Wiping Alienware M14X laptop

[wmackay79]

Hi, I recently sold my Alienware m14x R2 on eBay. I need the computer to be like brand new with none of my previous information on it. Completely cleaned for the new owner. How can I do this so I can ship the laptop off to the new owner?

 

[ConorBenstead]

Completely like no operating system or just of your data and keep the operating system?

 

[USAFRet]

Does the original factory restore partition still exist? If so, do that.
Brings it back to exactly as it came from the store. None of your information will remain.

 

[wmackay79]

I just need ALL information on the computer gone. Whichever way is easier I guess. I don't think the person I sold it to cares if the OS is installed or not. Just every last piece of data and information must be gone. Like its brand new.

 

[wmackay79]

I'm not sure if the factory partition is still there. I'm not very tech savvy lol

 

[USAFRet]

I'm not sure if the factory partition is still there. I'm not very tech savvy lol

Either invoke the Factory reset and do that,
or
Wipe it with DBAN. http://www.dban.org/

Are you sure he is not expecting an OS with it?

 

[ConorBenstead]

Having used DBAN it is great at obliterating everything but they probably want an OS

 

[wmackay79]

Ok so I'll assume he wants the OS. How do I do it then?

 

[ConorBenstead]

What OS is it running?

 

[wmackay79]

Windows 7 home

 

[ConorBenstead]

Do you have the windows 7 disk by any chance?

 

[wmackay79]

No. And if I have to buy one I will just wipe it with no OS.

 

[USAFRet]

Windows 7 home

Look for an application called "AlienRespawn"

 

[wmackay79]

What is invoke the factory reset? Because I don't understand how I could use dban

 

[wmackay79]

I have alien respawn

 

[USAFRet]

For DBAN, you create a bootable CD.
Boot from that
Follow the directions and it completely wipes the drive. Nothing will remain.

HOWEVER
Only do this as a last resort.

If I had bought a laptop and was expecting a working laptop with OS...and it arrived with no OS....you're gonna be giving me my money back.

 

[USAFRet]

I have alien respawn

OK.
And what does it say to do?

 

[ConorBenstead]

I am an idiot... forgot about respawn. In that case it should be easy. If I remember there is an option in there to push the PC back, including to when you first got it. http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/SLN85626/EN

 

[USAFRet]

And I don't even have...never had...an AlienWare.
Google is your friend.

 

[wmackay79]

Ok I found a section in alien respawn to restore to factory settings. Thanks guys. Appreciate it