How do I wipe everything from my Toshiba satellite laptop, then reinstall windows

Ciao,

I'm Ugo, a Microsoft Independent Advisor willing to help other Microsoft customers.

Regarding your question, you could do the below:

Start > Settings > Update & security > Recovery > Get started > Remove everything

If you want a more secure option, please follow instructions below for DBAN, a free and open source Data Wiping software:

http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/windo...

Please let me know if this helped somehow.

Ciao

Ugo

Hi Annette. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

First you can try to Reset the PC choosing the cleanest option to wipe the drive. http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/reset-windows...

You'll need to back up your files as it won't save them but they may contain the infection so if you need to save the onboard files (and not a backup that's clean) then copy them to stick or external and scan with Malwarebytes before reimporting.

If the Reset wont' run or you're not happy with it then follow these illustrated steps in this link which compile the best possible Clean Install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Make sure during the booted install to follow the illustrated steps to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, then click Next to let it auto-create the needed partitions, format them and begin install - this makes it foolproof.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

I'm here if you need me Annette.

If the Reset fails, don't fear the Clean Install because it might be what the laptop needs to thrive. Absent bad hardware the quality of the install is the next most important thing and the install in the link compiles the very best install there is. If it's been laboring under a crappy factory install or successive Upgrades, that may be just what it needs. Then stick with the tools and methods given and it should stay that way as it has for hundreds of thousands of others.

Thanks Greg, it’s resetting now, still only at 3% after 30 minutes. This laptop is a lemon. I had the motherboard replaced last year, at the cost of $250.  It’s less than 3 years old. I will follow your advice and will let you know how it goes.

In case you use DBAN, after that you can perform a clean install (remember to create the support before wiping and/or on another PC) - Option One

https://www.howtogeek.com/224342/how-to-clean-i...