Safely setup a used computer - Step-by-Step Guide
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ย. 2024
- Did you just buy a used or refurbished computer?
Got a great deal? Awesome! STOP!
Don't use it just yet, make sure you have a "new to you" install of Windows, do not trust the prior owner's install of Windows, if it hasn't been wiped clean, you need to do it! This video will help you do just that!
There are two ways to safely wipe your computer clean and reinstall Windows from scratch, I'll show you both in this video.
Link to the Microsoft Windows Media Creation Tool
www.microsoft....
NOTE: The computer shown in this video is similar to one I've reviewed before, it has an Intel i5-2400 CPU, a 4 core 2nd Gen Core chip from Intel. They can be purchased for about $100 and are a great value for your money!
You can see my review of this computer here
• $300 Gaming Computer -...
You can see the full list on EBay here
ebay.to/1Ycg7Hn
This will take you to EBay.com, sort by price lowest first, buy-it-now, all Intel i5-2400 desktop computers, they tend to start around $100 and go up depending on what is included
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I don't know what it is but you are just so comforting when I'm trying to do something with my pc, it feels like I'm watching Bob Ross
Indeed! The "Bob Ross" of Tech. I love that analogy. I can almost hear him talking about "lots of happy megabytes". For the record, I am a fan of Bob Ross (RIP).
Your comment encouraged me to pay close attention!
IKR!
Couldn't stop giggling. This man could've cut all the "Get ready" loading screens but he chose to wait with us through most of it making small talk to make the wait less awkward 😆😆😆 subbed!
i was thinkingvthe same thing to lol
I got a computer from my school that they allowed me to keep because they were buying all brand new models. But it had all of the admin restrictions on it, and wouldn't allow me to do a full reset. This guide worked to install a brand new version of windows without the administrator restrictions that would normally block me from using it for recreational and personal use. Thanks so much!
I am 79 yrs old and you are the only one that makes it simple enough for me to get things done. Thank You.
, You are better than Bob Ross (whom I love). I have watched a lot of his videos and still can't paint.
He Man, could you give an advice on how to survive that long, and also how to take care of ur body
Probably the best video on the internet to demonstrate this process. I bought a used laptop on craigslist and sure enough found out the seller intentionally installed spyware which would have compromised all of my personal information and passwords had I not wiped the drive as demonstrated in the video. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video.
Great job explaining how to prepare a computer for sale or donation. You remained "On Point" while taking care to explain why simply deleting files and apps isn't enough! My Dell XPS 13 is currently in the reboot/reset process at 27% complete.
I really, really liked this. I am awaiting delivery of a refurb. and have never done an install before. I'm also not very computer literate! I believe that this will be my guidance for my "sticker" version of 10.
You've answered all my questions, and relieved a lot of stress. I only wish this could have been a step by step video. But, there's no way that it could have been, given the fact of not knowing what the seller has performed/not performed.
I am impressed with your down to earth knowledge, and have subscribed.
Thanks again! 😃
The hardest part of a Windows 10 install is thinking of something to do when the files are being copied and you don't want to just sit there. Read a book or something. Also, do yourself a favor and go to the channel of a computer tech guy who teaches PC building and how easy it is, Carey Holzman. His channel goes with this one really well.
Actually the hardest part is fixing windows after you fresh install it. I had a brand new NVME SSD, Titan Xp, and my Ryzen 1700 I put Windows on 4 days ago. It completed, but Edge couldn't click on anything (so I couldn't download Chrome because it requires you click accept and install button). Had to install Firefox, then use Firefox to install Chrome... Its stuff like this that always happens (if it didn't happen to you, you just haven't noticed it yet). Its also easiest to remove all drives but the one you want (this time it didn't even let me install it with my 3TB drive plugged it). And yes, I immediately tried reformatted and reinstalling Windows hoping this would fix it, but same thing. And yes, I've used DVD, multiple different USBs, and even SSD's through USB converter to put the windows install tool on (and my internet connection is great with Gigabit speeds even), so its just windows, it just never works.
Linux? Never had an issue with Linux, super simple, never an issue. No blue screens (common on Windows, its actually my screensaver as a joke), and insanely stable which is why every major system and server is running Linux. Its also incredibly difficult to hack unlike Windows, which pretty much can be cracked with a sneeze. I actually have a cool program made by High school student that can remote open programs, transfer files, and do whatever (no passwords needed, how convenient!). I use that to remotely crash friends computers spamming open every game at once or locking them out of the system. Nothing malicious though, just for fun with consent, but its seriously way too insecure.
