How do you setup Windows 7 if you sell the computer?

Hi Muz1234,

When planning on selling your old desktop or laptop it is imperative that you make sure that none of your data or files can be recovered by the new owner. This is very important for security reasons as you could possibly have personal and sensitive data stored on the HDD, including usernames, passwords, and bank details. If somebody has the time, inclination, and can be bothered to do this, there are many free programs on the Internet that can recover deleted data and files. That is why it is so important to get it right!

[1] Make sure that you have the Product Key for the OS.

If you don't, you can retrieve it by either using Belarc Advisor or Magic Jelly Bean. Write this Product Key down and keep it in a safe place ready to give to the new owner.

[2] Backup ALL your data and files to an external HDD or USB FIRST.
[3] Make sure that you have ALL the license/product keys for software that you have purchased or installed.
[4] Run DISKPART using the Clean All [secure erase] option on the HDD. This will take a little while!
[5] Re-install Win 7 from an Installation Disk, USB, or Recovery Partition [Factory Reset Image - Restore To Factory Settings] if it is an OEM.
[6] Run CHKDSK [Check Disk] to make sure there are no bad sectors or corruptions of the file system and SFC [System File Checker] to make sure there are no missing or corrupted protected system files.

Now you have a choice [non OEM]. You can either leave it as it is, and tell the new owner that it has a new clean installation without any WU's, or you can fully update the OS with the WU’s using something like DISM++. You can also tell them that you have run CHKDSK and SFC and all is well. This will make them more likely to buy the computer as it appears that you know what you are doing.

Here is a thread that might help [it is quite old but will give you an idea] =>
Easiest way to securely wipe hard drive and reformat laptop for resale.

You could also use something like CCleaner [the portable version from a USB], which has the Guttman method option which overwrites 35 times, and then do a clean install!

Google will be able to provide you with alternatives and suggestions!

I hope this helps!

Hi Muz1234,

You will also need to make sure that you have the Product Key for the OS.

If you don't, you can retrieve it by either using Belarc Advisor or Magic Jelly Bean. Write this Product Key down and keep it in a safe place ready to give it to the new owner.

I hope this helps!

EDIT: I have edited and included this suggestion in my post above.

Muz1234 said:

Do you format everything in your drive?

Just follow this guide:
Windows 7 Installation - Prepare PC to be Sold

Golden said:

Just follow this guide:
Windows 7 Installation - Prepare PC to be Sold