How to uninstall Windows 7 off a laptop that originally came with no operating system.

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Lifeguy

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Oct 9, 2013
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I recently purchased a new Sager laptop which by default doesn't come with an OS. This wasn't a problem since I had my own retail copy of Windows 7, however, I am going to be returning the computer for a refund and I want to free up my Windows 7 CD key. Is there any specific way I should uninstall the Windows leaving the computer the way it was when I purchased it? As always, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
 
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He says that he has a "retail" license key for Windows 7. If true, he is free to install it on a different computer. Worst case is he will have to phone Microsoft and certify that his license key is only running on one computer. I've done it before, it's not hard to do. In fact I think the last time I had to do it I didn't even interact with a human.

He just needs to wipe the disk. Boot up with a Linux boot disk that has an erase utility. Or boot with a Windows 7 install disk and delete the partitions, create a new one and format it. Not perfect but unless someone has the proper tools his installation of Windows will be gone.
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pyr0_m4n

pyr0_m4n

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Feb 4, 2013
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You can't. When you use a key, it binds itself to the hardware of the laptop. You can uninstall it, sure. But when you try to activate it on a different computer, it will say the key has already been activated on a different computer.
 
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mbreslin1954

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Nov 27, 2010
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He says that he has a "retail" license key for Windows 7. If true, he is free to install it on a different computer. Worst case is he will have to phone Microsoft and certify that his license key is only running on one computer. I've done it before, it's not hard to do. In fact I think the last time I had to do it I didn't even interact with a human.

He just needs to wipe the disk. Boot up with a Linux boot disk that has an erase utility. Or boot with a Windows 7 install disk and delete the partitions, create a new one and format it. Not perfect but unless someone has the proper tools his installation of Windows will be gone.
 
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boosted1g

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Jun 12, 2013
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If you want to be extra secure you can run a multipass format on the drive to ensure all data is now 0s to ensure no data recovery.

As mbre said, you can reuse your retail windows license. If you got a sytems builders license then that is bound to the computer.
 
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