How can I wipe clear all data on pre-owned/used PC?

H

Huwey

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As the title suggests, I would like to wipe clear all the existing user data, however, I would not like to lose the genuine windows 7 that is on there. Is there anyway around this?

I have a zoostorm e6500, I believe it was purchased from ebuyer.

Any help would be much appreciated,

thanks
 

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Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bitIntel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bit
CPU
Intel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5KPL-AM IN/GB X.0x
Memory
2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Monitor(s) Displays
Philips Brilliance 230c 1080p
Hard Drives
500GB
Case
Zoostorm
If the data is on the OS partition, just delete it in the folders. That is the safest way. Any other partitions (other than the OS partition(s) and the recovery partition) you can just delete in Disk Management and allocate your own partitions in the unallocated space you gain. Make sure you do not touch the little 100MB system partition.

There may also be a tools partition from the OEM manufacturer. That can be useful. And a small partition formatted in Fat32 is used by the BIOS. This should stay.
 

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from 1.6GHz Duo to i7
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Ok, thanks. Wouldn't it be better to restore it, to get peak performance, as its
About 2years old? Or are there any other programs I can run, to just clean it up nicely?
 

My Computer My Computer

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Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bitIntel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bit
CPU
Intel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5KPL-AM IN/GB X.0x
Memory
2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Monitor(s) Displays
Philips Brilliance 230c 1080p
Hard Drives
500GB
Case
Zoostorm
After 2 years, a reinstallation is highly recommended. Do it from the recovery partition. Then you get rid of the data on the C partition automatically.

You will get a lot of updates because you go wayyyy back, but if you have a halfway decent internet line, that should not be a problem.
 

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Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8from 1.6GHz Duo to i7
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP, Dell, Gateway, Toshiba - 4 laptops and 2 desktops
OS
Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
CPU
from 1.6GHz Duo to i7
Monitor(s) Displays
2x HP w2207
Hard Drives
5x HDD, 7x SSD, 12x Externals
Keyboard
with trackball - no mices
Mouse
Trackball mice
Internet Speed
DSL 6000
Will a reinstallation lose me windows 7 though? And how do I go about this on my machine? As its preowned, I have no disks
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bitIntel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bit
CPU
Intel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5KPL-AM IN/GB X.0x
Memory
2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Monitor(s) Displays
Philips Brilliance 230c 1080p
Hard Drives
500GB
Case
Zoostorm
If you have a Genuine Windows activation key you can download a Win 7 .iso file, provided you get the same version you have, i.e. Windows 7 Home Premium. Use the .iso to burn an install disk.
 

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Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1Intel i5-2550K, Differing ~4.4-4.8GHz No buil...16GB G.Skill Sniper 1866MHz @ 2133MHz 2x8GBASUS GTX650TIB-DC2OC-2GD5, (650TI Boost)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Built Desktop By DataTech
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
CPU
Intel i5-2550K, Differing ~4.4-4.8GHz No built in GPU
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
Memory
16GB G.Skill Sniper 1866MHz @ 2133MHz 2x8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS GTX650TIB-DC2OC-2GD5, (650TI Boost)
Sound Card
Onboard Realtek 5-1
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung P2570HD
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD for OS, 500GB Seagate Constellation (Enterprise drive) for Data
PSU
Corsair HX650W
Case
Inwin Dragon Rider
Cooling
Hyper 212 EVO w/two Noctua fans, push-pull, @1300 RPM
Keyboard
E-Z Eyes, bright yellow keys with large characters
Mouse
steelseries SENSEI Laser Pro Gaming
Internet Speed
48-51Mbs Mbs down, 11 Mbs up Xfinity Cable
Antivirus
Norton Internet Security 2013
Browser
IE 10, Opera, Pale Moon if needed
Other Info
4 case fans, LG BluRay-RE, ASUS DVD-RW, Mr. Fusion power supply, 1.21 gigawatts.
There should be a recovery partition. Have a look in Computer or Disk Management because it may be a hidden partition.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8from 1.6GHz Duo to i7
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP, Dell, Gateway, Toshiba - 4 laptops and 2 desktops
OS
Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
CPU
from 1.6GHz Duo to i7
Monitor(s) Displays
2x HP w2207
Hard Drives
5x HDD, 7x SSD, 12x Externals
Keyboard
with trackball - no mices
Mouse
Trackball mice
Internet Speed
DSL 6000
I have windows 7 32 bit ultimate. Is t
here an "official" iso I can download, as I don't want a counterfeit.

Also,I'll check if there's a partition..do you know what it would be named?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bitIntel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bit
CPU
Intel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5KPL-AM IN/GB X.0x
Memory
2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Monitor(s) Displays
Philips Brilliance 230c 1080p
Hard Drives
500GB
Case
Zoostorm
   Information
We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create
​


Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?