Jake Garrett stop advertising linux
Just telling the truth. It's no mystery why all the main servers like Google, Amazon, etc use Linux. Its reliable, fast, and it works.
If I had to guess the top 3 highest suicide rates and occupations, it would be: Rock stars, drug dealers, and then Windows server technicians. (I feel sorry for those guys)
Thank you for this great step by step video on how to load Windows 10 software into a PC. I followed your steps, loaded Windows into a five year old desktop computer, and got it working! Now the PC can be used. You video save me money and frustrations. Thanks for helping us "fixers" to be able to do the work ourselves. Glad I been a subscriber for many years.
Glad it helped
I've just bought my first refurbished rather than new machine, and this is a fantastic guide thank you. I was tech-savvy twenty years ago but I'm well out of the loop with modern OS systems and this guide was just what I needed to satisfy my data security concerns of buying a used machine. Thank you.
Update: my refurb helpfully booted straight into windows, and had four partitions set up. This guide has been very handy for sure!! I would have factory reset it anyway, but wouldn't have got there so quickly without this very clear process to follow, so thank you again.
Thanks for taking the time to go through the slow boring steps for new people to see with you. Some parts are routine but others are so critical. people just don't know which is which.
i love how this video is so well made, very easy to follow and very informative for those 25 mins.
Very neat and fool proof instructions, thanks very much.
If you've never installed Windows before this is a must watch video - I wish I'd seen it years ago! I've now got a nano-USB stick with Win10 installer, NVidia and Radeon drivers, overclock utilities and hardware monitor on it. Its my one-stop PC creator!
Definitely. Thumbs up
The fool part I shall be putting to the test sir,
Thought I did everything right but ran into a problem with drivers.
I'm not tech savvy, but can research and follow instructions.
After lots of other tutorials, this finally made sense of things, saved me money and much frustration.
THANKS! SUBBED!!
As a Tech myself I was so happy to see a "go back to basics" video like yours. :) I do this like clockwork so much I forget people need to be informed of this safety tip.
Thanks, glad you liked it! :)
Likewise, it was only buying this machine and turning it on to "Preferred Customer" and seeing stuff like uTorrent installed and I was thinking, "well, I have to nuke this", then I thought, "wait a minute, I'll bet a lot of people don't know to do that!"
After you wipe the system clean do you install an anti-virus program?
@@shawnainthekitchen8011
No you leave it completely unprotected (joking)😂…I have been told it’s best to install an anti virus…
I just bought my first refurbished PC. This was incredibly helpful and easy to understand. Thanks! :)
Hands down the best step by step I have seen for this. All the variables, including questions I still had from other videos, were answered in this one!
I know that this is a 6 year old video but I will be sending this video to all of my company's customers that question whether or not our refurbished computers are legitimate or trusted. I work for a great company called Discount Computer Depot that is one of the few "Microsoft authorized refurbishers" so all of the computers are completely wiped and reinstalled with windows 10 (for now, but possibly windows 11 in the future). You would be surprised by the amount of people that are upset that they have to go through the process of setting windows up themselves. They call in asking if we can do it for them because they hate having to go through the few steps to set windows up. We have to tell them that it is a clean install for their benefit and security and unfortunately our policy won't allow us to set it up for them. Thank you for making this video. It will help our customers to better understand that the way we do things is for their benefit.
Thank you for the kind words! Cheers!
Great advice for people who might buy used PCs from yard sales,goodwill,flea markets,pawnshops,and want ads,all pawnshops do not check for viruses,malware,or remote spyware,I love the 2018 hairstyle better tbh.
You are the best, most clear speaking, tech guy I’ve seen to date. Excellent. Thank you.
i came across this video randomly in my feed, didn't realize it was 2 years old until you mentioned it, haha. but great tips for being safe with a used pc.
The amount of PC knowledge I have gained from you is immeasurable. Thank You!
I've been coming to your channel for a few weeks now and only just noticed that I'm not subscribed to you. I fixed that. I really like your channel. It has helped me several times and I'm grateful to you for it. Thank you.
I was about to purchase a pc on eBay and you video came to mind, had to rewatch to remember what to do. Many thanks.
Really appreciate the details. So often when I watch a how-to video things work smoothly -- in the video -- but when I try to do it on my machine there are frustrations that weren't addressed.
Out of all the youtube videos about my pc dilema, this is the only video that worked for me and now my issue is solved. Thank you so much.
