Fully wipe on computer, what about windows?

Hi,

I plan on wiping my computer. My only concern is that once I wipe, is there anyway of restoring windows without buying a copy? I bought my computer with windows pre-installed with no windows CD or anything.

Thanks

extract the license key from it first, or look for a windows sticker on the back of the computer first - you can download & burn the disks without too much hassle, all you really need is the key

How do i extract the license key? Do I need a program for it? And where do you download the software?

Thank you!

First make sure you can get it back to factory default before wiping it.
Your computer may have a system restore partition which contains the os. You would usually accomplish it through the BIOS.
If you do not have that option check to make sure you have a Microsoft window's sticker attached to your computer. If you do, you can obtain a windows cd that matches the version of windows on the sticker and install windows without having to pay for it. You will enter the key on the sticker when asked. Please note that you may encounter some issues with drivers for video, network, and other devices. Hope it helps.

Quote from belldandy129 : How do i extract the license key? Do I need a program for it? And where do you download the software? Thank you!

If you need to find any product/license keys on your machine, download and install Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder [magicaljellybean.com].

Quote from belldandy129 : Hi, I plan on wiping my computer. My only concern is that once I wipe, is there anyway of restoring windows without buying a copy? I bought my computer with windows pre-installed with no windows CD or anything. Thanks

Look at the sticker on your computer. it should have the windows license key.

Instead of wiping, you can usually do a 'factory reset' instead, it has almost the same effect. When you first boot up the computer and before windows starts up, the screen usually tell you to press certain key to get into setup screen or restore screen. Press that key and try to find a factory reset option

Quote from V0RT3X : Instead of wiping, you can usually do a 'factory reset' instead, it has almost the same effect. When you first boot up the computer and before windows starts up, the screen usually tell you to press certain key to get into setup screen or restore screen. Press that key and try to find a factory reset option

No, not at all. The OP is concerned about someone being able to recover his personal files off the computer. Using what you said only restores the windows partition. It does not over write every sector of the hard drive to ensure the data can not be recovered. Every sector needs to be rewritten to accomplish this. The only other way is to buy a new hard drive and keep the old one.

You just need one topic.

visit your computer manf website & buy restore disks, which are often free.

Also next time mention what type of computer you have.