How to use Recovery Partition, make Recovery Disks, order Recovery disks:
Zoostorm: PC Systems, Laptop Computers and Netbooks
 

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ME/XP/Vista/Win7
OS
ME/XP/Vista/Win7
Well, I purchased the computed "used" you see, so I have no backups.

I contacted zoostorm, and they said they dont put windows7 "ultimate" on their systems, just "home" and "premium", so Im guessing the guy I purchased off, put "ultimate" edition on himself, via disk or upgrade. Its verified genuine OS, and I'd like to keep it. But just want to do a fresh wipe. What would be best to do?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bitIntel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bit
CPU
Intel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5KPL-AM IN/GB X.0x
Memory
2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Monitor(s) Displays
Philips Brilliance 230c 1080p
Hard Drives
500GB
Case
Zoostorm
If you think your license is legit, a tool like Magic Jellybean will show you the key. If your computer has a sticker on it (it should, or else you shouldn't have bought it with an OS), then download that version of Windows 7 from the usual legit site, and then use your existing license key.

The license key determines if your copy is legit...not the disc it was installed from.
 

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Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1Intel Core i7-260012 GB Patriot Extreme DDR3-1333Nvidia GTX 470
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
CPU
Intel Core i7-2600
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-P67A-UD3P-B3
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12 GB Patriot Extreme DDR3-1333
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Nvidia GTX 470
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell UltraSharp 2209WA
Hard Drives
OCZ Agility3 240 GB, WD5001AALS, WD7501AALS
PSU
OCZ ModStream 700W
Case
CoolerMaster HAF 912 Advanced
Cooling
CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Plus
Huwey said:
Well, I purchased the computed "used" you see, so I have no backups.

I contacted zoostorm, and they said they dont put windows7 "ultimate" on their systems, just "home" and "premium", so Im guessing the guy I purchased off, put "ultimate" edition on himself, via disk or upgrade. Its verified genuine OS, and I'd like to keep it. But just want to do a fresh wipe. What would be best to do?
Click to expand...


Look for a COA sticker on the machine to see what is the licensed version originally installed upon it, and whether the Product Key is readable.

1270558000_86224332_1-Pictures-of--Buying-Windows-7-Prof-COA-Sticker-Only-100pcs-up-Needed.jpg

If so follow these steps to get a perfect reinstall: Reinstalling Windows 7
 
I ran the windows checker, and it confirmed the edition installed is genuine. However, I believe the manufacturers installen win 7 premium, and the owner who I bought it off, had installed win 7 "ultimate" himself. Its all legit though any weather..so should I get iso, or do recovery or what, with these circumstances?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bitIntel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bit
CPU
Intel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5KPL-AM IN/GB X.0x
Memory
2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Monitor(s) Displays
Philips Brilliance 230c 1080p
Hard Drives
500GB
Case
Zoostorm
Can you contact the owner to ask for the Product Key for Ultimate, as it may be an Anytime Upgrade.

Most owners don't otherwise install a full copy of Ultimate on a computer which already has a $100+ value OS which came with it.


Is there a COA sticker on the machine?
 
Extract the embedded key from the system using Magic Jelly Bean or Produkey. This key you can use to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate by Anytime Upgrade method.

Look for the COA sticker on your system. This should give you the original Windows 7 version installed on your system. Note down the serial number. Download the same version iso from a legit web site. Install Windows 7 from this ISO burned on a DVD. Use the key on COA sticker to activate the windows. You may have to call Microsoft on telephone.

After activation of windows use the key extracted from your old system using Magic Jelly Bean or Produkey and upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate using Anytime Upgrade method.
 

My Computer My Computer

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MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1i5-2410M 2.3GHz (2.9GHz Turbo-Boost) Sandy Br...4GB+4GB Samsung DDR3 PC3-10700 (1333 MHz)Video Intel(R) HD Graphics Family, 1696MB ava...
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Toshiba Satellite P775-S7232
OS
MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
CPU
i5-2410M 2.3GHz (2.9GHz Turbo-Boost) Sandy Bridge 32nm
Motherboard
Toshiba PHRAA ver. PSBY1U-00F003
Memory
4GB+4GB Samsung DDR3 PC3-10700 (1333 MHz)
Graphics Card(s)
Video Intel(R) HD Graphics Family, 1696MB available memory
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition Audio version=6.0.1.6323
Monitor(s) Displays
17.3 " Trubrite TFT LCD, LED Backlit
Screen Resolution
1600x900 32 bit, Native support for 720P content
Hard Drives
TOSHIBA MK6476GSXN
580.614 [GB] partitioned C: 80GB and D: 500GB with hidden recovery partitons.