I did virtually everything you talk about in this video to an HP 500-339 that I bought used/refurbished from a local computer repair shop. I made the mistake of going for the PRO version of 8.1 from Edge, and had to go back and get the normal home version. Install went really well, partitions were removed and recreated by the OS install, and it was up and running about 90% problem free. I had to go find LAN control, GPU and display drivers from MSI/AMD/ATI and install them, and now the machine is showing no errors.
Your video was SUPER helpful, and now I am looking at other videos of yours about updating/upgrading parts, as mine is at least 3 model years old now...likely doing an SSD swap and going from 8GB to 16GB ram, and then eventually a different graphics card and larger power supply.
Thanks again for all you do!
Just what I needed, thanks.
Call me paranoid, but I rather be safe than sorry.
Dude! You're rad! Everyone should hear this before they turn on a new independently accessed PC. 👍
you saved me! Thanks! :) I bought a used laptop, and when I got it , the exact thing that happened here happened when I turned it on. I panicked and didn't know what to do! Thank God for TH-cam! Very awesome, helpful and easy instructions!
So glad I found your channel, I now save your, how to, videos. Thank you so much for these simple to follow tutorials, greetings from Ireland.
Found a computer next a Walgreens dumpster. Got a fresh install of win 10, thank you!!
Better off cleaning it and installing Linux on it (e.g. Ubuntu; 18.04 LTS is coming out soon). :-) By the way, this is the best PC how-to channel I have encountered.
A very thorough and informative set of instructions on how to do it right and lessen the chance of trouble. Thank you. It was a great lesson. I wonder if when I have this computer unplugged and working to bring up the refurbished one if I will remember some of all of this. Thank you.
Your video is PERFECT! I was able to reset my computer to factory settings! Your video is very precise and easy to follow- thank you!!!!!
channel is getting better
Trustworthy individuals are so valuable in this life
The other comments have reminded me to subscribe
Clear, concise instructions........keeping video as a reference . Well done !
you're the best! i just bought a very cheap used dell optiplex from a local seller and there was a illegal version of windows 10 with a bunch of installed programs on it. it also wouldnt let me reboot the system but with your help i did it :)
ugggh at this very moment Windows 10 started up "Hi, We're happy you're here" immediately to the desktop like the man said 😲😲 . Glad I knew about this video a week earlier
As a well reputable seller on eBay for 3 years, this is how I sell my desktops and laptops. I reset the whole system and when the customer turns it on, they are greeted with the windows 10 setup.
Veni Vidi Vici question is do you ebay salers report your earnings you earn from EBay?
Thanks, I watched this video yesterday because I had bought a refurb from Amazon. Lo and behold exactly what you described happened when I booted it the first time. I did a clean install this morning using your video step by step. BTW I thought the desktop (HP Elite 8300) was a great deal $200 with a 4 year extendended warranty.
Do y mean Hp elitebook 830??
How is it now? Is that good laptop?
Before you remove everything, use belarc advisor to pull any keys to paid software off the computer onto a spreadsheet to reactivate.
Because why not?
I followed these simple instructions and it worked perfectly for me. Thank You
Thank you very much I just got back from buying a second hand Microsoft surface and wanted to make sure it was as safe to use as possible! :)
A clean Format/Restore is always the first thing I do when I get a used, refurbished, or even new. Mostly to get rid of bloatware.
So glad I came across this and hopefully it is all still the same since it was produced some 4 years ago. Thank you!
So glad I saw this before I sold my computer! It had Windows 8.1 and I reset the whole thing. Was about to set it up again before I watched this video, now I won't look like a criminal trying to steal data!
I could see you scream on the inside waiting on the hard drive.
Awesome vid as usual, i'd strongly suggest making a "how to build a pc" video where you just put the pc together from components. Everyones done one and its standard however its a great way to get regular loyal noobs who will stick to you forever, also every good youtube has their own individual delivery, which you have too. Your own unique delivery will make that "build" video unique and it would probably be the one i'd suggest to my first time builder friends.
Thanks, glad you like my videos! Have you seen my $350 Gaming Build video? I've done one, I have more planned...
Hey I did this but now my keyboard doesn't work on the setup screen!
I just bought a used PC off E-bay and was toying with whether or not to do a fresh install of windows. This video has me convinced it's necessary. Especially since the seller setup Win7 with user accounts and passwords and I found a remote login client running in the background. Thank goodness I have not connected the new (to me) PC to the Internet or transferred any of my personal data yet!
Thanks for the feedback and comment, glad it was helpful!
I like this guy, it's like watching those how to videos from the late 90s.
I basically knew all of this, but the video is really entertaining, and it is actually good advice for newbies lol
Fantastically thorough with all the right details and explanations.
