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Question

wiping hard drive

Jul 16, 2016 9:20PM PDT

I have an Acer E1 531 2438 that I've upgraded to Windows 10, from 7HP. I want to sell it, but need to wipe the hard drive first. What is the best, and most effective way to do this?

Discussion is locked

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Answer
I'd do 2 things.
Jul 16, 2016 9:54PM PDT

1. Go ahead and use Windows 10 reset.
2. Go get CCLEANER and use it's wipe free space tool.

Done.

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2 things
Jul 21, 2016 3:45AM PDT

First, I'd like to say thanks, RP, for the advice. I apologize for such a long delay in my reply. Have had a lot on my plate lately...my mom passed recently, and it's been rough going.

I'd like to follow up on my question, and ask this: Is it possible to perform this "wipe", and still retain the OS? If not, is there still time, and is it possible, to get Windows 10 re-installed in the PC that had originally been upgraded from 7HP to 10? Thanks much for your help.

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Re: wipe
Jul 21, 2016 3:59AM PDT

Not Bob, but I can answer your question.

Step 1 (reset Windows) resets Windows to initial conditions. I've never done it, so I don't know if it creates a new user or keep you as a user. If a new user is created, continue with step 2. If it keeps the same user (you), it will keep certain data from you also. Not a good idea, so then you need another way to do it. Please post back then.
Step 2 (wipe free space) wipes the free space, not the newly installed OS and the newly installed user.