How could you screw up an OS reinstall so bad that you brick the PC?I can't do that. I can't risk possibly bricking their computer if something goes wrong.
Happened with the Blue Beast first time I did it. Something went wrong and I kept getting BOOTMGR NOT FOUND errors and I had to reinstall it again.How could you screw up an OS reinstall so bad that you brick the PC?
That's not bricking a computer.Happened with the Blue Beast first time I did it. Something went wrong and I kept getting BOOTMGR NOT FOUND errors and I had to reinstall it again.
This by definition is not bricking since you obviously got it working.Happened with the Blue Beast first time I did it. Something went wrong and I kept getting BOOTMGR NOT FOUND errors and I had to reinstall it again.
Happened with the Blue Beast first time I did it. Something went wrong and I kept getting BOOTMGR NOT FOUND errors and I had to reinstall it again.
Yeah.....that's not how that works.Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs & Features -> Uninstall a Program
And start deleting EVERYTHING that's NOT OS or hardware related. Works for me.
That just leaves a ton of crap behind, as many apps (especially adware and crappy coded apps) leave residual files behind after an uninstall. Plus, not all programs appear in that list.Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs & Features -> Uninstall a Program
And start deleting EVERYTHING that's NOT OS or hardware related. Works for me.
I'm not a gamer, OR an 'app' guy. I know that WOULD leave some residual crap, if you had such things on your computer, but it's a good start. The thing I discovered years ago, was that JUST removing stuff via Malwarebytes and the like, removed symptoms, but not necessarily the cause. A program with pieces removed, would just RE-install them at the next boot-up. Going to "uninstall-a-program" first, has gotten rid of the cause, and them your cleaner programs can mop up the symptoms. In my experience, which, because I'm NOT a gamer or 'app' guy, I realize is somewhat limited.
It seemed like a step that had been overlooked in the discussion to this point, however.
As John said, the problem with your recommendation is people will remove stuff they actually need, since they don't know what they are actually called.I'm not a gamer, OR an 'app' guy. I know that WOULD leave some residual crap, if you had such things on your computer, but it's a good start. The thing I discovered years ago, was that JUST removing stuff via Malwarebytes and the like, removed symptoms, but not necessarily the cause. A program with pieces removed, would just RE-install them at the next boot-up. Going to "uninstall-a-program" first, has gotten rid of the cause, and them your cleaner programs can mop up the symptoms. In my experience, which, because I'm NOT a gamer or 'app' guy, I realize is somewhat limited.
It seemed like a step that had been overlooked in the discussion to this point, however.
You have no clue do you?
Uninstalling everything in Programs & Features won't remove any adware, spyware, rootkits, etc. eitherI've never had a problem. YMMV.
I have used my Windows 7 key (which is now Windows 10) probably about 12 times without issue. And good luck with the cleaning, are you being compensated for your services? Also I would give the PC's a good cleaning with air, if they don't know what to do with software chances are they have never been cleaned either.So that means I could do phone activation if I ever re-install the Beast again but not another PC?
Also do you know how many times normally you can use a windows key? Mine is on it's 4th use.
The PC's were fixed up last night and they're already returned to the owners. One was a brand-new Acer laptop from 2016 that had no issues and the other was a 9-year old EEE PC running Win7 Starter Edition that had all the junkware on it. It's a lot faster now that I removed the 6 expired anti-viruses and spyware lolI have used my Windows 7 key (which is now Windows 10) probably about 12 times without issue. And good luck with the cleaning, are you being compensated for your services? Also I would give the PC's a good cleaning with air, if they don't know what to do with software chances are they have never been cleaned either.
It didn't run too bad, especially for being a 9 year old netbook with an Intel Atom, 1GB RAM, and Windows 7 Starter edition.Nice, one thing I always do when I fix computers for people is I leave a text file on the desktop with instructions on what to do and what not to do in order to prevent problems in the future. 6 expired anti-viruses? How did that even run?