Windows 7: I Want To Sell My Laptop...

But I just want to be sure that selling it unformatted would be safe.
For instance, I am planning on making a new admin account on the computer, and from there I am going to delete the CURRENT admin account which I'm using now, by going to control panel > users/accounts > (admin account name) > Delete (would you like to keep account files? Answer: No).

And the buyer who will recieve the laptop will have access to the newly created account, and there will be no other account on the computer besides maybe the guest account (and another wierd Admin account that is somehow above all and I never used before) and I would have deleted this account via the control panel....am I safe after having done this? Meaning can the buyer still somehow recover private information (saved passwords, files, etc.) after I've deleted my account?

Thanks.

Reason I'm asking is, this computer already has the Dell drivers and downloads installed to make it as good as it is...and if I format with a Windows Vista CD, everything will be lost and I have to re-download drivers etc. It just makes the computer more valuable when selling.

Why not just install the OS and not make an account? What I mean is, install it, then do not go through the account creation/setup steps and don't use the laptop until you sell it.

Thats what I did when I gave my older desktop to my Mom's boyfriend. Then he just made an account for himself.

I would also get Eraser and clean the disc. This goes through an overwrites all of the deleted data so It cant be recovered.

Eraser | Get Eraser at SourceForge.net

I agree, or just DOD wipe the drive and sell the laptop with the OS DVD and let the new owner install Windows 7 they way they want it.

On a side note: If you delete accounts and make a mistake you may leave the machine in a questionable state and the person you sell it to may have issues. Plus all the software and registry settings over time have added up. It is much better to wipe the drive and sell the machine.

Low level format...yes, but unless the OS is installed, a potential buyer wouldn't be able to run it through the paces, and may be wary, especially if sold to a local buyer. Even sold on the internet, not having the OS might raise questions, and the seller's assurances might not be sufficient to ward off suspicion. In either case, it would probably lead to low ball bids.

After low level format, install the OS, but just enable the guest account. If the buyer insisted on something requiring higher permissions, just turn on the built-in administrator account.

Good Point, however if you explain that you wiped the drive for security many people understand that and I have never had a computer sale fall through once you explain why. However wiping the drive and reinstalling the OS is just as good. You can always create a generic account like "Owner". I have done that in the past and the new owner created their own accounts

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I get the feeling that you are a dealer, not just a private individual. If that is so, you would likely have a bit more credibility than someone that may never be seen again.

Nope: I am not a dealer. I don't sell computers for a living. However I have privately sold some computers as I own many and update frequently as well as have helped family (very large family ) and friends* sell and update their computers.

* (you may know the ones that only call you when they have computer problems )

I think that I would prefer to sell to or for strangers.