Even if i do allready know these things.. you have such a nice way to explain these things to people who need the information.. keep it up!
I got a refurbished Lenovo desktop computer with Windows 10 for $85 (I commented on another video)- on the first boot it did the proper SAFE initial setup, language, time zone, etc. **thumbs up**
:) Nice, glad you got a good machine...
Just came across this when looking for help! Fantastic advice and guide. Your an asset to the industry. Thanks
I'd make some amendments...
1. Before connecting the untried system to your network, ensure that all other systems and resources are disconnected - alternatively connect via a "guest network" facility, otherwise embedded malware could attack your systems from inside of the router firewall.
2. Check "Update & Security", Activation - if it says "digital licence", then you have a keyless activation, otherwise you may need to retrieve the key in case it's not the label key
3. After Install from media, remember to reset the boot options if changed, it will be quicker than polling for other devices before the system drive and avoid accidental booting from other devices.
4. If stuck for drivers, try Iobit Driver Booster free - unlike many bait and switch updaters, this actually covers the most important things in the free version and is good at finding those awkward ones that were originally inherited from an upgrade
Whoa, the computer I just bought is the same Lenovo ThinkCentre as yours, and even had the same “preferred customer” account set up! 😂
What a coincidence! Great video
Protip: if you don't trust the install of Windows, you obviously cannot trust it's factory reset feature.
True but that's why he used a new copy of Windows to do the reset
I don't trust Windows at all. Even the genuine one directly from Microsoft's website.
what OS do you use?
@@kieranbrown1506 probably kali lmao
what do i do i bought a refurbished pc
Great video again deals man-
I'm more impressed you picked up a PC with Windows installed on it for $100!
probablythis is just an old win 7 key, worth less than 20$. a harddrive of that age is worthless, maybe the highest value is in the case or the WiFi card.
ok. he said it came with win 10 pro, which can be bought for under 30$.
The i5-2400 machines are really cheap right now, it isn't as fast as a "modern" chip, but honestly it is closer than you think.
It had Windows 7 Pro, upgraded to Windows 10... The hard drive is probably worth $20, the real value is the CPU, the i5-2400 still holds its value fairly well and having it installed in a working computer with 8GB of RAM is the real value.
The irony is that this machine came with a WiFi card, which I promptly took out! I've added a GT 710 GPU to compensate for the completely terrible HD 2000 Intel graphics and this will become a media computer.
Thanks so much, man! My new (used) computer is wiping everything now. It's nice to know I can feel safe using. You were hilarious and informative
Glad I could help!
Thanks a LOT. I need all the help I can get. I think I can do most of this.
Got a refurbed optiplex a few months ago off Amazon. I got a BSOD when I tried starting it up. Had to do a reset after a bit of research. I chose to keep the files though.
Now I'm frantically doing a full scan with windows defender thanks to this video. Also the hard drive was DOA so thankfully I already had an SSD to replace it with :)
What about entering the product key?
This is the BEST tutorial for this stuff I have ever seen!
such a important topic . for sure a must do for 'new to you' refurb rigs
Very helpful even now! Getting a new pc soon, it's always good to be prepared. Thank you!
you are a must for the computer business excellent 10 thums up
Even tho it's information I've gained common sense about from years ago, I still love your videos.
This is the Best instructional Video on this topic on TH-cam... Thank you Sir.
yet another informative and well done video. Good tutorial .
Great great video, still very useful several years later. Thanks!!
Except these days, it becomes dangerous even to put your usb stick to unknown machine. Word is turning to a very unpleasant place. But still, great video, good job. I very much like the fact that you take the time to explain everything.
I ended up with a great deal from eBay; fully loaded Alienware laptop with 250GB solid state drive, 500GB hard drive, and a mSata 32GB SSD. But like you I ended up resetting Windows 10 Pro for the same reason with the exception of choosing to remove all files and clean all drives. The seller also included a new power supply along with a brand new gaming mouse and Alienware mat. However, I did not buy it for gaming, I just wanted a high quality used computer with a i7 quad core processor. The only upgrade I made, "8-16GB of ram",as a final gesture he included the DVD slot drive if I wished to swap out the secondary hard drive. "Thank you for outstanding presentation"
One note about this if your not using a blank hdd/ssd (from new) you should go into the repair option First and command prompt and diskpart select correct disk and use clean command (make sure correct disk is selected as disk 0 might be the USB pen drive, the clean command has no confirmation when ran)
Deleting partitions does not reset the drive completely (also any issues with the gpt or Mbr layout will persists including viruses that load into the bootloader, tends to be a MBR layout issue on that one)
Very well made video super informative. Helped me out step by step for my used laptop I just got
Thank you!
