Wipe a computer?
- Thread starter bkribbs
- Start date
Deviousmind
Member
Have you tried doing a system restore to set it back to factory settings?
bkribbs
New Member
I don't want to. I acquired this computer through a guy that I don't quite trust. So I would like to reinstall just to make sure there aren't any trackers or uploaders or keyloggers or anything of the sort.
UPDATE: I can boot to HDD, FDD (even though there isn't a floppy drive???), CD Drive (broken), or LAN (I have no idea how...). Any ideas? I may just see about replacing the cd drive from a different laptop that I fried.
Deviousmind
Member
If you restore it back to factory settings it will erase all data and it will like it was new o/s out of the box
bkribbs
New Member
I honestly haven't looked into that. Is there an option on it to restore to factory settings? Or is it just to the first backup? Because then, couldn't he put viruses on it, then, make the restore point? Either way, I will still look into replacing the cd/dvd drive for possible install of other OS's
Deviousmind
Member
Its normally a hidden partition that overwrites all info on your "C" drive and just leaves it as was when it came out of the shop
Why dont you(if your that worried) put this info in the computer security section explaining your worries after reading the stickys
Why dont you(if your that worried) put this info in the computer security section explaining your worries after reading the stickys
bkribbs
New Member
Because they won't really help. And my question is if there was a way to install without the CD drive, not how my computer could be filled with viruses and crap.
How would I access the hidden partition? I know I have seen it with GParted before, but I have never tried to use it.
Deviousmind
Member
On most laptops its accessed by tapping the F10 on start up and then selecting restore but i found this if tapping F10 doesnt work http://en.kioskea.net/faq/4811-toshiba-laptop-reset-to-factory-settings
bkribbs
New Member
Through the bios? And the laptop is older than that (it says '07 on the page) I believe.
Deviousmind
Member
If you can give me the model no ill get back to you later with how to do it,
im off to bed now
im off to bed now
bkribbs
New Member
Alright. Thanks.
EDIT- The model would help...
Toshiba - Satellite A10-S177
I have googled,and have nothing to show.
Last edited:
crazythunder
New Member
if you had an ide\sata to usb adapter, you could hook up a cd drive as an external usb,burn the recovery discs and be on your way. maybe you know somebody who has one?
bkribbs
New Member
That won't help. I can't boot from USB, and the CD built in is broken.
Deviousmind
Member
From the info ive seen on start you have to either keep tapping the F12 key or hold down the 0 key and then go through the options to restore to factory settings
bkribbs
New Member
I open BIOS by hitting esc, but I will give that a try. Thanks.