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How to return a laptop and ensure no data loss without removing manufacture installed software

Anonymous
2023-04-05T18:08:39+00:00

I am returning a laptop I just purchased. I want to ensure removal of all of my data without removing any software installed by the manufacturer. I have:

  • Uninstalled any personally installed software
  • Disconnect OneDrive
  • Checked my 'users' folder and removed any stragglers

But I can't seem to get rid of File Explorer 'recents' and the files will still open. Each time I remove files from recents, I just get a new list of the files I accessed prior to that list. There appears to be no end in sight. I have also tried these things:

  • In File Explorer settings, I selected the Clear File Explorer History button
  • Unchecked the 3 Privacy options
  • Closed and restarted File Explorer

None of this is helping. If I go back and check all of the privacy boxes again everything just re-appears which basically tells me anyone can do that once I return the laptop. How can I ensure that these files will not be available?

Also, is there anything else I should consider before returning the laptop to ensure no data loss? I am concerned that if I take a complete drive erase option it could void my ability to return the laptop.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Security and privacy

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-04-05T18:22:28+00:00

    Do a Windows full reset in Windows Settings. This uses the OS as it is on the computer or in other words keeping the manufacturer software but removing user stuff. Reset then power down and return it.

    eg: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/returning-laptop-back-to-store-how-do-i-remove-my/23494824-f702-4e80-b54b-565f5f736023

    You should not ever just return it for them to wipe it. That's an incredibly bad security practice as only one point to it. You should also not try to manually find everything. That will be overly complex and difficult lol.

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-04-05T18:54:05+00:00

    Thank you for the tip and link. I will review that. I also agree that I would not return without first securing since there is still a human being that has to do the wipe and I have no idea if that person is honest or not.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-04-05T18:13:14+00:00

    For returns, they should do a complete wipe of data before putting it back in stock, so you should be fine.

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