This is my new favorite video on TH-cam
Thanks, I appreciate this kind of tutorial video.
Simple, easy to understand, and very helpful.
Again Iam amazed how clear step but step explanation to do thins. i likeall your videos .Thanks man.
Take it apart, physically clean everything, put it back together, wipe hard drive, install your favorite Linux distro. Seriously though, excellent run through of doing a clean install of Windows 10. If you're staying in the eco-system for whatever reasons, this is exactly what you should do. I'd still recommend some physical house cleaning as part of the process though.
Very! Very! Very: helpful!!! Thanks so much! Explations: two thumbs up!!!🤗
Thanks this is great information for anyone to know. Your videos are extremely professional. Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much, you know your stuff!
Thank you for the video I watched your video on how to reinstall windows with a USB flash drive now I'm learning how to do it all on my own so thank you I had this issue with my laptop so I had to go on the other computer and download the media creation tool for windows 10
I'm a grandmother and not very smart with computers. First off, is the biggest problem with a used computer that updates weren't done correctly and there may be a virus ? Or can the prievous owner somehow access the computer and steal your info ? If a virus is the biggest concern couldn't one just run an antivirus program before using ? I'm afraid if I wipe the hard drive I wont be able to get my os back. any comments would be greatly appreciated.
It is always better to go with factory reset. Windows will stay on your computer. After the reset you will just set your settings like date and time. System will be just like new. Programs or documents left in harddrive by the previous user will be deleted but system will stay.
Every Version of windows should have this option.
If you are elder, I recommend you to use google chrome with adblock extension, it will disable the most anoining ads on the internet.
Hope you understood me and that it helped you. I'm not english, sorry if there are some mistakes.
thank you for your reply. Your English is very good. Yes, your answer helped me to understand how the resets works.
becky1925g Preety impressed of your skills on computers.My Grandma doesen't even know how to use the cellular
Awesome!! Very helpful!! I appreciate you taking the time to make this video
Getting my machine tomorrow, if anything goes wrong I’ll make sure to come back.
Just got it. I connected it to the monitor and it says “Power Saving Mode” and then just a black screen. What should I do?
Nice video. Its good to know what to consider normal and what not. Good food for thought.
Thanks bro
You held my attention. Gave me all the info needed. Thanks again
Recently I bought a REFURBISHED HP elitedesk 800 G1 USDT from off ebay for $104.00. It came with a 500gb HDD, 4gb of memory and a copy of Windows 10 Pro installed. The very first thing I do whenever I get a used (refurbished) computer is WIPE the existing HDD or replace it with an SSD and reinstall Windows, either from CD or USB. I always purchase refurbished computers from a Microsoft certified refurbisher, just so I am confident the refurbishing process is done according to Microsoft standards. After wiping the drive I took the HDD out and replaced it with a new Western Digital 256gb SSD. I also installed a new mSATA SSD card for extra storage. I formatted the WD SSD and installed a fresh copy of Windows. The computer came with a wireless card built in so I get immediately online and downloaded all the Windows updates and drivers for all my hardware. Because I ordered a refurbished computer from a Micorsoft certified refurbisher, the entire system was cleaned out and dust free, like a new computer, which now has a new install of Windows 10 Pro. This is the safest way of handling a refurbished computer.
What do i do if the persons account is on the pc and i don’t know the password?
you are legit one of my favourite tech youtubers
Thank you Thank You!! Man oh man did you do an excellent job explaining this!
So thankful for sure!
Thanks a lot for this video and all of the others I've watched! please keep up the excellent work.
For me it would be best if you do a clean install via bootable usb or dvd media. You know why? Lets say when you turn on the device and it ask you to set up your username, language region and time like it was a brandnew pc, but then you didnt know that the one selling it installed the OS then he only do “sysprep” as out of the box experience? Still it is not safe right? So in my opinion better to format/clean install
really nice video. very detailed and I found the step by step process really helpful. thanks!
Smart Dude. Thanks, needed this tutorial.
10 Likes. An excellent way to transmit knowledge. The text is certainly a plus.
All fine and dandy till the rootkit awakens.
Seriously though, when I saw that my new (used) laptop booted up just like that, I figured a reset was necessary. Luckily, it worked just fine as it should, but thank you very much for this video, either way! I've had to reinstall windows before, using my sister's installation media, and I'm sure I might have to do it again, someday, so it's good to know how to do it myself.