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

[Huwey]

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

 

[whs]

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.

 

[Huwey]

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?

 

[whs]

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.

 

[Huwey]

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

 

[Britton30]

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.

 

[whs]

There should be a recovery partition. Have a look in Computer or Disk Management because it may be a hidden partition.

 

[Huwey]

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?

 

[theog]

   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

 

[Huwey]

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?

 

[DeaconFrost]

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.

 

[gregrocker]

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?

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.



If so follow these steps to get a perfect reinstall: Reinstalling Windows 7

 

[Huwey]

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?

 

[gregrocker]

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?

 

[rraod]

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.

 

[gregrocker]

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.

 

[rraod]

Anytime Upgrade key works only on an activated Windows 7...

 

[gregrocker]

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.

 

[Huwey]

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.

 

[pjhutch]

Windows 7 DVD

You will have to ask the seller for a disc with Windows 7 on it. The only other way is to purchase either a Retail copy, from Microsoft's store or try eBay.

Buy xbox, download microsoft office and windows 7 from store UK