[rif]

Basically how do I revert it back to a factory condition? Or at least completely wipe any trace of me from it. It's windows 7 home premium.

I'd like to sell it, but it would be to a stranger.

It doesn't have win7 DVDs. I don't think it has a recovery partition either. And I don't have a spare win7 license for a fresh install.

Thanks

[skunark]

Only proper way to is wipe the disk with a secure erase/format, and for some folks that's not even enough.

All windows machines should have the license key located on the case of the computer, if it doesn't then it's probably not a valid license anyway or a DIY machine and no one read the fine print.  If you have the license key then you can contact the manufacturer for a replacement disk (probably just $20).   

Otherwise wipe the HDD and sell it without an OS.
 

[rif]

I've used two methods in the past: dban and screwdriver with hammer.

There is an ms product key on the box, so I'll try that route if there aren't other ways.  Unfortunately I don't think anyone will buy it without windows on it.

I just sold a tablet and it was so easy to wipe - wishful thinking I guess that there would be an analogous way in win7

[skunark]

Try this link from microsoft to order a replacment dvd
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;326246&x=15&y=10

[Bill A]

Most if not all computers of late have a partition that holds restoration files so that the computer can be restore to factory new condition (software wise).  Check the model and make on Google to see how it's done for your machine.

Bill

[jqp]

Most if not all computers of late have a partition that holds restoration files so that the computer can be restore to factory new condition (software wise).  Check the model and make on Google to see how it's done for your machine.

Bill

I agree, if YOU did not originally install Win 7 on that box, there is a recovery method that wipes and loads Windows 7 onto it to "reset it to factory condition". That should be sufficient - and make sure the Windows license is still verified with Microsoft after the wipe and load or your buyer will come hunting for you!

[FullRangeMan]

W7 personal config/looking seems safe to go the new user.
Just delete the user's files is not enough?? why?

[jqp]

W7 personal config/looking seems safe to go the new user.
Just delete the user's files is not enough?? why?

You can just delete the user files if you wish - the problem is there are 10,000+ user files on that PC. Not all "user data", but user preferences, actions, most recent opened files, etc.

It is safer and easier to just "wipe and load" a fresh image on a PC you are going to give to a stranger.

This makes life easier for the buyer because a new install of Windows is the same for everyone. It makes life easier for the seller because 1) no inadvertant data left on the machine, and 2) no questions about "how does this work, you did this"    For a family member it may be OK, for a stranger it can cause a refunded PC sale

[FullRangeMan]

Thanks pal; 

[Bill A]

If you have the Product Key then you can go here and download an ISO of Win7 Home Premium.  Burn the ISO to a DVD and you're good to go

http://www.pcworld.com/article/248995/how_to_install_windows_7_without_the_disc.html

BTW, the OEM Product Key is not the same as the key on the tag.  Not that it makes a difference that I know of, but in the past I have installed Windows OS's from scratch and they have picked up the OEM key without having to input it.

Bill