Spare bay for 2nd HDD but no SATA connector :-(
PSU
Toshiba AC/DC Adapter
Case
Notebook
Cooling
Built-in Fan
Keyboard
Premium Raised Tile keyboard
Mouse
Logitech M215 wireless mouse
Internet Speed
Not fast enough
Other Info
Built-in Harman Kardon speakers with Dolby Advanced Audio, Waves MaxxAudio® 3. HDMI, 1xUSB3+3xUSB2 ports, WebCam, Battery life 4hrs 11mins, 4GB Readyboost SDHC card, WD My Book Essential Ext HDDs 2 TB, 2x1TB, My Passport SE 1TB and WDTV 1st Gen for Multimedia playing on a Sony Wega 32" LCD.
Recent addition to my toys are Asus Transformer Pad TF300T with 32GB onboard sd card + 32GB microsd card.
I'd use Belarc Advisor which will also provide the Product ID. If it has OEM in the string it is not Anytime key and means the owner bought retail OEM version or used an illegal cracktivation. This is why I would ask the previous owner directly. He might provide the key if there's no COA sticker, else be stuck with selling stolen property.

Either way you want to wipe the HD first to clean the boot sector: Diskpart Clean Command

Then Clean Install Windows 7 the licensed version from COA sticker or System builder, activate at Computer>Properties.

After activating Home Premium try inserting Ultimate Product Key in Anytime Upgrade by typing Anytime in Start Search box to see if it will take. If not stick with Premium which is all most users need.
 
Last edited:
Anytime Upgrade key works only on an activated Windows 7...
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1i5-2410M 2.3GHz (2.9GHz Turbo-Boost) Sandy Br...4GB+4GB Samsung DDR3 PC3-10700 (1333 MHz)Video Intel(R) HD Graphics Family, 1696MB ava...
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Toshiba Satellite P775-S7232
OS
MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
CPU
i5-2410M 2.3GHz (2.9GHz Turbo-Boost) Sandy Bridge 32nm
Motherboard
Toshiba PHRAA ver. PSBY1U-00F003
Memory
4GB+4GB Samsung DDR3 PC3-10700 (1333 MHz)
Graphics Card(s)
Video Intel(R) HD Graphics Family, 1696MB available memory
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition Audio version=6.0.1.6323
Monitor(s) Displays
17.3 " Trubrite TFT LCD, LED Backlit
Screen Resolution
1600x900 32 bit, Native support for 720P content
Hard Drives
TOSHIBA MK6476GSXN
580.614 [GB] partitioned C: 80GB and D: 500GB with hidden recovery partitons.

Spare bay for 2nd HDD but no SATA connector :-(
PSU
Toshiba AC/DC Adapter
Case
Notebook
Cooling
Built-in Fan
Keyboard
Premium Raised Tile keyboard
Mouse
Logitech M215 wireless mouse
Internet Speed
Not fast enough
Other Info
Built-in Harman Kardon speakers with Dolby Advanced Audio, Waves MaxxAudio® 3. HDMI, 1xUSB3+3xUSB2 ports, WebCam, Battery life 4hrs 11mins, 4GB Readyboost SDHC card, WD My Book Essential Ext HDDs 2 TB, 2x1TB, My Passport SE 1TB and WDTV 1st Gen for Multimedia playing on a Sony Wega 32" LCD.
Recent addition to my toys are Asus Transformer Pad TF300T with 32GB onboard sd card + 32GB microsd card.
The point of having him reinstall the licensed version using the Product Key on COA sticker or obtained from System Builder is so that he can activate it.
 
Ok, first of all, sorry about the delay guys, I wasnt receiving any email notifications to tell me there had been new posts posted.

Okay, I done a tiny bit of research, and think the tower came with NO operating system, therefore there is no COA sticker, so the previous owner installed their OWN copy of windows 7 ultimate edition.

I ran Belarc advisor, and it turns out, it says ****-OEM-.....In the 20 digit code. What does this show? What should I ask the previous owner exactly, If he Paid or Not?

Ok, before I do any HDD wipes, I want to make sure if your method you stated, will protect my current OS? As I dont want to lose the win 7 I have.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bitIntel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate (build 7600) 32-bit
CPU
Intel Pentium DC E6500 2.9ghz
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5KPL-AM IN/GB X.0x
Memory
2GB DDR2, Upgradable to 8GB(4GB + 4GB)
Graphics Card(s)
Intel(R) G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Monitor(s) Displays
Philips Brilliance 230c 1080p
Hard Drives
500GB
Case
Zoostorm

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Home Premium 32bitIntel Core 2 2.4GHz4GBATI Radeon 4850
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
CCL Online OEM
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
CPU
Intel Core 2 2.4GHz
Motherboard
Foxconn 946GZ7MA
Memory
4GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon 4850
Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
Prolite E2407HDS
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
2 x WDC 500 GB
Cooling
Fan
Keyboard
Microsoft Digital Media
Mouse
Optical Wheel Mouse
Internet Speed
14Mb/sec
Other Info
Internet ISP: Plusnet
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