a laptop, its usually on a sticker on the bottom. its a 5 key code in five boxes, total 25 digets
Doing that will wipe it clean and leave you with the basic system. no office, virus scan, nothing that would have come bundled.
Here is the downside. - You will not have any security updates. when you are up and running. go to windows update.. (usuming you are running windows) and download what they reccomend.
Also, when you wipe it clean you will may kill all the drivers for any aftermarket hardware. you may have to reload them to get them to work properly
The last laptop i cleaned, I needed to get a wireless card just to get on the net ( USB driver was wiped)
But then used a driver download site. They can scan your comp for you and add any drivers that are missing.
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24' Grady White - SOLD!
13' Boston Whaler
I do this for people on a regular basis, and have yet (Knock on wood) to lose any data.
1. Back up all data files on to external harddrive. This includes emails, photos music etc. If you are not sure about this step do not proceed.
2. Make sure you have all of the software that you need and have installed. This includes both the Windows software, and all programs. Open up your start menu, and go down the list one by one. Some you may not need or use, but think carefully about it.
3. Find all of the drivers you need. See if the driver files are on your laptop already, they maybe in a directory on the hard drive IE c:\dell\drivers\, or there maybe a program to create the drivers disk. If they are not, go to the manufactuers web site and download all of the drivers for your laptop. The most important ones are the network card drivers. If you get that up and running, you can download the rest later.
4. Make sure you have all off the software for your hardware, IE camera software, printer software, CD burners Etc.
When all of that is done, then you can reinstall windows and your software.
I prefer to use a new harddrive, and leave the old harddrive as a backup plan. If something goes wrong, or you miss a fiel, you can put the old drive back in.
Clean a laptop
