Wipe Computer Clean to Sell

Hey guys,

What is the best way to completely wipe a computer clean so I can sell it? I bought a gamer ASUS laptop a year ago and literally turned it on maybe 20 times. I want to clean it out completely so it is just like how I bought it. Can you guys help?

Thank you.

 

I don't know what they pros would say, but I find the Factory Restore (as if the computer just came out of the box) a very, effective way to take off everything. You would need to save what you wanted to flash-drives or disks.

I am a newbie, so I am not telling anyone to do anything, it is just a thought. Also, the pros should know if anything could be left behind in a Factory Restore, which no one would want to happen.

Denise

PS I guess it would depend on your system but mine did not take that long at all, maybe a couple of hours??

 

Well that would depend if you have the Operating System or not, but lets say you do - I would format the hard drive then reload the OS - but even with that the information that was on the hard drive before formatting is still there and can be recovered with the appropriate software. Replacing the hard drive with a new one is the best solution

 

did not know this, thank you, good to remember this one!! Denise

 

Oh cool Donateo I didn't know, but it seemed like it could work I know you guys helped me a lot so I want to come back and share some of what you guys taught me Denise

 

Tim,

Thank you for your response. Sorry for such a delayed response. I liked the freeware Eraser. If I do this, will it start up like it was "right out of the box"? Just all of my info. is off correct? I just want to make sure I fully understand.

Thank you.

 

If you want the machine to be like it was when you bought it then don't erase the drive as that renders it useless until an OS is installed. You need to use whatever factory restore feature the system has - a function key to trigger the recovery process from hard drive or recovery disks if you thought to create them at the time.