I got a used computer. How do I delete all the previous owner's files?

Emily Walls · Sep 6, 2013

I don't know a whole lot about computers. This is a hp mini 311 netbook with windows 7.

* Update: I don't want it completely clean... i'd like to keep some of the programs. Excel, AVG, etc.

COLGeek · Sep 6, 2013

You should perform a new, clean install on Windows 7 and the applications. Check this link for how you might be able to restore to its factory default:

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&taskId=115&prodSeriesId=4011350&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeriesId=4011350&objectID=bph07143

JamesSneed · Sep 6, 2013

Create a new Windows 7 user account(your own admin account) then log in via that account. Then delete the other accounts on the PC. When you remove the accounts make sure to click remove files when it asks. This will take care of a majority of their data.

This should help: http://www.pcworld.com/article/171933/manage_users_in_windows_7.html
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/6619/beginner-geek-delete-user-accounts-in-windows-7/

Outlander_04 · Sep 6, 2013

If you want to nuke everything and start from a fresh install of win 7 then do a system recovery

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&taskId=110&prodSeriesId=4074229&prodTypeId=321957&objectID=c02638587

Emily Walls · Sep 8, 2013

Thank you, it worked well.

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